"Motown: The Musical" at Bass Hall

MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL

Recently, the touring company of "Motown: The Musical"  had a stop at Bass Hall.  The Travelling Toe and a Dear Friend attended the Sunday afternoon matinee performance.

The musical is based on the life of Berry Gordy, his founding of Motown records and the talented artists he discovered along the way - and their feuds with him and each other as well. 

The musical premiered on Broadway in April 2013.  It went on to receive 4 Tony Award nominations.  

It tells the story of how in 1957 Gordy formed his record label called Motown since they were in Motor City - Detroit.  Barry began his career by writing a song for Jackie Wilson and that started his climb to success.

Some of the "acts"featured  in the show were:

The Temptations
Four Tops
Smokey Robinson
Diana Ross and The Supremes
Marvin Gaye
The Commodores
The Vandellas
The Marvelettes
Gladys Knight and The Pips
Stevie Wonder
The Jackson Five


SIDE NOTE: The young actor who played Michael Jackson, Nathaniel Cullors, was amazing...he had Michael's  dance moves down pat!

"The Jackson Five"

All of the actors were accomplished signers and dancers.  Each one "covering" a noted performer sounded and acted just like them.  The whole cast was excellent.  In total, about 60 songs were song though out the story.  Here are just a few that were performed:

Ain't Too Proud to Beg
Dancing in the Street
Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch
I Hear a Symphony
Love is Here and Now You're Gone
My Mama Done Told Me
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours
Where Did Our Love Go

The Travelling Toe must admit it was hard to say seated and not be up dancing and singing in the aisle to this music. 

If this musical comes your way do go see it.  You will not be disappointed.

BASS HALL

Bass Hall