Originally launched in London in March 2016 with a run till October 2016, Motown the Musical was extended to February 2017, then October 2017, so I decided this was the perfect time to get down to Shaftesbury Theatre.
Motown the Musical tells the real-life story of Berry Gordy, the legend and incredible man behind the Motown record label and its staggering amazing musical catalogue from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and the Jackson Five.
The show covers the obstacles that Berry faced in starting a record label consisting of mainly black artists and also briefly touches on the US political concerns of that time (Civil Rights movement, Vietnam way). After the internal, the show focuses a lot more on the romantic relationship between Berry Gordy and Diana Ross. and its eventual breakup.
Initially there was some background about Berry and how the label was founded and artists recruited, but once the artists are introduced the character development stops and now it’s a waiting game of which big songs we will get to hear.
This show is really about hearing the big Motown hits (if there were no Motown chart toppers included we would not be happy). Though there was a rich catalogue to work with, trying to tell a deep story that fit these big hits was the biggest challenge.
For those aching for some Motown nostalgia, Motown the Musical will be enjoyable, and you’ll definitely be humming some tunes on the way home.
