Get ready to dance in the aisles at the Pantages for Motown the Musical from April 28 – June 7, 2015. It’s the Broadway hit that’s crossing America with the music that we all know from the Motown song that’s still heard today in hits from Rock to Soul. The smooth vocals and words that evoke pictures had to be embraced for the enjoyment of a new generation of theater goers. It’s very exciting to have Julius Thomas III and Allison Semmes playing the leading roles of Berry Gordy and Diana Ross with Nicholas Christopher as 
Smokey Robinson and Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye. Leon Outlaw, Jr. and Reed L. Shannon will portray Berry Gordy’s boyhood counterpart and the roles of young stars Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Motown the Musical is directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL and is the quintessential rags to riches true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more.
Gosh this is one of the shows that just has me so excite! I remember hearing about the musical when it was in development and once it made the huge splash on Broadway interviews all Good Morning American and the MHP Show on MSNBC (among others). Listening to these talented artists perform got me excited to see them and I hoped and hoped that they’d come to Hollywood. So when the Pantages announced that this was part of the 2015 season it felt as if my prayers (and am sure other Motown fans) were answered!
I think a lot of people are looking forward to hearing music that evokes memories. I’ve been getting ready and had to follow them on Spotify for some Motown sound to tie me over till the show starts! Well It’s coming this week and listening to the music has brought tears to my eyes. The Motown sound takes me back to being a kid with my grandparents as they had parties and played in their own band with friends performing not only Jazz but music from the Supremes to Smokey Robinson to the Jackson 5. It’s the music that evokes memories of childhood with my cool grandparents smoking and drinking while dancing with friends at backyard parties in my small town of Iowa. I know when I see the show that my minds eye will have me awash in memories that are dear to my heart.
As Motown the Musical is on the road it’s also going to be heading across the pond to the UK for a run in Spring 2016 and for my New York friends it will be back to Broadway for Summer 2016.
I’m sure this is a popular show for music fans of all ages and if you haven’t bought a package head over to www.HollywoodPantages.com or www.Ticketmaster.com or call 800-982-2787 to check on available seats. You can always head over to the Hollywood Pantages Box Office (6233 Hollywood Boulevard) daily at 10am except for Holidays to purchase in person or day of show tickets.
What’s your favorite Motown Song? What does the music remind you of? Leave a comment below and get ready to dance! 
Details:
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL will also feature Erick Buckley, Patrice Covington, Jamarice Daughtry, Tamar Davis, Lynorris Evans, Melanie Evans, Devon Goffman, Jennie Harney, Rod Harrelson, Robert Hartwell, Dana Marie Ingraham, Rodney Earl Jackson, Jr., Trisha Jeffrey, Elijah Ahmad Lewis, Jarvis B. Manning, Jr., Krisha Marcano, Moeisha McGill, Marq Moss, Rashad Naylor, Chadaè Nichol, Ramone Owens, Nicholas Ryan, Jamison Scott, Joey Stone, Doug Storm, Martina Sykes and Galen J. Williams.
Featuring more than 40 classic hits such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,”MOTOWN THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat.
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL features choreography by Patricia Wilcox (A Night with Janis Joplin) and Warren Adams (Toy Story), scenic design by David Korins (Bring It On: The Musical,Annie), costume design by Tony Award® nominee ESosa (The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, “Project Runway”), lighting design by Tony Award® winner Natasha Katz (Once, Sister Act), sound design by Tony Award® nominee Peter Hylenski (Rock of Ages, The Scottsboro Boys), projection design by Daniel Brodie (Jekyll and Hyde), hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe (Memphis) and casting by Telsey + Company.
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL’s arrangements and orchestrations are by Grammy and Tony Award® nominee Ethan Popp (Rock of Ages), who also serves as music supervisor in reproducing the classic “Sound of Young America,” with co-orchestrations and additional arrangements by Tony Award® nominee Bryan Crook (“Smash”) and dance arrangements by Zane Mark (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels).
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is produced by Tony Award® winning producer Kevin McCollum(Rent, In the Heights, Avenue Q), Chairman and CEO of SONY Music Entertainment Doug Morris and Motown founder Berry Gordy.
The performance schedule for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm. Opening Night is Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 8pm.
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is recommended for ages 10 and up. (Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre. All patrons must have a ticket, regardless of age.)
Individual tickets for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL start at $25. Prices are subject to change without notice.
For more information on MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, visit www.MotownTheMusical.com.
For tickets or more information about the Los Angeles engagement of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, please visit the official website for Hollywood Pantages Theatre: www.HollywoodPantages.com/Motown.
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