The heartbeat of American music shook the Popejoy stage Wednesday night, the second of nine performances of its current Broadway offering.  A packed theatre sang, danced and remembered the iconic period of Motown during the 1960s and ’70s.

Motown: The Musical takes us on a musical journey of Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records, who rises from a young, aspiring “featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul.”

We see a glimpse of the struggles and achievements made by Gordy and his team throughout some of the most harshest racial times in America. The musical incorporates historical moments in American history, such as the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., and segregation during the Civil Rights Movement.

Aside from love, family and race, there’s music. With more than 50 recognizable Motown hits performed, it makes it extremely hard to sit still.

Motown: The Musical has an extremely talented cast which makes it feel like we’re seeing and hearing the real Diana Ross performed by Allison Semmes.

Wowing the audience within seconds of singing, the soft, very distinct voice of Smokey Robinson is duplicated perfectly by the talented David Kaverman.

You’re sure to be impressed by the singing and stage presence of young stars CJ Wright and Raymond Davis Jr., who plays a young Berry Gordy, a young Stevie Wonder and a young Michael Jackson.

The show sparkles with smooth set changes, iconic choreography and flashy costumes like the elegant gowns worn by Diana Ross and The Supremes and the everyday clothing of mid-sixties America.

Motown: The Musical is sure to take you back to the time where music wasn’t just for one, but a time where music was for all.

Seeing Motown: The Musical is as simple as “A-B-C 1, 2, 3.”
There are only 6 chances left to see the show before you say “I Want You Back”

Performances dates and times:

• Thursday March 2nd at 7:30 pm
• Friday March 3rd at 8:00 pm
• Saturday March 4th at 2:00 pm
• Saturday March 4th at 8:00 pm
• Sunday March 5th at 1:00 pm
• Sunday March 5th at 6:30 pm

Ticket price range: $40-85.

Tickets are available at the UNM Ticket Offices and select Albertsons locations, by phone at (877) 664-8661 or (505) 925-5858, and online at unmtickets.com. For groups of 20+, call (505) 344-1779 or email groups@popejoypresents.com.

For more information on upcoming Popejoy shows visit http://popejoypresents.com/

Original Publication / March.02.2017 / http://www.abqtodo.com/theatre-review-motown-musical/