VIDEO: MOTOWN Returns To Broadway As Cast Connects Past and Present

Berry Gordy's MOTOWN returns to Broadway this summer, after chalking up over 700 performances in its original 2013 Broadway production that featured an amazing cast recreating the excitement of music legends like Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and so many more.

The show just began previews this week at the Nederlander Theatre, but during an earlier photo shoot, the stars talked about the significance of performing in this music made up of musical classics.

"Being alive today and having a connection with what happened in the 60s and what they were going through... It's been an eye-opener," says Jarron Muse, who plays Marvin Gaye.

"This show is about America. We took this show across America. We learned a lot, we grew a lot, we've been given perspective, so now we get to come back," says Jesse Nager, who plays Smokey Robinson. (pictured above)

Berry Gordy's Motown the Musical returns to Broadway this summer, and began previews Tuesday, July 12 at The Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41Street) for a strictly limited 18-week-only engagement through Sunday, November 13, 2016.

The smash hit production, featuring the music of the legendary Motown catalogue and a book by Berry Gordy, will star Chester Gregory as Berry Gordy, Allison Semmes as Diana Ross, Jesse Nager as Smokey Robinson, Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye, and J.J. Batteast and Leon Outlaw, Jr. as Young Berry Gordy/Stevie Wonder/Michael Jackson.

Motown The Musical concluded its original world premiere Broadway engagement on January 18, 2015 following 775 performances at The Lunt Fontanne Theatre. The original Broadway production grossed over $1 million a week regularly throughout its run and concluded as both a critical and audience favorite and a commercial success, having recouped its $18 million investment at the end of 2014.