Interview: Lifelong Musical Influences Shape Chester Gregory's Role in MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

For Chester Gregory, the opportunity to portray the founder of the Motown record label, Berry Gordy, was the logical next step in his personal musical journey.

"A lot of work has led me to this role. So, it is like a full circle moment for me," said Gregory, who plays Gordy in "Motown the Musical," set to be performed in Columbus Tuesday through Sunday at the Ohio Theatre.

The actor explained that as a child growing up in Gary, Indiana, he idolized Michael Jackson, one of the artists Gordy discovered and signed to his record label. Then, after attending and graduating from Columbia College, Gregory portrayed another monumental performer, Jackie Wilson, in "The Jackie Wilson Story," a role for which he received high praise. Wilson, Gregory said, played an integral part in giving Gordy the start he needed to break into the world of songwriting and producing.

So it is only natural that Gregory has now taken to the stage in "Motown" in the role of Gordy, a role he said is the "highest honor" in the trio of musical greats who have heavily influenced him throughout his life.

"To be honest, I'm really, really proud of the role I am playing right now," he said. "It is like a trifecta of these great icons."

But Gordy is not the only icon featured in "Motown the Musical." In fact, the show, directed by Charles Randolph-Wright and produced by Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris and Gordy, follows the stories of several legendary artists who shaped and defined a distinctive genre that showed music has the power to unite a country.

Featuring an extensive repertoire of classic hits, "Motown the Musical" is a show that explores a vast catalogue of iconic songs.

"I think 'Motown' for one is a top-notch Broadway show," Gregory said. "We have all heard of other shows that have been inspired by Motown-like stories, but this is the real deal. Written by the man himself, Berry Gordy, who is the visionary who put it all together."

The actor said he hopes the show introduces the audience to the backstories behind favorite songs while allowing many to be transported back in time to moments shaped by the music performed on stage.

"What I hope they take away is not only celebrating (Motown's) legacy, but learning more about how this machine was assembled," he said. "Not only do we have one of the greatest catalogues in the world, but these songs also trigger a lot of memories for people as well. These songs are so universal, each person has their own memories associated with the music. I find that interesting."

Gregory added that he, too, finds himself connecting personally to the Michael Jackson medley, which reminds him of how Jackson inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming a performer and artist.

"So me hearing those songs (by Jackson), even though I was not born when those songs came out, they still trigger a memory from when I saw the footage of early Michael Jackson performing," he said. "He was 10 years old and he was singing a song with such conviction, like he had been singing those lyrics for 30 years."

Looking ahead to after the tour, Gregory said he thinks his experience of portraying Gordy will help him in his personal musical endeavors as well.

"Aside from being an actor, I am also a singer and songwriter. And working on this show has definitely inspired me to be a better recording artist," he said. "So me hearing these songs and me explaining the formula has also helped my artistry as well, and I am excited to share that with the world when my project is ready."

"Motown the Musical" is set to be performed in Columbus from Feb. 23 - 28.

Tickets are available via the CAPA Ticket Center, located at 39 E. State St., at all Ticketmaster locations and online on Ticketmaster's website. Tickets are also available for purchase over the phone by calling (800) 745-3000.

The Ohio Theatre is located at 55 E. State St.