BWW Interviews: MOTOWN THE MUSICAL's Jarvis B. Manning Jr.

Last week, I had the opportunity of speaking with Jarvis B. Manning Jr., a Texas native from the national tour of MOTOWN The Musical. In addition to speaking about returning to his hometown as a professional performer, Jarvis spoke about the unique experience of touring the country during the Michael Brown trials, and the emotion the cast has felt while performing in different cities.

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Name: Jarvis B. Manning Jr.

Hometown: Houston, TX

Current Role: Ensemble, and understudy to Rick James, Billy Gordon, Jackie Wilson and several other roles.

Kyle Christopher West: Growing up in Texas, what first inspired you to perform?

Jarvis B. Manning Jr.: Wow, that's a good question. Well, my aunt had a small group when I was growing up; we sang at church. She kind of made me sing with her. Also, I was in marching band, so I was a drum major for a while. I loved the feeling of the spotlight. In high school, I had the opportunity to audition for the school musical. I did that my junior year, and then again my senior year, and then, randomly, I decided to [pursue] performing as a career. Now I'm doing it - and making money, thank God!

Kyle: Next week, just before the tour arrives in DFW, you will be onstage in your hometown of Houston, Texas. Are you looking forward to your theatrical homecoming?

Jarvis: It's an honor; it's an absolute honor. Especially coming back with such a hit show. MOTOWN is music that everybody grew up with and people love. The last time I was performing in Houston, it was with BACKYARDIGANS BLAST, so I had on this big costume [as] a cartoon character. Doing something onstage that my family will respect is an absolute blessing [laughs].

Kyle: Your MOTOWN bio mentions that this is your first Equity (stage actor's union) production. What was your background before joining the tour?

Jarvis: Right before this, I was on a Carnival cruise ship for three years. Before that, I was working regionally. To get into the union, you need fifty equity points. You get a point a week for doing certain shows. I had forty-eight points for a long time and, for some reason, I could not get those last two points! I had been working for a while: I did HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL; I did HAIRSPRAY a few times; RAGTIME; FOOTLOOSE; BUBBLY BROWN SUGAR...but this is my first union show.

Kyle: How did you come about your role in MOTOWN?

Jarvis: Actually, I got my [Equity] card from this show. I was non-union when I auditioned for the show. It was funny, because the day I actually went in for my first dance call, they weren't going to see any non-union male dancers. But I was determined that day, and was like, "Somebody's going to see me before I leave." They ended up seeing a group of boys because the last group of union boys never showed up. I had a callback later on that week, and then another callback, and then another callback. Then, I waited from November until January, and they gave me my final callback. I auditioned again in January and got a call the next day that I got the job. It was a process getting into the union, but I'm here now!

Kyle: I read that, in addition to performing in the show's ensemble, you cover three other roles. Can you tell me about the challenges of covering so many characters?

Jarvis: I cover Jackie Wilson, Rick James and Billy Gordon, who is the leader of the Contours. I also cover all of the 4 Tops and all of the Temptations as well. Going on for the 4 Tops and the Temptations is so nerve-wracking. First of all, [with the different] harmonies, you've got to remember who you're on for and what part they sing. Then, [you have to] remember what spot they're supposed to be on, and who I stand behind, and when they exit...that part is the scary part.

Kyle: What can you tell me about your experience taking this musical across the country? How have different audiences responded to the show?

Jarvis: It's quite amazing, and it's funny how this show has aligned so much with times right now. We were actually going into St. Louis the day of the looting [surrounding the Michael Brown case]. During "What's Going On," the Marvin Gaye song, you could look out in the audience and see everybody crying and feel the tension. The entire time we've been on the road, it's been difference experiences. In some cities, it would be all smiles - and then something would happen in the news, and you'd feel the tension again from people on that stage and people in the audience. That part has been jarring at times, but so rewarding to experience the different emotions of America. It makes you step back and realize we actually have a serious platform [on stage].

Kyle: How would you describe the show to someone who hasn't yet seen it?

Jarvis: MOTOWN The Musical is a show about Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, which was a record company back-in-the-day. His family gave him $800 to start this dream, this record company. It becomes a love story between Berry and one of his artists: Diana Ross. It also talks about Berry Gordy's experience in the music industry, and how he desegregated the sound in the radio stations around the world. It's basically about [going] after your dreams, [taking] your dreams, and [getting] what you want. It's a show where you can come enjoy yourself because of the music, because of the love story and because of the history of the culture.

Kyle: When the show closed on Broadway last January, producer Kevin McCollum mentioned bringing the show back to New York in August 2016. Is that something you plan to be a part of?

Jarvis: Truthfully, everything I've been hearing has been from cast members...word-of-mouth, really. I haven't heard anything from the bigwigs. However, my ear is always open for the Broadway return and the West End opening that's coming up soon. My ears are to the street for sure!

Kyle: If you could choose your next adventure after MOTOWN, what could we expect to see you doing next?

Jarvis: Oh, good question. Right now, I'm actually working on an EP. One of my friends heard a song that I wrote a long time ago and said, "Dude, please record that!" I'm an old soul. I love funk and soul music and blues. My next adventure: I would love my EP coming out, or to be in film. However, my gates are always open, and my hands are open for whatever the next job might be [laughs].

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Catch Jarvis in MOTOWN The Musical at Bass Hall in Fort Worth from January 13th-17th, 2016. Last season, the tour performed at Winspear Opera House from July 28th-August 16th, 2015.. For more information, visit www.attpac.org.

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