Review: MOTOWN Hits Fox Cities P.A.C.

If you haven't heard it through the grapevine, Motown the Musical has arrived at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Prepare to be impressed.

It follows the story of Berry Gordy and the creation and decline of the Motown record label. With music selected from the Motown catalog, you'll recognize a lot of major hits. It feels like a series of great concerts with some plot connecting them.

MOTOWN premiered on Broadway in 2013 and received four Tony nominations. While it closed on Broadway in 2015, it will have another limited run starting this summer.

The cast delivered spot-on performances as a variety of memorable historical figures and musicians. It was often easy to forget they were acting at all. The singing was equally impressive, and the cast had exceptional dynamics and range.

The featured cast member often varies by song, and there were no weak links of which to speak. Chester Gregory played a very likeable Berry Gordy. His high notes are crystal clear and dazzling. Allison Semmes movements and style personified Diana Ross to a T. Jesse Nager as Smokey Robinson maintained the breathy, high voice and unique spirit of the singer. Jarran Muse portrayed Marvin Gaye with an impressive intensity. J.J. Batteast played several roles, but most notably Michael Jackson. His singing and dancing were captivating and impressive, and the audience was mesmerized by him. Throughout the entire ensemble, each performer is a standout and deserves praise.

Beyond the impressive cast, the show itself is well thought-out.

The choreography was entertaining and era appropriate. Just watching it was energizing.

MOTOWN also features a unique a versatile set. The most notable feature is the light-up panels that move and reconfigure frequently throughout the show. While it is a relatively minimalist set, the constantly changing colors and images are dazzling.

Additionally, the plot of the show provides a terrific history lesson, putting the development of the Motown record label in historical context by referencing events such as Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Civil Rights Movement, and the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr..

The one possible drawback is that the book (written by Berry Gordy himself) is perhaps a bit skewed, giving Gordy and excellent edit and presenting himself as an incredibly likeable character with few real faults while glazing over his many marriages, affairs and conflicts with performers. But it is important to remember that this is a work of fiction, and taking the work at face value in no way detracts from the enjoyable experience.

MOTOWN is a high energy musical that will keep you on the dancing in your seats from start to finish.

Photo Credit: Patrice Covington as Martha Reeves (center) & Cast Motown the Musical First National Tour//(c) Joan Marcus, 2014