Review: MOTOWN Stops at the Capitol Theatre on Its Way to Broadway

The national tour stop of MOTOWN at the Capitol Theatre is another in a series of historic events for Broadway in Utah (recently dubbed Broadway at the Eccles, after its new home). Immediately following its final Salt Lake City performance, the entire production will pack up and move to the Nederlander Theatre in New York City for a limited 18-week Broadway engagement, starting July 12. This means that the performers you see here will also be starring in the show on Broadway, on the same set and wearing the same costumes. It is quite literally Broadway in Utah.

The show itself is an entertaining time machine that takes the audience back to Motown's heyday with nostalgic, powerhouse performances of the record label's hits.

MOTOWN (book by Berry Gordy, music and lyrics from the Motown catalog) provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation and rise of the label, including founder (and book writer) Berry Gordy's personal life and interactions with the stars he helped launch.

Spanning nearly 5 decades, from 1938 to 1983, the musical includes excerpts of dozens of iconic Motown classics, including "Dancing in the Street," "My Girl," "I Want You Back," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," and countless others. The tribute performance elements are great fun, but they also overwhelm the bare-bones plot, which is interesting enough to leave one wishing for more. Most effective to the storyline are the three original songs : "Hey Joe (Black Like Me)," "It's What's in the Grooves That Counts," and the showstopping 11 o'clock number "Can I Close the Door," performed spectacularly by Chestor Gregory as Berry Gordy.

Gregory, who originated major roles in TARZAN and CRY-BABY on Broadway, is a star, and it is his performance that most elevates this production to Broadway-worthy status. His unique, velvet vocals and strong characterization lead a heavyweight ensemble.

Allison Semmes as Diana Ross, Jesse Nager as Smokey Robinson, Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye, J.J. Batteast as Young Berry Gordy/Stevie Wonder/Michael Jackson (alternating with Douglas Baldeo), and Martina Sykes as Mary Wells, among many others, all contribute great performances.

The ensemble showcases impressive stamina in firecracker choreography from Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams that burns on all cylinders throughout the evening.

The production design, from an array of Tony nominated and winning artists, is a cut above the average national tour, creatively gliding across time and location with ease. The scenic design is by David Korins (HAMILTON), with lighting design by Natasha Katz (ONCE) and projection design by Daniel Brodie (ALADDIN). The costume design is by Esosa (THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS), with hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe (NEWSIES).

MOTOWN plays the Capitol Theatre for a limited engagement through Sunday, July 3, 2016. For tickets, call ArtTix at 801-355-ARTS (2787) or visit www.artsaltlake.org.

Photo Credit: L-R Krisha Marcano (Florence Ballard), Allison Semmes (Diana Ross)
and Trisha Jeffrey (Mary Wilson). Photo by Joan Marcus.

To post a comment, you must register and login.