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Motown the Musical 2013 - Articles Page 1.8

Run Time:
2 hours and 45 minutes, with one intermission
Opened: April 14, 2013
Closing: January 18, 2015

Motown the Musical - 2013 Broadway History , Info & More

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (Broadway)
205 West 46th St. New York, NY

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is Broadway's record-breaking smash hit that tells the true story behind the beat that changed minds, touched lives and took the world by storm. Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations- MOTOWN THE MUSICAL shows how these legendary artists and so many more created the soundtrack that transformed America. With over 40 classic songs such as "My Girl," "What's Going On," "Dancing in the Street," "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," this explosive Broadway event is the next chapter of Motown's incredible history- and an experience you'll never forget.

"SOMETHING CLOSE TO RAPTURE SPREADS THROUGH THE AUDIENCE!"

-The New York Times


Motown the Musical - 2013 - Broadway Cast

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PREVIEW Motown the Musical - 2013 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Motown the Musical

‘Motown: The Musical’: Theater review
6 / 10

There's no shortage of great tunes from which to choose. And if a batch of catchy classics with tasty harmonies and cool grooves like 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine,' 'Stop in the Name of Love,' 'My Girl' and 'ABC' were enough to make a jukebox musical click, the show would be an automatic hit. But it takes more. While the music catalog runs deep, the story is shallow. The book, penned by Gordy, who also produced the show, suffers from being sketchy, earnest and sometimes corny.

'Motown' Musical Review: Big On Songs, Light Story
7 / 10

The 2 1/2-hour show, about Motown Records under founder Berry Gordy, opened Sunday at The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre completely unbalanced: The songs are staggering, the book utterly flimsy. Both are due to one man: Gordy, who clearly knows what makes an indelible hit song, but also has an inability to write objectively about that skill. As the book writer, Gordy comes across almost divine, a true visionary who literally changed the world and race relations but was eventually abandoned by the artists he made stars when they sought to cash in. There are parts of the show that even a North Korean dictator would find excessively flattering.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL to Kick Off $30 Ticket Lottery Tomorrow, Today
by BWW News Desk - July 1, 2014


Beginning Today, July 1st, a select number of $30 tickets will be sold through the MOTOWN THE MUSICAL ticket lottery for each performance. Beginning two-and-a-half hours before the performance, theatregoers are invited to enter the lottery at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street), and winners will be drawn two hours before each performance. Limit one entry per person and two tickets per winner. Cash only.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL to Kick Off $30 Ticket Lottery Tomorrow, Today
by BWW News Desk - June 30, 2014


Beginning today, July 1st, a select number of $30 tickets will be sold through the MOTOWN THE MUSICAL ticket lottery for each performance. Beginning two-and-a-half hours before the performance, theatregoers are invited to enter the lottery at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street), and winners will be drawn two hours before each performance. Limit one entry per person and two tickets per winner. Cash only.

Photo Coverage: MOTOWN Celebrates 500th Performance at Lunt-Fontanne Theatre!
by Walter McBride - June 27, 2014


Broadway's smash hit Motown the Musical just marked the production's 500th performance on Broadway last night, June 26 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, featuring music and lyrics from the legendary Motown catalogue and a book by Berry Gordy, opened on Broadway on April 14th, 2013 at The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street). BroadwayWorld was there for the special celebration and you can check out photos below!

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Celebrates 500 Performances on Broadway Today
by BWW News Desk - June 26, 2014


Broadway's smash hit Motown the Musical is thrilled to mark the production's 500th performance on Broadway today, June 26 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Celebrates 500 Performances on Broadway, Thursday 6/26
by Courtnie Mele - June 23, 2014


Broadway's smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is thrilled to mark the production's 500th performance on Broadway on Thursday, June 26 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

Josh Tower to Succeed Brandon Victor Dixon as 'Berry Gordy' in Broadway's MOTOWN, Today
by BWW News Desk - June 17, 2014


The producers of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL have announced that Josh Tower (The Lion King, original cast of Ragtime) will assume the role of "Berry Gordy" beginning Today, June 17 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

Josh Tower to Succeed Brandon Victor Dixon as 'Berry Gordy' in Broadway's MOTOWN, 6/17
by Tyler Peterson - June 2, 2014


The producers of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL have announced that Josh Tower (The Lion King, original cast of Ragtime) will assume the role of "Berry Gordy" beginning Tuesday, June 17 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

MOTOWN Creator Berry Gordy Reacts to Maya Angelou's Passing: She Was 'A Woman of Courage and Strength'
by BWW News Desk - May 28, 2014


As BWW reported earlier today, America's Poet Laureate Maya Angelou has passed away at the age of 86. The poet died last night, May 27th in a Winston-Salem, North Carolina hospital while recovering from an 'unexpected ailment'. She died surrounded by her family. On her passing, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL creator and Motown founder Berry Gordy offered the following statement in honor of the African American and literary icon.

TV: Cast of MOTOWN Belts Out Classics at STARS IN THE ALLEY
by Nicole Rosky - May 25, 2014


STARS IN THE ALLEY, presented by United Airlines, was presented earlier this week in Shubert Alley, between Broadway and 8th Avenue and 44th and 45th Streets. To add to the festivities leading up to the Tony Awards, the free outdoor concert in the heart of the Theatre District celebrated Broadway with star appearances and exciting performances from over 20 new shows and long-running favorites, accompanied by a live 12-piece orchestra. BroadwayWorld was there for the special concert event and below you can check out 'Supremes Medley' and 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' as performed by the cast of MOTOWN!

BWW Reviews: MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Makes For Catchy, Frothy Fun But Little Else
by Rachel Weinberg - May 9, 2014


'Motown the Musical' plays out like a veritable hit parade. Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, this first national touring production showcases Motown Records producer Berry Gordy's greatest songs as performed by some capable onstage talent. The show makes for a lively and fun evening at the theatre but provides little in the way of truly meaningful plot or character development.

MOTOWN & Inside Broadway to Welcome 2,500 NYC Students for 'Creating the Magic', 5/22
by Tyler Peterson - April 24, 2014


Inside Broadway's Executive Director Michael Presser has announced that on Thursday, May 22, the historic Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street) will be visited by thousands of NYC public school students as the Great White Way's leading arts education non-profit partners with the Tony Award-nominated production of Motown the Musical to offer two exclusive Creating the Magic events taking place at 10:45am and 1:15pm.

TV: BROADWAY QUICK CHANGE with Robert Hartwell & MOTOWN's Krystal Joy Brown!
by Broadway Quick Change - April 28, 2014


BroadwayWorld.com, the most visited theatre site on the net, presents its newest, exclusive TV series - BROADWAY QUICK CHANGE. This newly minted series follows Broadway phenom Robert Hartwell on inspirational shopping outings, then into the dressing rooms of Broadway's hottest stars, where wielding his interior design chops, and extraordinary taste, transforms their home away from home, from the Drab to the Fab, the Blah to the Ahhhh! In this latest episode, watch Robert transform the dressing room of Krystal Joy Brown, who is currently starring as 'Diana Ross' in Motown on Broadway!

STAGE TUBE: Brandon Victor Dixon Talks Legacy of MOTOWN on LIVE FROM THE COUCH
by Tyler Peterson - April 16, 2014


MOTOWN THE MUSICAL star Brandon Victor Dixon appeared this week on WLNY-TV's 'Live From The Couch' to speak with host John Elliott about working with Berry Gordy on the smash hit musical from the very beginning, the historical significance of Motown's legacy, and bringing that story to Broadway. Check out the interview below!

MOTOWN to Celebrate First Year on Broadway with Free Lottery this Sunday, 4/13
by Tyler Peterson - April 10, 2014


On Sunday, April 13, Motown the Musical invites fans to celebrate its first anniversary on Broadway with a one-time-only, free ticket lottery for the 3:00PM performance.

Photo Coverage: Middle Schoolers Visit MOTOWN through TDF's Stage Doors Program
by Jennifer Broski - April 3, 2014


It is Theatre Development Fund's belief that future audiences are built by engaging students, first-hand, in the vital and exciting activity of the creative process, as well as providing opportunities to see live performances of great theatre. To that end, 1,500 New York City public high school and middle school students from 20 schools (and one school from East Orange, NJ), who are participating in TDF's Stage Doors Program, attended a special matinee performance of Broadway's smash hit, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL today, April 3 at 1pm at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street, NYC). BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the special event below!

MOTOWN Cast Members Set for 6th Annual Visible Ink Event Tonight
by Tyler Peterson - March 31, 2014


MOTOWN THE MUSICAL cast members Rebecca Covington, Marva Hicks, Crystal Joy, Mykal Kilgore, Julius Thomas III, and Donald Webber, Jr. will appear at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center this evening when the Visible Ink writing program holds its sixth annual staged reading of unforgettable, inspiring, and hilarious works by patients.

VIDEO: MOTOWN Celebrates Year on Broadway with New Montage!
by Tyler Peterson - March 28, 2014


'Happy birthday to you,' MOTOWN THE MUSICAL! The smash hit, which celebrates its first Broadway anniversary on April 14, has released a new montage of show clips set to legendary Motown classics from the musical, including 'I Want You Back,' 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours,' 'Get Ready,' 'Dancing In The Street,' and 'Do You Love Me.' Check it out below!

MOTOWN & TDF to Welcome 1,500 NYC Students for Special Matinee, 4/3
by Tyler Peterson - March 26, 2014


It is Theatre Development Fund's belief that future audiences are built by engaging students, first-hand, in the vital and exciting activity of the creative process, as well as providing opportunities to see live performances of great theatre. To that end, 1,500 New York City public high school and middle school students from 20 schools (and one school from East Orange, NJ), who are participating in TDF's Stage Doors Program, will be attending a special matinee performance of Broadway's smash hit, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL on Thursday, April 3 at 1pm at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street, NYC).

Nicholas Christopher, Jarran Muse, Reed L. Shannon & More Join MOTOWN National Tour; Full Cast Announced
by Tyler Peterson - March 17, 2014


As previously announced, Clifton Oliver and Allison Semmes will star in the leading roles of Berry Gordy and Diana Ross. Portraying groundbreaking Motown artists, Nicholas Christopher will play Smokey Robinson and Jarran Muse will play Marvin Gaye. Leon Outlaw, Jr. and Reed L. Shannon will portray Berry Gordy's boyhood counterpart and the roles of young stars Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.

Official Statement on MOTOWN Opening in London: 'Too Early to Confirm'
by Nicole Rosky - March 12, 2014


As BroadwayWorld reported yesterday, the smash hit Queen & Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You is due finally to close on 31 May 2014, and rumors are circulating that the Tony Award-nominated Motown will open at the theatre in early 2015 to fill the void.

Allison Semmes & Clifton Oliver to Star in National Tour of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL
by Tyler Peterson - March 10, 2014


Producers Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris and Berry Gordy have announced that Clifton Oliver and Allison Semmes have been cast in the leading roles of Berry Gordy and Diana Ross in MOTOWN THE MUSICAL. The First National Tour begins performances April 22, 2014 at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago before continuing to cities across the country.

Broadway's MOTOWN Continues On After Man Lands on Roof of Lunt-Fontanne
by Tyler Peterson - March 2, 2014


According to The New York Post, Broadway's MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL went uninterrupted after an apparent suicide, when a man leapt from the W New York Hotel on Friday night, landing 50 stories below on the roof of the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

MOTOWN's Berry Gordy to Receive 2014 'BET Honors' Visionary Award, 2/24
by Tyler Peterson - February 21, 2014


MOTOWN THE MUSICAL creator and legendary Motown record label founder Berry Gordy will receive the Visionary Award during the 2014 'BET Honors' ceremony broadcast nationwide on Monday, February 24th.

MOTOWN's Brandon Victor Dixon Performs on IMUS IN THE MORNING
by Tyler Peterson - February 19, 2014


MOTOWN THE MUSICAL star Brandon Victor Dixon performed live on national television yesterday morning on Fox Business News Network's "Imus in the Morning," hosted by legendary radio personality and Motown fan Don Imus himself.

Motown the Musical History

Other Productions of Motown the Musical

2013   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2014   US Tour US National Tour
US Tour
2016   West End Original West End Production
West End
2016   Broadway Broadway Return Engagement
Broadway
2017   US Tour Second US National Tour
US Tour
2017   US Tour Non-Equity National Tour
US Tour

Motown the Musical - 2013 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2013 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Brandon Victor Dixon
2013 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Valisia LeKae
2013 Drama League Awards Distinguished Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical 0
2013 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Actress in a Musical Valisia LeKae
2013 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Raymond Luke
2013 Theatre World Awards Theatre World Award Valisia LeKae
2013 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations Ethan Popp
2013 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations Bryan Crook
2013 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Charl Brown
2013 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Valisia LeKae
2013 Tony Awards Best Sound Design of a Musical Peter Hylenski

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