MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

The Jackson Five

Broadway Philadelphia, in collaboration with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert Organization is not only presenting MOTOWN THE MUSICAL at the Academy of Music through January 18, it is transmitting a total Motown Experience to its elated audiences. Everyone is not only mesmerized by the electrifying projections on the stage but also totally immersed in the music.  The production is brilliant! This is the legendary tale of Berry Gordy’s dream of writing songs, producing artists who sang his songs the way he wanted, and publishing the songs to protect his royalties. The road he traveled, leading to the founding  and success of the Motown recording industry, is  vividly expressed over a span of 25 years. This foot-tapping, hand-clapping, seat-rocking explosion of musical hits from our younger years is exhilarating. No one can sit still or keep lips from moving to the lyrics made beloved by Dianna Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smoky Robinson, the Jackson Five and ever-so many more Motown groups. Original Broadway cast member Julian Thomas III has joined the First National Tour for a limited engagement.  How fortunate we are in the Philadelphia area to have a chance to see his dazzling performance. No actor gives a performance lacking in voice, dance skills or charm but take particular note of the youngster who plays the role of Michael Jackson in the Jackson Five.  Two boys alternate roles and it doesn’t matter whether you see Leon Outlaw Jr. or Reed. L. Shannon…..you will be blown away by the talent.  Berry Gordy fought to have his music accepted not only by Black radio stations but by everyone. He felt that people’s similarities were more powerful than their differences and believed, ”It’s what’s in the grooves that counts.”  MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is Berry Gordy's story.. Tickets are available by calling 215-731-333, visiting online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad and Spruce Sts. (open daily 10am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad and Locusts Sts., (open during performances only).  Throughout your life there will be certain things you can’t sit still for……This performance is one of them.