Motown the Musical 2013

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

Theater Review: Motown: The Musical
3 / 10

To a roomful of people who have rarely if ever been part of the creation of a major musical, perhaps it seemed sufficient to tie a few dozen presold numbers together with just enough thread to tell a story. (Mamma Mia! has so far grossed more than $534 million on Broadway doing just that.) But the problem with jukeboxes has never been the songs. The problem is that when songs are forced to tell a tale they weren't designed for, they lose their deeper effectiveness, and usually end up like leeches, no longer supporting but sucking. In that respect, Motown is the worst jukebox (with the best tunes) I've ever encountered.

The hit machine is running on all cylinders in 'Motown'
6 / 10

It's when the music stops that things get awkward. Gordy's book is thwarted not so much by his egotism - which is at least honest, and mitigated somewhat by self-effacing jokes - as his banality. Played by the excellent Brandon Victor Dixon, Gordy reflects on his struggles and triumphs, and dispenses advice, with a ham-handed earnestness that can suggest a speech to business students or self-help book more than a human being expressing himself.

STAGE TUBE: MOTOWN Tour Cast 'Never Can Say Goodbye' to MOTOWN Broadway Cast
by Sally Henry Fuller - January 18, 2015


The touring production of MOTOWN the Musical sent a special 'Happy Trails' to the Broadway Production of MOTOWN, closing today, Sunday Jan. 18. With direction and arrangement by Jesse Nager (Smokey Robinson) the video features Julius Thomas III (Berry Gordy), Allison Semmes (Diana Ross), Jarran Muse (Marvin Gaye), Krisha Mercano (Suzanne De Passe), and Rod Harrelson (dance captain), all of whom joined the tour from the Broadway company. The video also has appearances from the entire company currently in Philadelphia. Check it out below!

Original MOTOWN Cast Member to Join National Tour as 'Smokey Robinson'
by Tyler Peterson - January 16, 2015


Producers Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris and Berry Gordy have announced that MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL original Broadway cast member Jesse Nager has joined the First National Tour in the leading role of Smokey Robinson.

MOTOWN Recoups Broadway Investment Before Closing Night!
by Nicole Rosky - January 16, 2015


MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, the smash hit musical featuring the music of the legendary Motown catalogue and a book by Berry Gordy, will play its final performance of its current Broadway engagement this Sunday, January 18, 2015 at The Lunt Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46 Street) and will return to Broadway in a Nederlander theatre to be announced in Summer 2016.

BWW Flashback: MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Ends Broadway Run Today
by BWW Special Coverage - January 18, 2015


MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, the hit musical featuring the music of the legendary Motown catalogue and a book by Berry Gordy, ends its Broadway run today, January 18 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. MOTOWN is set to return to Broadway at a Nederlander theatre to be announced in July 2016. Last spring, the first National Tour of Motown the Musical opened to critical acclaim, grossing an impressive $20 Million dollars during a packed sixteen-week run, and is now heading to major markets across the US. MOTOWN will also head to London's West End this summer.

Photo Flash: MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Tour Celebrates Music Legacy With High Fashion Portraits
by BWW News Desk - January 13, 2015


While in Minneapolis, MN company members from Motown the Musical, under the direction of cast member Christian Dante White, worked with celebrity photographer Brent Dundore to capture the essence of the Motown artists they portray every night onstage in a high fashion shoot. Scroll down for photos!

N'Kenge to Return to MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Following Maternity Leave
by Sally Henry Fuller - November 28, 2014


MOTOWN THE MUSICAL's N'Kenge returns to Broadway Tuesday, Dec. 2 in the role of Mary Wells which she originated.

Exclusive Photo Coverage: In the Recording Studio with MOTOWN Cast for Carols for a Cure!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - December 27, 2014


The 2014 Broadway's Carols for a Cure, Volume 16 is on sale now! This 2-disc, annual CD of original and traditional holiday music features stars and casts from the current Broadway line-up, and benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA), one of the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. Broadway's Carols for a Cure, Volume 16 can be ordered for only $25 through BC/EFA at broadwaycares.org or by calling (212) 840-0770 x238 Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST. Volumes from previous seasons are available, too (check online or call for price). BroadwayWorld is excited to continue our exclusive photo coverage of the recording sessions for this year's album with the cast of Motown, who sing 'Another Christmas Eve' and 'I Am Here.' Check out photos of cast members Crystal Joy, Rebecca E. Covington, Dionne D. Figgins, Marva Hicks, Moeisha McGill and more below!

BROADWAY BALANCES AMERICA Concludes with MOTOWN Today
by BWW News Desk - November 18, 2014


In collaboration with Broadway Across America and the award-winning morning show 'The Balancing Act, the final episode of the 'Broadway Balances America' mini-series will shine the spotlight on MOTOWN THE MUSICAL. This new episode will premiere today, November 18h at 7:30 a.m. (ET/PT) and will re-air on Tuesday, November 25th at 7:30 a.m.(ET/PT) on Lifetime.

MOTOWN Announces Group Sales Preorder Details for Return Broadway Engagement
by Tyler Peterson - August 26, 2014


Group sales preorder information is now available for the summer 2016 Broadway return engagement of Motown the Musical, which will continue at The Lunt Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street) on Broadway through January 18, 2015.

Breaking: MOTOWN to Take Broadway Hiatus; Heads to the UK Next Summer!
by BWW News Desk - August 22, 2014


MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, the hit musical featuring the music of the legendary Motown catalogue and a book by Berry Gordy, will play its final performance at Broadway's Lunt Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street) on January 18, 2015.

STAGE TUBE: Go Backstage with MOTOWN's Josh Tower, Charl Brown and More!
by Stage Tube - August 21, 2014


PIX 11 News anchor Tamsen Fadal recently went 'Backstage on Broadway' at Motown the Musical. Stars Josh Tower, Charl Brown, Bryan Terrell Clark, Raymond Luke Jr., and Nathaniel Cullors were on hand to show her behind the scenes at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, while Music Director Joseph Joubert and Hair Department Supervisor Heather Wright revealed some of the details that take audiences back to the Motor City eight times a week. Click below to go backstage with the cast and creative team!

Saycon Sengbloh, Marty Thomas and More to Celebrate N'Kenge at MOTOWN's First Baby Shower
by BWW News Desk - August 20, 2014


There is No Town Like Motown! Saycon Sengbloh (Hollar If Ya Hear Me, Motown, Fela), Marty Thomas (Pageant:The Musical, Xanadu, Wicked) and more are set to perform for Motown's First Baby Shower, honoring N'Kenge 'Mary Wells' (Motown: The Musical, Sondheim on Sondheim).

Yoshi's to Welcome the Cast of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, 8/25
by BWW News Desk - August 19, 2014


San Francisco welcomes Berry Gordy's "Motown: The Musical," which has been sweeping the nation. Monday, Aug 25 from 5:00pm - 8:30pm. Planned as San Francisco's official welcome, Supervisor London Breed will represent the city with opening remarks. Praised for its invigorating musical numbers, the popular musical plays at the Orpheum Theater from August 15 - September 28.

BWW TV: MOTOWN Cast Takes Bryant Park Back in Time!
by Nicole Rosky - August 15, 2014


This week's event featured performances from the cast of MATILDA, featuring: Josh Tower, Krystal Joy Brown, Dwayne Cooper, Nathaniel Cullors, Justin Prescott,Jaquez Andre Sims and Nik Walker. Check out clips from 'You're All I Need to Get By,' 'Can I Close the Door,' and 'ABC' below!

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL National Tour Launches to the Tune of $20 Million in Chicago
by BWW News Desk - August 11, 2014


MOTOWN THE MUSICAL thanks Chicago for launching the North American tour of the smash hit musical with 128 performances of standing ovations at the Oriental Theatre and a triumphant $20 million grossing 16-week engagement.

Meet the Current Casts of Broadway's Long Running Shows - MOTOWN
by BWW Special Coverage - August 24, 2014


A great, big Broadway season is on its way, with fourteen productions already slated to open in the next few months. With weeks until the craziness begins, there is still plenty of time to catch up on what's been going on at Broadway's already occupied theaters. BroadwayWorld will be profiling the hits of the Great White Way that continue to draw crowds after months, years, and (in some cases) decades. Meet the current cast of Broadway's MOTOWN below!

VIDEO: Check Out New TV Spot for Broadway's MOTOWN THE MUSICAL
by Caryn Robbins - July 29, 2014


Below, check out the brand new commercial for Broadway's smash hit musical, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL.

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.

Motown the Musical FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Motown the Musical have there been?
Motown the Musical has had 7 productions including Broadway which opened in 2013, US Tour which opened in 2014, West End which opened in 2016, which opened in 2016, Broadway which opened in 2016, US Tour which opened in 2017 and US Tour which opened in 2017.
What Tony Awards has Motown the Musical been nominated for?
Motown the Musical has been nominated for Best Orchestrations for Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, as well as Best Sound Design of a Musical for Peter Hylenski.
What awards has Motown the Musical been nominated for?
Motown the Musical has been nominated for several awards, including the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for Brandon Victor Dixon and Valisia LeKae. The production was also nominated for the Distinguished Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical at the Drama League Awards. Valisia LeKae received a Theatre World Award as well.
What awards has Motown the Musical won?
Motown the Musical has won several awards, including the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for Brandon Victor Dixon and Valisia LeKae. The production also received the Distinguished Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical award at the Drama League Awards. Valisia LeKae was honored with the Theatre World Award at the Theatre World Awards.

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