I can see this was going to be a problem. It's a huge undertaking story-wise. Motown has a rich, complex history and it's probably hard trying to decide what to leave in and what to leave out.
When I first learned of this production, I knew Berry Gordy would never allow anything close to a truthful telling of Motown history to be told. That was settled early on. What seems to be the problem now (of this is all my guess, of course) is that the creative team are so married to a long list of songs – and a long list of groups and artists who introduced them – that there's little or no time left to tell much of a “story.” At first, I was with Wilmingtom who suggested they just make it simply a song parade, sans book, but then it occurred to me that people aren't likely to pay Broadway prices to hear a string of imitators when they can just pop in CDs of real thing at home for a lot less. Indeed, it is the STORY of MOTOWN that wold make this production at all compelling, but with Berry Gordy at the helm – as so many have pointed out – that's never going to happen. Hard to predict what folks will actually witness on March 11.
I agree that the songs could be a show in itself. The singers really did a great job at Broadway on Broadway - "Get Ready Cause Here I come." Catchy and a good saying for a show coming in.
Starting to wonder if this show is going to be able to open and if it does, how long it will last. Can't have no storyline this close to opening.
If Frank Sinatra can't work on the Great White Way with stunning choreography by Twyla Tharp and great review, then Motown has no hope whatsoever, they might as well hand out closing notices attached to the playbill.
With a well-known title (MOTOWN), no big salary names involved (except Gordie), no "flying" scenery and more $ than god behind it, they will really have to fudge this up badly not to have a long run. Should be interesting.
translation: "Oh hush your evil mouth already for God's sake...big critic."
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)