Review: MOTONES VS. JERSEY Astounds at Midtown Arts Center

Are you a fan of the likes of Frankie Valli or The Temptations? How about The Jackson 5 of The Beatles? Stevie Wonder? Neil Diamond? Aretha Franklin? Marvin Gaye? The list goes on and on. If these artists are your cup of tea, you don't want to miss Motones vs. Jersey at Midtown Arts Center. Even if it is not necessarily your cup of tea, I guarantee you will enjoy it. Believe me. I speak from first hand experience.

This show is different from any other theatrical experience in Colorado today. You may not get a storyline to follow and specific characters to relate to, but you do get a no holes barred vocal boxing match that goes the full 12 rounds, akin to the infamous Rocky vs. Apollo Creed fight. Seriously. It is that intense! Also, is there any other show that asks you to pull your phones out as opposed to turning them off and stowing them away? You will want to make sure your smart phone is charged, so you can vote for your favorite team!

Described as "The Ultimate Music Battle of the 60's" the show was conceived and created by Narrative Creative and Starkey Productions. This production is directed by Kenneth Moten Jr., choreographed by Jessica Hindsley and music directed by Jalyn Courtenay Webb.

The Performers are all incredibly talented, with voices that will make you melt and moves that will make you blush. Jalyn Courtenay Webb serves as the show's battle referee and emcee. She also pulls out the vocal chops in Act II with a rip-roaring version of "A Natural Woman" and "Proud Mary." But the true stars of the show are eight incredibly talented gentleman who individually shine, but as a whole their talent is blinding. The Motones (Brian L. Boyd, Christian Mark Gibbs, Christopher McFadden-Gooding and Anthony P. McGlaun) shone with astonishing harmonies that rivaled Boys II Men in such songs as "Total Praise" and "Let it Be." The Jerseys (Joe Callahan, Rory Connolly, Vince Pelligrino and Wes Wise) glisten with classics like "Sherry" and "My Girl" and the beautiful opera classic "O Sole Mio."

One of the best compliments of the night was heard as I exited the theatre. From behind me, I heard a voice say "I had a blast for an old lady." Is there a better compliment. And I can tell you from personal experience, I had a blast for a younger lady!

Motones Vs. Jersey runs until November 5th at Midtown Arts Center. Tickets are available by calling 970-225-2555 or visiting www.midtownartscenter.com