BWW Reviews: Candlelight Pavilion Brings Back the '60s Motown Style
By: Don Grigware Aug. 12, 2013
The Sound of Motown/a musical revue representing various artists/directed by John LaLonde/musical direction by Andrew Reyes/Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre, Claremont/through September 8
With Motown the Musical, the salute to Berry Gordy successfully heating up Broadway, it is not surprising that theatres around the country are attempting to follow suit by prioritizing 60s nostalgia. Motown gave us Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Mary Wells, Gladys Knight, Martha and the Vandellas, The Supremes, The Four Tops, the Temptations, to name a few; it was a prolific period of soul/soft rock/pop, producing some of the greatest singing groups and classic hit tunes of all time. Director John LaLonde presents a revue simply called The Sound of Motown now onstage at Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre, Claremont through September 8. There are many possible interpretations of this material with or without storyline; LaLonde has decided to give audiences what they want most, choosing straight down the line music, music, and more music, via singles and medleys. There's no need to stretch one's imagination when people jump to their feet and dance in the aisles, shaking and grooving the night away. They've already formed their own images and feel the magic. Motown's a fun show with 12 pretty great singers and a full orchestra center stage under the nifty musical direction of Andrew Reyes.
What an incredibly talented cast and creative team! The ladies of Motown are Rashonda Johnson, Allisonne E. Crawford, Jo-Rhea Dalcour, Jazz Madison, Valentina Merchant and Jessica Mason. The gents: Desmond Clark, Lawrence Cummings, Paul David Bryant, Eric Bailey, Gary Lewis and cute little 7 year-old CJ Wright, making his theatrical debut. Remember, Michael Jackson made it at age five!
Members of the divine orchestra include: musical director Andrew Reyes at the piano; Alan Waddington on drums; Brandon Shaw on bass; Bob Slack on trumpet; Gino Munoz, trumpet; Mark Bollinger, guitar; Nathaniel Jorge, baritone; Dan Silva, tenor; Julius Lopez, trombone; and Sal Flores, percussion.
Actor Paul David Bryant also serves as choreographer, supplying the swingin' moves. Simple but colorful set is designed by Orlando Montes - loved the sparkly red curtain for the Love Medley, lighting by Steve Giltner, and sleek costumes in pinks, orange, reds and blacks are uncredited. Loved those red vests over white shirts for the men! Every detail contributes to make each and every number a stand out.
Which brings us to the numbers themselves, over fifty; I will highlight my favorites. They include for Act I: the opening "Dancin' in the Streets", "Heatwave", Smokey Robinson's "Second That Emotion" and "Tears of a Clown", Mary Wells' "My Guy", the Temptations' "My Girl", The Marvelettes' "Mister Postman" and the entire Stevie Wonder medley especially "For Once in My Life". Act II's greatest moments come with The Supremes, in two trios, allowing all six women to shine: "Come See About Me", "Baby Love", "Can't Hurry Love", "Stop" and "Keep Me Hangin' On". I could have listened to another ten, as this vocal group remains my all-time favorite. There is also The Four Tops' "Can't Help Myself", "I'll Be There" and "Same Old Song". Reyes provides a great solo on Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On", there is a dyno-mite love medley which includes: "My Cheri Amour", "Two Lovers", "Ben" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". Little CJ Wright brings the house down with his finale "Rockin' Robin"...and Rashonda Johnson tears up the joint with a non-Motown song "Lady Marmalade" which put Patti La Belle on top. La Belle would either be proud...or jealous of Johnson's fab rendition! Interesting to note here that although "Lady Marmalade" was not a Motown creation, it fits in as it was recorded by several Motown artists.
Other fascinating trivia: did you know...that...? The Supremes were called the Primettes when they began in Detroit, and that Barrett Strong's "You've Got What It Takes" was re-recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, something which happened frequently at Motown. A song was re-recorded and the money stayed within the family. Shrewd cookie, Mr. Berry Gordy! I would have loved to hear more of this kind of fun stuff throughout the evening, but, as we already said, it's the music that's on display...and what unforgettable music it is, done proud by Candlelight's cool cast!
For more about the show, go to www.candlelightpavilion.com/home.
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