I always get goose bumps as I approach the Lincoln Tunnel and catch a glimpse of the Manhattan Skyline. I get even more excited when I approach Broadway’s theater district.

I finally made it to Motown. Not the city of Detroit, but Motown The Musical.
Photo Credits:bons-plans-voyage-new-york

Based on Berry Gordy’s book, “To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown,” this musical hit the stage of the Lunt-Fontanne Theater on April 14 and has been a smash hit ever since.

I can’t explain exactly why my personal appearance at this award-winning production was so delayed. Family and friends had already gone to see it, and some have even made repeat visits. My friend Sandy was in the theater one night, sitting in the same row as Denzel Washington and I could have kicked myself for not going with her. (Side note: Get to the movie theaters now and see Denzel in his newest thriller, The Equalizer. It’s excellent!) Clearly, Motown the Musical, a production filled with a multitude of star performances, brings out today’s current-day stars, too.

No matter the reason for my procrastination, I am so glad that I finally grabbed the hand of My Guy and went off dancing in the streets of Manhattan. It was his birthday. He loves music and I thought he would love this performance as well. Seeing as he is a huge Motown fan, raised in Gary, Indiana, same neighborhood as the most famous family in the music industry, I couldn’t go wrong. As a matter of fact, I’d put his 70s ‘fro up against any other of that era. That era of great music and plastic-covered furniture!

As we waited in line, amongst the many tourists and others who had ventured out on this beautiful autumn night, I turned to my right and over my head was the most amazing billboard. Needless to say, this busy Brooklyn-born blogger was obliged to take to Twitter and share this moment with my followers:

Not only is Jackie Robinson someone with whom I share a similar name, but he is a historical figure whom I have always admired. #character

I won’t belabor you with a lengthy review of the play because a) many of you have probably already seen it, and b) because, I’d be tempted to end the review after providing you with only two words, “LOVED IT!”

However, if you’d like to read an official one, check these reviews out at your leisure

It was very difficult for me to sit still throughout the play. The music, the band, the flashbacks to the days of 45s and turntables, all simply took me on an emotional rollercoaster. At one point, I felt an elbow nudging me because I lost sight of the fact that I was not a part of the cast and therefore should not have been singing so loudly along with The Temptations. Very loudly.

All of the songs allowed me to take a trip down memory lane, back to a time when, music was music. That’s right, I said it. I’m not knocking all of today’s music because there are many talented artists out here, who write music, play at least one instrument and whose songs aren’t overshadowed by profanity and the latest studio technology. OK, so maybe the list has suddenly been shortened, but I think you get my drift. (Side note: Millennials – Get “Turnt Up” by some Motown music, every now and then).

As I sat in the audience reminiscing, I realized the effect that this entire production was having on me, I couldn’t help but begin to have thoughts of my big brother Jerome. To know Jerome was to love him. He was a big teddy bear, with a heart of gold. He loved reading James Bond books, consuming entire boxes of cereal in one sitting and more than anything; he LOVED Motown music. If the Four Tops or The Temptations were in town, Jerome was going to find a way to get to their performance.

Sadly, after a lengthy illness, he departed this life on July 2, 2014.  To know him was to also understand that in his head and his heart, HE was the 6th Temptation. If only he could have been there with me to enjoy this wonderful performance of his favorite group and others. However, I am sure that he is on the night shift, practicing vocals and dance steps with those members who have gone on before him. That’s him, smack dab in the middle of the “album cover”. 

At the end of the show, of course I had to connect with some of the talented and extremely gracious cast members. If it weren’t for the raindrops that began to fall and the need to grab some food for the birthday boy (thank God for his patience, since it was HIS night after all. Love that guy!)

Jacqueline DuJour and Berry Gordy (Josh Tower)

Jacqueline DuJour and Diana Ross (Krystal Joy Brown)

Jacqueline DuJour and Young Michael Jackson (Samuel Pickens)

The songs, story, cast and voices were magnificent. The cast with the young Michael Jackson was memorable, Diana Ross, what an amazing voice and Marvin Gaye, he was smooth as silk.
I highly recommend this play. You will step out of the theatre singing and dancing in the streets a la Martha Reeves and The Vandellas!
(Side note: It is currently scheduled to leave Broadway on January 18, 2015- GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!)

Overall, what a great night out – Manhattan, Motown, My Guy and Me!

Groupon is offering a great deal on tickets. The sale ends soon, so make sure to get yours before the production leaves Broadway on January 18th!

Are you a Motown fan? List your favorite Motown hit(s) below and let’s see how many of them we have in common!