“Motown
the Musical” made its way to Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, MO last week
from Oct. 22-Oct .27.
Bringing
an amazing story, entertainment and talent including UMKC’s very own Daniel
Robert Sullivan who appeared in the show as 5 characters, the most notable being
Barney Ales whom was Berry Gordy Jr. (Motown’s founder) right hand man.
From
the beginning, “Motown” was a force to be reckoned with. A one of a kind musical
movement. Gordy helped launch the career of many well-known artist, including
Diana Ross, Marvin Gay, Jackson 5, and Smokey Robinson.
No
matter how much you may have previously known about “Motown”, the musical
touched on numerous aspects of Gordy’s legacy from start to finish. Each scene
gave you soul, entertainment, information and more.
The
show ran about 2 hours and 45 minutes which included an intermission. Although
lengthy, the time seemed to fly due to the theatrics of the production. There was
never a dull moment, you were either humming to a tune or listening intently as
the characters talked about racial issues, love, and/or the music business.
Although
a family show, due to the content it was meant for a mature audience, and as
you scanned the crowd you could see audience members dancing and grooving to
their favorite hits that many of them grew up on.
After
witnessing first-hand, the sheer talent of the characters and how much energy
and consideration they put into their roles, it’s no wonder why there was a
packed house at the Starlight.
“It
felt spectacular to hit the stage, there was over 8,000 people watching in broad
daylight at first, and for this tour it was the first time we had experienced
starting the show in daylight. There’s just so many people, it’s really
powerful”, said Sullivan.
The
most moving aspect about the musical was how they portrayed the love that all
of Gordy artist had for him along with his dedication to making something
different. Gordy wanted to create music that could change the world, especially
during a time the country needed it the most. He believed that music could
unite people.
“Motown
“started when racial tensions were high, and he used music to help break down
those barriers. In fact this was one of the main reasons Sullivan wanted to
join the cast.
“Motown
the Musical” is a story about unity. It’s a story about music and art bringing
people together, and that’s why we’re doing the show this year in America at a
time arguably America needs to come together. This is one little way of doing
that, it’s the artistic contribution,” said Sullivan.
The
show impacted the audience the exact same way Motown impacted the country in
the 1960’s. At one point in the show Allison Semmes (Diana Ross), had the
audience members link hands with one another and sing one of Rosses hit songs,
“Reach Out and Touch.”
In
that moment, as everyone held hands and swayed them high in the sky we were all
united. Nothing mattered, but the music, and it was the power of the music that
helped bring just enough hope to supporters and fans around the world.
Gordy
also never gave up on himself and his
dream. He was always striving to make people happy, and to be the best him he
could be which was a lesson he learned from his Father. He was head strong,
business savvy and didn’t allow anyone to get in the way of him creating
something great, something that was bigger than himself.
Whether
you’re into music, the arts or neither, “Motown the Musical” was an outstanding
show that everyone should witness. For more information about the show please
visit www.MotownTheMusical.com.
