The new musical follows the life and career of music mogul Berry Gordy. Tony nominee Brandon Victor Dixon and Valisia LaKae co-star in the hit-filled jukebox musical that will begin Broadway previews March 11, 2013.
Charles Randolph-Wright directs Motown, which is studded with songs made famous by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Michael Jackson and The Jackson Five.
Gordy, who also authored the book to Motown, is producing the musical along with Tony winner Kevin McCollum (Rent, In the Heights, Avenue Q) and Sony Music CEO Doug Morris. Motown will officially open April 14, 2013.
Tony nominee Dixon (The Color Purple, The Scottsboro Boys) and LeKae (Ragtime, The Book of Mormon) will co-star as Gordy and Diana Ross, respectively. The production is seeking a young performer who will portray young Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Gordy. According to producers, "Mowtown tells the gripping story behind the hits as Smokey finds his unique voice, Diana skyrockets to stardom and Berry fights against the odds to turn his improbable dream into a triumphant reality. The music that shattered barriers and shaped our lives finally comes to the Broadway stage in the season's most highly anticipated world-premiere event."
Motown will have scenic design by David Korins, costume design by ESosa, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Peter Hylenski and choreography by Patricia Wilcox (Blues in the Night) and Warren Adams ("Toy Story"). The 18-piece orchestra will be supervised by Ethan Popp, who will "reproduce the classic 'Sound of Young America' for the Broadway stage," according to producers.
For tickets visit Telecharge.com.
Visit MotownTheMusical.com.
