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  1. #51
    smark21 Guest
    Here’s footage of the Motown cast performing at yesterday’s Broadway on Broadway concert.


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    See, I told you........FLUFF! LOL!!!

    By the way, that guy sounds nothing like Eddie Kendricks.

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    ...all the way to the bank!!!!!!...
    the story of Miss Diana Ross comes to Broadway[[..and then,most likely, a major motion picture...and THEN, a tv series!!!)..

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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    See, I told you........FLUFF! LOL!!!

    By the way, that guy sounds nothing like Eddie Kendricks.
    The clip is from part of a concert of performers singing songs from their upcoming and current shows. This is not the Motown Musical. So we don't know yet if it is fluff, puff or otha' stuff.

    Here is a clip of Berry talking about his new musical.

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    Thanks for the interview with Mr. Gordy, Milven. Great.

    In the sense that there will be a focus on the major artists and on a general story line...........it will be a "big picture" theme. And I guess if Marv wants a focus on the disgruntled, the victimes, the losers, some unhappinesses, real or imagined; no that won't be there; if fluff is left, yaaaaaaaaaa.

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    I've seen Jersey Boys twice , it was fantastic from a musical point of view.But it also handled the drama, tragedy and darker side of the 4 Seasons story.
    I suspect that this Motown show will be dominated by Diana Ross,Smokey,Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Commodores and Jackson 5.[[with other artists featured).But the Motown Story? I doubt it.
    How much attention will Mary Wells get.........her records kept the company afloat.
    Again....writers, producers, arrangers. The Funk Bros, other key personnel..the people who actually made the music will be overlooked............I hope I'm wrong.
    Most UK members here have a wider spread of interest when it comes to Motown....we generally grew up with the lesser known artists receiving plays in youth clubs, discos etc.
    Isley Bros, Elgins, Marv Johnson, Jimmy Ruffin, Contours etc .alongside the majors.
    There was no National pop radio in the UK until late 1967. BBC was not known for playing Black Music.......it was very old fashioned in it's outlook.
    DRATS & Four Tops had some chart records in the 60's.1967 saw an interest in soul music...Otis Redding, Stax and Atlantic....flavour of the month stuff. But overall , until 1969, Motown/Soul music was not featured heavily on radio. We had no major media /culture interested in Motown...it was pretty specialised.
    We have shows such as "Dancing in the street" touring regularly [[A selection of Motown hits with a loose story).People enjoy them. Have a good time, bringing back memories. Nothing wrong with that, but I personally don't bother.
    IF this Broadway show is along similar lines I won't be interested.
    However, if it is similar to Jersey Boys [[where the audience might come away with a greater appreciation of the 'story' [[as best it can do in 2 hours) then I might.

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    I wonder who's gonna play Mary Wilson Florence Ballard or Cindy Birdsong,LOL just kidding,
    Please stay positive

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    Seen as they aren't on 75% of the DRATS records ...who cares?
    Please stay focussed

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    Here's the basic story line:


    Featuring songs from the legendary Motown catalogueComing to Broadway Spring 2013
    Citibank® Exclusive Pre-sale Begins September 23rd
    Tickets On Sale To The General Public October 1stWelcome to Hitsville, USA!MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL is the real story of the one-of-a-kind sound that hit the airwaves in 1959 and changed America forever. This exhilarating show charts Motown founder Berry Gordy's incredible journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more.

    Featuring all the classics you love, MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL tells the 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: THE MUSICAL... Get ready, 'cause here we come!

    Several reviews of Sparkle complained that it was running too close to Dreamgirls and we'd already had that story line. And I can't see them throwing in drugs, alcohol and depression into this story. At least not other than in passing.

    This is going to be "happy time" "SUCCESS".

    http://www.motownthemusical.com/

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    No Lewis Sister...no snakepit

    only joking

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    I wonder who's playing Mary Wilson Florence Ballard,or Cindy Birdsong LOL,just kidding
    Please stay positive

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    Quote Originally Posted by jobeterob View Post
    Thanks for the interview with Mr. Gordy, Milven. Great.

    In the sense that there will be a focus on the major artists and on a general story line...........it will be a "big picture" theme. And I guess if Marv wants a focus on the disgruntled, the victimes, the losers, some unhappinesses, real or imagined; no that won't be there; if fluff is left, yaaaaaaaaaa.
    I am just focusing on reality! I don't know many people that would be interested in seeing "Fame does Motown" or "Glee Sings Motown" LOL!!!

    Motown's Story was quite dramatic and if they plan to succeed with this, they had better go harder and a bit darker.......just a bit.

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    Quote Originally Posted by REDHOT View Post
    I wonder who's playing Mary Wilson Florence Ballard,or Cindy Birdsong LOL,just kidding
    Please stay positive
    Mary could play herself based on how's she's looking today! LOL!

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    Quote Originally Posted by snakepit View Post
    Seen as they aren't on 75% of the DRATS records ...who cares?
    Please stay focussed
    Right because DRATS didn't get but 2 hits in 3 years or so, who does care?

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    Motown's Story was quite dramatic and if they plan to succeed with this, they had better go harder and a bit darker.......just a bit.[/QUOTE]

    Let's have a $5 bet on whether or not this is going to be a smash hit. I'm going with this one is going to be big!

    For you Marv.......you lived through the Kennedy Centre Award for Diana, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Diana from the Grammys, her guardianship of Michael's children..............you'll survive Motown: The Musical, even if Mary Wilson is relegated to one of the "others"; and it might happen.

    Mary seems to cope with it all so her fans can likely cope too.

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    Broadway Berry

    Quote Originally Posted by snakepit View Post
    I've seen Jersey Boys twice , it was fantastic from a musical point of view.But it also handled the drama, tragedy and darker side of the 4 Seasons story.
    I suspect that this Motown show will be dominated by Diana Ross,Smokey,Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Commodores and Jackson 5.[[with other artists featured).But the Motown Story? I doubt it.
    How much attention will Mary Wells get.........her records kept the company afloat.
    Again....writers, producers, arrangers. The Funk Bros, other key personnel..the people who actually made the music will be overlooked............I hope I'm wrong.
    Most UK members here have a wider spread of interest when it comes to Motown....we generally grew up with the lesser known artists receiving plays in youth clubs, discos etc.
    Isley Bros, Elgins, Marv Johnson, Jimmy Ruffin, Contours etc .alongside the majors.
    There was no National pop radio in the UK until late 1967. BBC was not known for playing Black Music.......it was very old fashioned in it's outlook.
    DRATS & Four Tops had some chart records in the 60's.1967 saw an interest in soul music...Otis Redding, Stax and Atlantic....flavour of the month stuff. But overall , until 1969, Motown/Soul music was not featured heavily on radio. We had no major media /culture interested in Motown...it was pretty specialised.
    We have shows such as "Dancing in the street" touring regularly [[A selection of Motown hits with a loose story).People enjoy them. Have a good time, bringing back memories. Nothing wrong with that, but I personally don't bother.
    IF this Broadway show is along similar lines I won't be interested.
    However, if it is similar to Jersey Boys [[where the audience might come away with a greater appreciation of the 'story' [[as best it can do in 2 hours) then I might.
    Okay…To Be Loved …allegedly a book that was personally written by Berry Gordy is taking Motown toBroadway for a quarter of a billion “Sony” dollars … there are a lot of folksin Detroit right now that could use a few of those corporate bucks for food fortheir kids…or maybe those corporate dollars mightactually benefit the Motown Museum and help it into becoming a better communitypartner for all its Motown alumni, their families and the entire Detroitcommunity.
    The point I’m going to make about Broadway Berry isthis: other than the “Motown Sound” and an entourage of newbies and wannabes hand-pickedby Gordy for their possible vocals/looks [[Ahem!) to impersonate a few Motown stars…what is the real difference between his ego inflated costly tribute show andthat of other tribute shows such as the links as listed below.
    A Motown tribute show is simplya tribute show no matter who puts it on … and as far as the dilapidatedMotown Museum legacyGordy left behind in Detroit … “Money” that’s what it needs as whatever moneycomes in has not really provided the amount of funding required for either themuseum’s upkeep, expansion or its outreach programs into the community… Itdoesn’t take much to discover the underbelly of any nonprofit. You just need to know where the paper skeletonsare buried and to follow the money walking out its door. How long has the museum been in existence? It can’t even keep its “piano” story straight.These are random thoughts …
    Personal note to Gordy: “Hey, BroadwayBerry … Break a Leg!”

    There is an entire world of these Motown Tributes usingsimilar Motown logos and impersonators… you would think that Motown would shutthese shows down … so why haven’t they?
    Motown, Motown Tribute, Motown Tribute Show, Motown TributeShows, Motown Tribute Acts, Available through Global Entertainment Associates copyright Motown Tribute Show 2012
    www.robbiewilliamstributeshows.comwww.michaelbubletributeshows.comwww.shirleybasseytributeshow.comwww.globalentertainmentassociates.co.uk

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    Sorry for the run together wording...not sure how I did that ...

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    Mirage

    Explain the quarter billion Sony dollars. With that, one would expect it won't be allowed to fail.

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    "what is the real difference between his ego inflated costly tribute show andthat of other tribute shows "

    I would say the major difference is that this is HIS life. He has the right to tell it regardless of how many others out there are telling his story- and think they know more about his life than he does. Haven't members of this forum been "discussing" for years how it isn't right for "tribute" groups to go out there and pretend? For example, with these fake Supreme groups, should Mary stop performing? Whats the difference between Mary singing "baby love" and a tribute group? The answer.... MARY Wilson- the real thing.

    So the key here is that, this is Berry Gordy's life. He can present it any way he wants. Doesn't matter what else is out there.

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    [QUOTE=jobeterob;123158]Let's have a $5 bet on whether or not this is going to be a smash hit. I'm going with this one is going to be big!

    For you Marv.......you lived through the Kennedy Centre Award for Diana, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Diana from the Grammys, her guardianship of Michael's children..............you'll survive Motown: The Musical, even if Mary Wilson is relegated to one of the "others"; and it might happen.

    Mary seems to cope with it all so her fans can likely cope too.
    QUOTE]



    No! I lived through the Kennedy Assasinations, the King Assasination, the Walk on the Moon, the deaths of my father and grandfather and 9/11 just to name a few! Whatever Diane Ross of the Supremes has been doing means nothing to me or anyone else in the big scheme of things. Mary is busy promoting her new recording and preparing for her new movie role. I am pretty sure she is not interested that much in any of this. Most likely none of the old Motown artists are thinking about it.
    Last edited by marv2; 09-11-2012 at 06:26 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by mirage View Post
    Okay…To Be Loved …allegedly a book that was personally written by Berry Gordy is taking Motown toBroadway for a quarter of a billion “Sony” dollars … there are a lot of folksin Detroit right now that could use a few of those corporate bucks for food fortheir kids…or maybe those corporate dollars mightactually benefit the Motown Museum and help it into becoming a better communitypartner for all its Motown alumni, their families and the entire Detroitcommunity.
    The point I’m going to make about Broadway Berry isthis: other than the “Motown Sound” and an entourage of newbies and wannabes hand-pickedby Gordy for their possible vocals/looks [[Ahem!) to impersonate a few Motown stars…what is the real difference between his ego inflated costly tribute show andthat of other tribute shows such as the links as listed below.
    A Motown tribute show is simplya tribute show no matter who puts it on … and as far as the dilapidatedMotown Museum legacyGordy left behind in Detroit … “Money” that’s what it needs as whatever moneycomes in has not really provided the amount of funding required for either themuseum’s upkeep, expansion or its outreach programs into the community… Itdoesn’t take much to discover the underbelly of any nonprofit. You just need to know where the paper skeletonsare buried and to follow the money walking out its door. How long has the museum been in existence? It can’t even keep its “piano” story straight.These are random thoughts …
    Personal note to Gordy: “Hey, BroadwayBerry … Break a Leg!”

    There is an entire world of these Motown Tributes usingsimilar Motown logos and impersonators… you would think that Motown would shutthese shows down … so why haven’t they?
    Motown, Motown Tribute, Motown Tribute Show, Motown TributeShows, Motown Tribute Acts, Available through Global Entertainment Associates copyright Motown Tribute Show 2012
    www.robbiewilliamstributeshows.comwww.michaelbubletributeshows.comwww.shirleybasseytributeshow.comwww.globalentertainmentassociates.co.uk
    Great post Mirage! Thank you for saying what had to be said!

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    Quote Originally Posted by jobeterob View Post
    Mirage

    Explain the quarter billion Sony dollars. With that, one would expect it won't be allowed to fail.
    Fail? Who is this play targeted to? Who is it's potential audience?

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    This will be a home run using the original music, aimed at the masses ~ just like Motown in its heyday.

    But ya, it's going to burn a few people; the ones that didn't get touched by the golden goose; the ones with mortgages and that got left behind; some of them have coped well and been very happy and you won't hear from them; and others have lashed out here and there and perhaps might again. As usual, not much attention will be paid to them. Very much like the fans.........the odd lashing out and whining; people smirk and pay them no attention.

    This isn't something for a hardcore fan; it is something for everyone.

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    Quote Originally Posted by jobeterob View Post
    This will be a home run using the original music, aimed at the masses ~ just like Motown in its heyday.

    But ya, it's going to burn a few people; the ones that didn't get touched by the golden goose; the ones with mortgages and that got left behind; some of them have coped well and been very happy and you won't hear from them; and others have lashed out here and there and perhaps might again. As usual, not much attention will be paid to them. Very much like the fans.........the odd lashing out and whining; people smirk and pay them no attention.

    This isn't something for a hardcore fan; it is something for everyone.
    Possibly a short version of Berry’s life: Motor City Berry takes his Detroit millionaire-madeand paid for limo from “Hitsville USA” [[leaving behind his beautiful museum legacyminus its real “piano” for the City of Detroit not to enjoy) before he skips town to move to LA with his “selectstars” and evolve into Movie Mogul Berry…then he gets back into his now-Sony chauffeureddriven limo and is driven across the countryand arrives in the “Big Apple” and changes his moniker to Broadway Berry [[2013)… quite a love story that he tells HIS way. The Motown music might play on …the “His” story simply has more holes in it than the Titanic did … beforeit hit the iceberg.
    Exactly what [[dare I say who) did the Motown 50 Galabenefit? And what happened to theDetroit Gala where invitations were sent out and where Sir Paul with theinfamous Motown piano was to appear … now it is $10,000 for a NYC ticket to seeSir Paul and Broadway Berry tickle less than the piano ivories that were to berestored … for the rundown legacy heleft behind in Detroit City. Did I missanything in HIS story? I can always do a rewrite.

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    Quote Originally Posted by mirage View Post
    Possibly a short version of Berry’s life: Motor City Berry takes his Detroit millionaire-madeand paid for limo from “Hitsville USA” [[leaving behind his beautiful museum legacyminus its real “piano” for the City of Detroit not to enjoy) before he skips town to move to LA with his “selectstars” and evolve into Movie Mogul Berry…then he gets back into his now-Sony chauffeureddriven limo and is driven across the countryand arrives in the “Big Apple” and changes his moniker to Broadway Berry [[2013)… quite a love story that he tells HIS way. The Motown music might play on …the “His” story simply has more holes in it than the Titanic did … beforeit hit the iceberg.
    Exactly what [[dare I say who) did the Motown 50 Galabenefit? And what happened to theDetroit Gala where invitations were sent out and where Sir Paul with theinfamous Motown piano was to appear … now it is $10,000 for a NYC ticket to seeSir Paul and Broadway Berry tickle less than the piano ivories that were to berestored … for the rundown legacy heleft behind in Detroit City. Did I missanything in HIS story? I can always do a rewrite.
    Then it is safe to assume you won't be seeing Berry Gordy's Motown on Broadway?

    You seem to have a lot of animosity towards Mr. Gordy. Did he do something personal to you mirage?

    Best wishes,

    Roberta

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    Quote Originally Posted by Roberta75 View Post
    Then it is safe to assume you won't be seeing Berry Gordy's Motown on Broadway?

    You seem to have a lot of animosity towards Mr. Gordy. Did he do something personal to you mirage?

    Best wishes,

    Roberta

    Well a lot of people were left behind Roberta; and the golden goose of Richard Pryor fame did not benefit all.

    But this is not that story. And Berry's story again has hit potential.

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    Quote Originally Posted by jobeterob View Post
    Well a lot of people were left behind Roberta; and the golden goose of Richard Pryor fame did not benefit all.

    But this is not that story. And Berry's story again has hit potential.
    __________________________________________________ _______

    May I call you Robert so as not to offend Roberta … It is not Berry's story that is the hit … it'sthe Motown music; not the man. A man does cut out on his family by packing his bags and running away; he does not ignore his responsibilities or turn his back on friends. Respect is what a man earns by honoring his word and seeking justice. Gordy left the city of Detroit and didn't even bother to turn off the light; he let it burn out. Gordy's story plays out like every other ethically bankrupt person who makes money and forgets his past by reinventing himself and his lifestyle. Is Gordy's story complicated...hell no. Is his legacy to Detroit something to be proud of ... well...go visit the place if it is still standing in a few years.

    You know Robert... maybe it's about time someone does the right thing by not calling Mr. Gordy ... Mr. Gordy … that is until he earns the title.

    Detroit may not be LA or NYC ... but it is a community with a very big heart and a whole lot of soul. It deserves better than an old run-down music museum with a few lights on that will be housing a refurbished second tier piano. Even though I may be in NYC; I will not be attending the $10,000 a ticket NYC piano benefit. I’drather donate $10,000 to the victims of the economy in Detroit. Maybe the museum could be turned into a homeless shelter …at least itwould get some use.

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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2;123190
    Mary seems to cope with it all so her fans can likely cope too.
    QUOTE



    No! I lived through the Kennedy Assasinations, the King Assasination, the Walk on the Moon, the deaths of my father and grandfather and 9/11 just to name a few! Whatever Diane Ross of the Supremes has been doing means nothing to me or anyone else in the big scheme of things. Mary is busy promoting her new recording and preparing for her new movie role. I am pretty sure she is not interested that much in any of this. Most likely none of the old Motown artists are thinking about it.
    Just curious....
    Is there another famous Diana Ross [[Diane, to her friends, so although you appear to mask your relationship with words, the title says that you must consider her a friend) not of the Supremes?
    And why then do you assume that Mary of the Supremes [[whom I love as I do Diana & all the Supremes) means something to anyone else in the big scheme of things just because her recent projects have been announced online?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Roberta75 View Post
    Then it is safe to assume you won't be seeing Berry Gordy's Motown on Broadway?

    You seem to have a lot of animosity towards Mr. Gordy. Did he do something personal to you mirage?

    Best wishes,

    Roberta
    It's safe to assume, it's probably none of your business. Mirage has a right to his or her opinions just like all of us............

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    Quote Originally Posted by carole cucumber View Post
    just curious....
    Is there another famous diana ross [[diane, to her friends, so although you appear to mask your relationship with words, the title says that you must consider her a friend) not of the supremes?
    And why then do you assume that mary of the supremes [[whom i love as i do diana & all the supremes) means something to anyone else in the big scheme of things just because her recent projects have been announced online?
    huh?????????????????????

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    From reading the posts in this thread, it seems as though many of you are expecting this to be some kind of documentary on the life of Berry, Motown and its stars. Well, it won't be that. It'll be a biographical musical. I love them, but if I am looking for the real facts, I'll watch a PBS documentary or read a biography of the celebrity. On Broadway, GYPSY, EVITA, & JOLSON re-arrange, alter, and embellish the lives of Gypsy Rose Lee, Evita Peron, and Al Jolson. In JOLSON, they took three of his wives and combined them into one wife. CHAPLIN opened yesterday. Charlie Chaplin was very egotistical, domineering, nasty man in real life. I saw very little of that in the musical. Instead, the musical gave a rounded, thoughtful interpretation of Charlie Chaplin. It celebrates Charlie Chaplin by using all the show biz cliches. I suspect the Motown Musical will do the same with Gordy. Nevertheless , I enjoyed Chaplin and will probably love Motown The Musical because I love Motown and Broadway.

    I also hope that one day there will be a documentary about Motown on PBS or somewhere else, but those people who go to see this musical will be disappointed if they are expecting to see a documentary instead of a few hours of entertainment.

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    Quote Originally Posted by milven View Post
    From reading the posts in this thread, it seems as though many of you are expecting this to be some kind of documentary on the life of Berry, Motown and its stars. Well, it won't be that. It'll be a biographical musical. I love them, but if I am looking for the real facts, I'll watch a PBS documentary or read a biography of the celebrity. On Broadway, GYPSY, EVITA, & JOLSON re-arrange, alter, and embellish the lives of Gypsy Rose Lee, Evita Peron, and Al Jolson. In JOLSON, they took three of his wives and combined them into one wife. CHAPLIN opened yesterday. Charlie Chaplin was very egotistical, domineering, nasty man in real life. I saw very little of that in the musical. Instead, the musical gave a rounded, thoughtful interpretation of Charlie Chaplin. It celebrates Charlie Chaplin by using all the show biz cliches. I suspect the Motown Musical will do the same with Gordy. Nevertheless , I enjoyed Chaplin and will probably love Motown The Musical because I love Motown and Broadway.

    I also hope that one day there will be a documentary about Motown on PBS or somewhere else, but those people who go to see this musical will be disappointed if they are expecting to see a documentary instead of a few hours of entertainment.
    If there ever is a documentary made about Motown, I hope it is done by the Canadian Broadcasting Company [[the CBC!). They are experts! They have produced some of the most compelling documentaries I've seen in the last 20 years and they've done so in a very short period of time.

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    Hey Mirage

    You may be entirely right about Berry Gordy. I have no issue assuming for the time being you are right.

    But buying into all of that, it has nothing to do with his Broadway show.

    Perhaps it shouldnt be a hit because of some of his ethics; perhaps it shouldn't be a hit because it will not call by name the Vandellas, the Andantes, the Supremes etc., other than by their group name, because it will not name any producers etc.

    But it WILL be...............because it's about the music and a time and some few people that were very successful. And the world WILL want to hear that music and a happy show.

    I'm sure the story of Columbia, Epic, Chess, Stax, RCA, and all the others has some immoral, unethical, sad moments too; and I'm sure Berry Gordy stepped on some toes, crapped on others, kicked lazy asses, and even did not pay money that by today's standards now is regarded as unfair ~ but none of that will make any difference to the success of this musical.

    And I also see that this will rub salt in a few wounds. I'm sorry to see and hear that and I believe some of you. And I don't know why Berry would want to wash Detroit out of his blood. But he is getting to be an old man who likely only bothers focussing on a few things.

    This has HIT written all over it.

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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    If there ever is a documentary made about Motown, I hope it is done by the Canadian Broadcasting Company [[the CBC!). They are experts! They have produced some of the most compelling documentaries I've seen in the last 20 years and they've done so in a very short period of time.
    Someone posted a link on this board to the CBC 5 part documentary of the record industry called Twilight of the Gods. It was terrific and worth listening to twice. If it is any indication of their capabilities of producing informative documentaries, I'd love to see them do one on Motown too.

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    Quote Originally Posted by milven View Post
    Someone posted a link on this board to the CBC 5 part documentary of the record industry called Twilight of the Gods. It was terrific and worth listening to twice. If it is any indication of their capabilities of producing informative documentaries, I'd love to see them do one on Motown too.
    If you ever get the opportunity you should check out the daily TV program "DOCs" on the CBC. Some pretty amazing stuff they produce. I get to see it mostly when I am back home on holidays.

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    It's going to be a huge smash that will run for years, tourists from all over America and the world will flock to this, jukebox musical, which is what it is; they'll hear the songs live, with a thunderous orchestra and background singing that will equal The Andantes times one thousand...
    they don't care about the drama, or who got slighted, they will come to admire Berry Gordy for building and running a company, against all odds, and creating the biggest star of the 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond...*****DIANA ROSS****!...can't WAIT for the soundtrack CD!!

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jimi LaLumia View Post
    It's going to be a huge smash that will run for years, tourists from all over America and the world will flock to this, jukebox musical, which is what it is; they'll hear the songs live, with a thunderous orchestra and background singing that will equal The Andantes times one thousand...
    they don't care about the drama, or who got slighted, they will come to admire Berry Gordy for building and running a company, against all odds, and creating the biggest star of the 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond...*****DIANA ROSS****!...can't WAIT for the soundtrack CD!!
    BAM! "tourists from all over America and the world will flock to this......" Thank you! That is who this play is targeted! The same people that the Mayor of New York has turned Times Square into "Disneyland" for. Of course they don't care about the drama, [[the Civil Rights Movement, etc). They never care about African American History. They just want the "ice cream" , to be entertained and screw the truth. If they don't already admire Berry Gordy or Diana Ross, I highly doubt that a Broadway Play is going to change reputations, opinions or FACTS that are already out there. I can not imagine wanting a soundtrack CD of unknown singers singing old Motown songs that I've heard all of my life.

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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    BAM! "tourists from all over America and the world will flock to this......" Thank you! That is who this play is targeted! The same people that the Mayor of New York has turned Times Square into "Disneyland" for. Of course they don't care about the drama, [[the Civil Rights Movement, etc). They never care about African American History.
    As a New Yorker, I'd rather walk down a Disneyfied 42d Street than be hustled by pimps , prostitutes, hustlers, porn shops, etc. There are plenty of plays on Broadway - and off Broadway, about civil rights. Have you seen any of the August Wilson plays? THURGOOD ? The recently closed CLYBOURNE PARK? There is still plenty of good drama on Broadway. And yes, it is a business. So they do try to get the tourist too and and cater to them. [[sometimes, maybe too much) MOTOWN THE MUSICAL may be one of them. And by definition, a musical is usually light. If it is done right, there will be some drama. But, with Berry in charge, the drama that some Motown fans want to see, probably will not be there. All we can do is speculate. But there is no need to downgrade the Broadway theatre or Broadway enthusiasts in order to speculate on how good or how bad Motown Musical will be. There is plenty of good stuff on the Great White Way and ,if you search, off-Broadway has many gems too.

    And there is no need to worry about wanting a soundtrack CD of unknown singers singing old Motown songs. There won't be a soundtrack CD unless and until they make a movie of it. And that movie will probably be cast with well known young singers. It is possible that they will release and an original cast recording of the Broadway musical if it is a hit. If they do, I will also put it on my list of CD's not to get. I rather listen to the real thing. I also do not have the original cast recording of Jersey Boys. The real Four Seasons are so much better. Just sayin'.

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    I don't understand the things that some are saying about this musical when it hasn't even been previewed yet. No one knows what will or wont be in this musical. I have a feeling that if in the clip the other day of them singing "Get Ready/Dancing in the Streets" they had some pretty young singer sing "Pretty Baby" or "Buttered Popcorn" their views would be totally different.

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    ....and also, this musical is NOT about Diana Ross.

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    Quote Originally Posted by skooldem1 View Post
    ....and also, this musical is NOT about Diana Ross.
    Everything is about Diane Ross for marv2. LOL

    Roberta

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    Quote Originally Posted by milven View Post
    As a New Yorker, I'd rather walk down a Disneyfied 42d Street than be hustled by pimps , prostitutes, hustlers, porn shops, etc. There are plenty of plays on Broadway - and off Broadway, about civil rights. Have you seen any of the August Wilson plays? THURGOOD ? The recently closed CLYBOURNE PARK? There is still plenty of good drama on Broadway. And yes, it is a business. So they do try to get the tourist too and and cater to them. [[sometimes, maybe too much) MOTOWN THE MUSICAL may be one of them. And by definition, a musical is usually light. If it is done right, there will be some drama. But, with Berry in charge, the drama that some Motown fans want to see, probably will not be there. All we can do is speculate. But there is no need to downgrade the Broadway theatre or Broadway enthusiasts in order to speculate on how good or how bad Motown Musical will be. There is plenty of good stuff on the Great White Way and ,if you search, off-Broadway has many gems too.

    And there is no need to worry about wanting a soundtrack CD of unknown singers singing old Motown songs. There won't be a soundtrack CD unless and until they make a movie of it. And that movie will probably be cast with well known young singers. It is possible that they will release and an original cast recording of the Broadway musical if it is a hit. If they do, I will also put it on my list of CD's not to get. I rather listen to the real thing. I also do not have the original cast recording of Jersey Boys. The real Four Seasons are so much better. Just sayin'.
    You want Disneyland, that's your perogative. Yes I saw several of August Wilson's plays back in the 80's.

    No drama, no truth, no me!

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    Quote Originally Posted by Roberta75 View Post
    Everything is about Diane Ross for marv2. LOL

    Roberta
    Go back and read your Bible and then come back and tell me what it says about lying!

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    To clarify my point, IF this show is just like a tribute show , with a cast of singers and dancers performing the big hits, then I probably won't bother getting tickets when I'm there.
    However, IF there is some 'believeable' back story , preferably with a nod to some important background people , and some true facts built in [[I once again I refer to the Jersey Boys) then I might reconsider.
    BTW any New Yorker on here recommend a good CD shop for 60s/70s Soul Music NY?

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    Yes, we should all go because we all love Motown.

    Yes, Diana, Berry, Smokey, Stevie will go; as will Martha, Mary & Cindy, the Andantes, HDH etc.

    Yes, it will be about the music and there will be a story line.

    Yes, it will be a hit.

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    I hope that those in charge go to see JERSEY BOYS and try to emulate what it has done. . There seems to be a lot of speculation in our posts as to what will and what won't be in this show. At this point, we don't even know the time line of the book. It may end before artists like the Jackson 5 or the replacement Supremes even arrive. My guess is that artists that will be spotlighted are Smokey ,Martha, the Marvelettes, Diana, Mary Wells, Marvin, possibly David and Eddie. Having sat through over 1000 Broadway productions, I am assuming that some chorus people will be playing multiple parts. So the same actor may appear as a Supreme, a Marvelette, a Vandella, a Miracle and also sing background behind Mary Wells, Marvin or Stevie.

    Having said that, some people on this board will be better off not going to this because it will not meet their expectations

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    The bottom line is: this is Mr. Gordy's "Motown"; Diana Ross has had her chance to tell her story, Mary Wilson has had her chance to tell her story, Martha Reeves has had her chance to tell her story, Otis Williams has had his chance to tell his story. There are numerous books on Florence Ballard, The Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, the Andantes, the Marvelettes, and an upcoming book on Mary Wells.

    This show is intended for a broad audience, not just Motown fans. Naturally there will be omissions. And for the know-it-alls, there will be factual errors. But this is Broadway, baby!

    My opinion is that the main focus will be on Diana and Michael. Naturally, you'll have Marvin, Smokey, maybe even Lionel. I'm sure that the Supremes, the Vandellas and the Marvelettes, along with the Tempts and the Tops will be represented, but as I mentioned above, this is going to come out the way Berry wants it to. And in through his eyes, we all know how the story goes and the story ends.

    But for the audience they are hoping to reach, it will be more about the music than who created it.

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    Quote Originally Posted by marybrewster View Post
    The bottom line is: this is Mr. Gordy's "Motown"; Diana Ross has had her chance to tell her story, Mary Wilson has had her chance to tell her story, Martha Reeves has had her chance to tell her story, Otis Williams has had his chance to tell his story. There are numerous books on Florence Ballard, The Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, the Andantes, the Marvelettes, and an upcoming book on Mary Wells.

    This show is intended for a broad audience, not just Motown fans. Naturally there will be omissions. And for the know-it-alls, there will be factual errors. But this is Broadway, baby!

    My opinion is that the main focus will be on Diana and Michael. Naturally, you'll have Marvin, Smokey, maybe even Lionel. I'm sure that the Supremes, the Vandellas and the Marvelettes, along with the Tempts and the Tops will be represented, but as I mentioned above, this is going to come out the way Berry wants it to. And in through his eyes, we all know how the story goes and the story ends.

    But for the audience they are hoping to reach, it will be more about the music than who created it.
    Well said marybrewster. You are the voice of reason.

    Best personal regards.

    Roberta

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    Quote Originally Posted by jobeterob View Post
    Hey Mirage

    You may be entirely right about Berry Gordy. I have no issue assuming for the time being you are right.

    But buying into all of that, it has nothing to do with his Broadway show.

    Perhaps it shouldnt be a hit because of some of his ethics; perhaps it shouldn't be a hit because it will not call by name the Vandellas, the Andantes, the Supremes etc., other than by their group name, because it will not name any producers etc.

    But it WILL be...............because it's about the music and a time and some few people that were very successful. And the world WILL want to hear that music and a happy show.

    I'm sure the story of Columbia, Epic, Chess, Stax, RCA, and all the others has some immoral, unethical, sad moments too; and I'm sure Berry Gordy stepped on some toes, crapped on others, kicked lazy asses, and even did not pay money that by today's standards now is regarded as unfair ~ but none of that will make any difference to the success of this musical.

    And I also see that this will rub salt in a few wounds. I'm sorry to see and hear that and I believe some of you. And I don't know why Berry would want to wash Detroit out of his blood. But he is getting to be an old man who likely only bothers focussing on a few things.

    This has HIT written all over it.
    __________________________________________________ ____
    Broadway Berry’sMotown tribute show will be successful because it immortalizes the MotownSound; not the man. Snippets of Gordy’slife from his “To Be Loved” book …are supposedly going to play into his tribute show – soit’s a tribute show with a “Mr. Gordy’s” spin. Fact is HIS spin is quite the story-telling.
    Deep-pocket Sony execs know that this tribute show will makethem money.
    As far as Gordy … and his clinging coat tail disciples …what more can you say about former deadbeat Detroiters who grace their formerhometown only when American Idol comes knocking or to raise fast cash for allthe Motown Historical Museum’s non-upgrades and updates. When is the last time the Museum actually providedsomething noteworthy to its community through any kind of major outreach programming? Maybe the museum can open up as a soupkitchen or Goodwill store … at least it will return something to Detroiters.
    Let’s see $10,000 per ticket for the martini crowd to listento McCartney/Gordy [[NYC) in their second-hand piano debut … how much of that “cash”will actually make it back to the dilapidated museum coffers since their piano fundraiserfizzled. Cheers!
    The “Hitsville” story may yet unfold as who knows what financialledgers, documents, files and “certain” links to “certain” individuals andpersonal notes were left behind in an unlocked, abandoned building by theMotown entourage who didn’t even bother to say a proper Goodbye Detroit beforeblowing town. Truth is always the best defense.
    As far as Broadway Gordy’s bright lights, every Motown fanloves a tribute show no matter where it plays or who the unknown performersmight be. It’s the music! And music makes money. I do hope that many Motown alumni [[other thanthose mentioned) that are still living and were part of building Motown withGordy in those early days are granted a personal invite by Mr. Gordy to attendthe premiere. It is the right thing todo and maybe the least he can do for a bunch of kids who are now all grown-up. What say you … Mr. Gordy? Is it worth your effort to hand out a fewmore tickets?
    Will it be a hit? Guess by Sony standards … It will be.


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    http://music.cbc.ca/#/blogs/2012/6/T...rding-industry

    That should be the link to the CBC Documentary on the recording industry.

    The last show talks about the screwing over that even Michael Jackson got at his peak from Sony and all the costs, charges, research fees etc., they were recovering from him and how he might have decided for a while never to record for them again.

    And now they have nothing to sell because nobody under 30 will pay for music anymore unless it's at a concert.

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