Motown Musical: Official Thread

**skooldem1** · 03-11-2013, 08:32 PM

Today is the day that the Motown Musical opens for previews on Broadway. Please post any pictures or reviews that you come across.

smark21 · 03-11-2013, 09:45 PM

Here's a message board thread on Motown the Musical at broadway.com.

http://broadwayworld.com/board/readm...=1057480&dt=30

**Roberta75** · 03-11-2013, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by smark21

Here's a message board thread on Motown the Musical at broadway.com.

http://broadwayworld.com/board/readm...=1057480&dt=30

Is it mostly homosexual gentlemen that posts on the broadwayworld website smark21? My homosexual nephew and his friends and my homosexual coworkers and friends are real real knowledeable when it come to Broadway plays. I'm going to recomend this site to them. The funny thing is my lesbian lady friends could care less about Broadway musicals.

Yours, with every good wish.

Roberta

**milven** · 03-11-2013, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by Roberta75

Is it mostly homosexual gentlemen that posts on the broadwayworld website smark21? My homosexual nephew and his friends and my homosexual coworkers and friends are real real knowledeable when it come to Broadway plays. I'm going to recomend this site to them. The funny thing is my lesbian lady friends could care less about Broadway musicals.

Yours, with every good wish.

Roberta

I'm perplexed by your question. Is your belief that only homosexual gentlemen are interested in theater? I don't dare ask what your conclusion is about people who like watermellon?

**Roberta75** · 03-11-2013, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by milven

I'm perplexed by your question. Is your belief that only homosexual gentlemen are interested in theater? I don't dare ask what your conclusion is about people who like watermellon?

Oh I dont mean to offend abyone Milvin so please forgive me as that wasnt my intent i was only asking if it was a website for homosexual gentlemen so I could recomend it to my homosexual nephew and my homosexual gentlemen friends. The homosexual gentlemen that I know sure know a lot about musical theater and I maen that as a compliment.

That said however your watermellon comment could be misconstrud as real insulting.

Roberta

SupremeBoy · 03-12-2013, 02:25 PM

I'm on BWW and both straight and gay theater lovers post.

**milven** · 03-11-2013, 11:09 PM

Both the watermelon and the theatre comment can be construed as insulting. That is the point that I was making. Most of the audience in a Broadway Theatre is not gay. And not all gay people like theatre. I realize that you were not trying to offend anyone.

Back on topic, tomorrow UMG is releasing a CD of the music that inspired MOTOWN THE MUSICAL. And they are also releasing a two CD deluxe version.

I think the musical only covers the first 25 years of Motown

**Roberta75** · 03-11-2013, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by milven

Both the watermelon and the theatre comment can be construed as insulting. That is the point that I was making. Most of the audience in a Broadway Theatre is not gay. And not all gay people like theatre. I realize that you were not trying to offend anyone.

Back on topic, tomorrow UMG is releasing a CD of the music that inspired MOTOWN THE MUSICAL. And they are also releasing a two CD deluxe version.

I think the musical only covers the first 25 years of Motown

Thank you as i was never meant to insult anyone so I am real happy we are ok and not insulted or offended.

Im looking forward to hearing from folks who go see the Motown musical this week.

Fondly.

Roberta

**willtomb** · 03-22-2013, 04:07 PM

if you had actually read what I wrote ...I said I loved all the supremes and was not fanning any flames its people like you who fan the flames because someone dared to dsay something about ONE of them ....you need to grow up[

**144man** · 03-22-2013, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by willtomb

if you had actually read what I wrote ...I said I loved all the supremes and was not fanning any flames its people like you who fan the flames because someone dared to dsay something about ONE of them ....you need to grow up[

I don't see Carole's post as being particularly confrontational. Anyone who posts here on Supremes' topics [[and this isn't even a Supremes' thread) are advised to tread carefully and to develop a thick skin.

**milven** · 03-11-2013, 11:48 PM

Yes, we are okay

I am looking forward to reading what the professional critics say when it opens next month. As a Motown lover, I am going with a positive attitude and expect to enjoy it

**Roberta75** · 03-11-2013, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by milven

Yes, we are okay

I am looking forward to reading what the professional critics say when it opens next month. As a Motown lover, I am going with a positive attitude and expect to enjoy it

Here is something to tease you until then Milven.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertain...icle-1.1283363

smark21 · 03-12-2013, 07:59 AM

Here's a more succinct report from someone who attended [[though they're wrong about the understudy--it was the Berry Gordy kid understudy, not the adult understudy, who was on stage last night).

Saw the first preview tonight. I don't know which part is worse:

The 3-hour running time;
The 20-minute intermission;
The participative audience that sang along all throughout the show;
The disruptive audience who couldn't hold there bladder [[I stopped counting at 20 who stood up);
The engaged audience talking back to the actors;
The drinking, eating and texting audience;
The lack/missed lighting spots;
The lack of artistic recreation of events;
The mediocre actors [[the Berry Gordy understudy went on for the lead);
OR
The terrible writing, throwing everything like it's a Spanish omelet. It's suppose to be good, no need for extra ingredients. The music is heavenly. Just tell the story as it is.

Plus side: great costumes and set design.

smark21 · 03-12-2013, 07:53 AM

Here are the comments of someone who attended last night's show at the broadway message board:

I'm just getting home from Motown; the show got out at 11:05 and could do with a little trimming. I think it would be unfair to say it's bad or awful, and while I certainly wouldn't call it well-crafted, it does have some things going for it.

For the record Morgan James is just fine in a handful of roles. I just couldn't resist reminding us of her tweets during Shakespeare in the Park. Well, Motown isn't Sondheim and it sure ain't Shakespeare neither! Maybe she should keep in mind something from her previous Broadway credit: Those who exalt themselves shall be humbled, and those who humble themselves shall be exalted.

But back to Motown. The good is that these people can sing and dance their asses off, and they keep the energy level at a 10 for the entire show. When the production focuses on the songs it can explode- numbers like Dancing in the Street and the Jackson Five sequences had the crowd going wild.

If I counted correctly the show lists SIXTY-FIVE numbers in the song list. Many of the songs are only performed for about 90 seconds, but still it's a lot of material to get through. I realize they have such a crazy catalog to pick from, but it's too much. Plus when you hear so many songs it just makes the show feel so damn long.

I like they didn't skimp on ensemble members. Still, like in Baby, It's You everyone plays four different roles. There are costume and wig changes galore. In fact it often feels like Baby, It's You, but with more money, actual sets instead of cheap projections, better choreography, slicker direction and no Beth.

The book is really atrocious and took some balls to write. It really is the greatest love letter to oneself that you can imagine. Even Yoko didn't go this far giving herself sainthood in Lennon. The story is framed by Motown's 25th anniversary and Berry doesn't want to go to the party. All the people that he helped create, all the stars who he gave his blood, sweat and tears to have all left him. They were ungrateful for all the hard work he did. Why should he celebrate?

We then go back to 1938 and watch his story unfold. He grows up and discovers act after act. Turning each one into a star and growing Motown into the greatest record company in the history of the universe. It becomes a parade of acts with zero character development, save Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson. Pretty much everyone else shows up, but they are trotted out like a pageant show and then whisked off just as easily.

Amusingly the audience gave entrance applause for each act as if the real artist was there performing. The guy who played Stevie Wonder had a knockout voice, but I don't think he uttered a line of dialogue.

I liked Valisia LeKae who played Ross. I thought she really had her down and looked great in the costumes and wigs.

Brandon Victor Dixon was in superb voice, but despite the heavy stage time didn't have much to work with.

I guess the overall feeling of the show was like watching an American Idol results show that was in tribute to Berry Gordy. Seacrest would narrate about all the accomplishments Gordy had achieved and the cast of idol hopefuls would perform choreographed medleys and encourage the audience to get on their feet and sing along. [[Yes there is audience participation, and yes you do get to sing along with Diana!)

I guess the biggest disappointment is with all ego and trite dialogue in the book, the show is somehow able to emerge completely camp free.

Frankly I think they should scrap the book [[that'll never happen) and just perform the numbers Smokey Joe's Cafe style. It doesn't matter though because I think this will be a big hit and run for a year or two. The critics can try to rip it to shreds if they want, but I don't think it will matter. It's got too much energy and delivers the catalog which, I assume, is what the audience wants.

**Penny** · 03-12-2013, 08:59 AM

Oh no does this mean this musical might not make it? I hope they still have time to fix the bad parts.

Penny

**REDHOT** · 03-12-2013, 10:19 AM

Thanks Roberta for sharing this review with us,i can't wait to see it,
Please stay positive

revvy · 03-12-2013, 11:25 AM

I'm in NYC right now, folks, and I'm telling you there are promotions for this show all over the city. I'm seeing it tomorrow night and will report the good, the bad and the ugly to you all here on the forum. So they are saying this a high-priced "Baby It's You", eh? I saw that show and it was pretty good, but it moved way too fast and obviously wasn't a high-budget production. Even Jersey Boys made several changes to the original production in La Jolla before it ever came to Broadway. I'm sure the powers that be will make some major changes to Motown at it will be just fine. It has to go through growing pains like any other creative endeavor. Remember even the Supremes were raw in their infancy. Keep the faith and hold on to the vision!

**dba** · 03-12-2013, 01:52 PM

Folks keep in mind that the show does not officially open till April 14th. Giving them ample time to tinker, shorter, tighten etc. This is why shows have previews to perfect them. I doubt when this officially opens it will be longer than 2.5 hours with an intermission break.

**David J** · 03-13-2013, 06:15 AM

‘Motown: the Musical’ star Valisia LeKae strikes a pose as Diana Ross in exclusive Daily News photo

Broadway previews start Monday in show about the life of record-industry pioneer Berry Gordy

Comments [[1) By Joe Dziemianowicz / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Published: Monday, March 11, 2013, 6:00 AM

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertain...#ixzz2NPhLF2gU

**milven** · 03-13-2013, 11:27 AM

I got to see a preview of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL last night. We loved it and so did the audience. I don’t know what the critics will think. I was watching it as a fan, not a critic. It again ended at 11:05 so some trimming will have to be done before the official opening. It has over sixty songs in it [[mostly snippets) so some of them can be eliminated.

The musical opens with a rehearsal of Motown 25. Then it moves to Berry’s home where Suzanne is trying to convince Berry to attend. Then there is a flashback to Berry’s youth which tells his story of working on Ford assembly line, boxing, writing for Jackie Wilson, starting his own company etc. And the love story of Diana and Berry...

There are three new songs in the show. Two of them were terrific, “It’s In the Groove That Counts” and “Hail to the Beat”.

It’s amazing that they could tell a twenty five year history of Motown between songs in such a short period of time. I was able to follow it, but I wonder if the non-Motown fan could. To me there were unnecessary parts that could have been eliminated, like some segment with Doris Day and another with Tony Bennett.. Those segments were just ego trips for Berry Gordy.

In a post above, it was suggested that they scrap the book and just do the songs as they did in SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ. I disagree. I say get rid of some of the songs, get rid of some of the Berry ego trips in the book and make the book a little stronger.

Brandon Victor Dixon, who played Berry Gordy has a terrific voice.
Michael Jackson was played by the understudy last night and Monday night. My guess is he will get the part permanently . He was terrific.

It was Berry’s idea for Diana to do a waltz record for her solo debut. Diana was against it. Her solo debut was not selling out and it showed how Berry gave torn twenty dollars bills to people on the street with the promise of getting the other half after they attend Diana’s show. They showed the Diana character singing Reach Out and Touch. She had a little trouble getting the Broadway audience to participate because theatre has an impenetrable invisible fourth wall. When the audience realized that it was okay, they participated, she reached over the lights and shook hands with an audience member in the first row and then brought her up on stage to sing with her. The Diana character was taken aback at how well the audience member sounded.

The Motown songs were at their best when they were used to move the book along. Diana and Berry sang YOU’RE ALL I NEED. When Diana told Berry that she was offered a multi million dollar deal with RCA, they sang REMEMBER ME to each other.

The show progressed and finished where it started, with MOTOWN 25. Diana character looked exactly like the real Diana at Motown 25 with the same outfit and hair style. Just like the real Diana , she made her entrance from the back of the theatre and walked down the isle to the stage. Mary was there with her red outfit and Cindy with her white outfit. But there was no SOMEDAY segment or drama. Diana sang Ain't No Mountain and the other Motown singers gathered on stage and joined in. Then Diana gave her “it’s not who leaves but who comes back” speech and called Berry on stage. She said to him, no matter where you are, no matter how far, I’ll be there in a hurry , on that you can depend and never worry” [[I thought that was corny)

I watched it as a fan of the music and of theatre and not a critic. I am sure that some changes will be made before the official opening. I attended the show for a good time and a good feeling. In that the show succeeded. I hope the critics are kind. I intend to see it again after it officially opens.

**LuvHangOva** · 03-13-2013, 12:08 PM

Thanks for the insight... Now I'm even more excited about the show!! So awesome that they're using "Remember Me" at that point in the show. Never was my favorite Diana song but the lyrics in this context should have a stunning effect on the theatre audience. I also suspect "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" will have a huge emotional impact if the rest of the story leading up to it does it's job. I can just imagine Diana delivering the "If you need me, call me..." lines directly to Berry and that leading into a grand finale chorus with all the cast onstage for the climactic faux Motown 25 scene. Hello goosebumps!!

**jobeterob** · 03-13-2013, 11:36 AM

Awesome; sounds good to me. I would love to see it.

**thisoldheart** · 03-13-2013, 12:59 PM

sounds like the mess i expected ... april seems seem awfully near to correct the entire premise of the play. good luck, rewriting team ...

by the way ... are h/d/h in the play?

**jillfoster** · 03-13-2013, 01:06 PM

So in the finale, they have "Diana", "Mary", and "Cindy" all singing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"?

**milven** · 03-13-2013, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by jillfoster

So in the finale, they have "Diana", "Mary", and "Cindy" all singing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"?

No Supreme Reunion at all. Just the entire cast on stage, including Mary and Cindy with Diana singing Mountain and calling Berry on stage from the audience.

**Roberta75** · 03-13-2013, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by milven

No Supreme Reunion at all. Just the entire cast on stage, including Mary and Cindy with Diana singing Mountain and calling Berry on stage from the audience.

Who play the first Lady of Motown Records Dr Martha Reeves Milven and does Martha have a big part. I sure hope so.

Fondly,

Roberta

**milven** · 03-13-2013, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by Roberta75

Who play the first Lady of Motown Records Dr Martha Reeves Milven and does Martha have a big part. I sure hope so.

Fondly,

Roberta

The play used ensemble players for Martha and the Vandellas. They played various roles. They sang but did not speak.

The main cast was Berry, Diana, Smokey and Marvin.

Ensemble players played the Four Tops, Lionel, Norman, Marvelletes Supremes,Jr Walker, Tempts,Contours, J-5, Commodores, Mary Wells, Stevie Wonder, HDH, Rick James, and Mickey Stevenson. I don't think any other Motown acts were featured. While the ensamble played various roles, the actresses that portrayed Mary and Flo only played Mary and Flo. The actress that played Cindy also played Gwen GOrdy, a Vandella, & Gladys Horton. Speaking of Gladys Horton reminds me that Gladys Knight and the Pips were not part of the show

Mary Wells was referred to as the Queen of Motown, although I always remember her being referred to as First Lady of Motown

**Roberta75** · 03-13-2013, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by milven

The play used ensemble players for Martha and the Vandellas. They played various roles. They sang but did not speak.

The main cast was Berry, Diana, Smokey and Marvin.

Ensemble players played the Four Tops, Lionel, Norman, Marvelletes Supremes,Jr Walker, Tempts,Contours, J-5, Commodores, Mary Wells, Stevie Wonder, HDH, Rick James, and Mickey Stevenson. I don't think any other Motown acts were featured. While the ensamble played various roles, the actresses that portrayed Mary and Flo only played Mary and Flo. The actress that played Cindy also played Gwen GOrdy, a Vandella, & Gladys Horton. Speaking of Gladys Horton reminds me that Gladys Knight and the Pips were not part of the show

Mary Wells was referred to as the Queen of Motown, although I always remember her being referred to as First Lady of Motown

Oh thats dissapointing I thought Martha Reeves would have a prominent role. What about Barbara Martin and Flo Ballard? Are they mentioned?

I'm still looking forward to seeing this one day just the same.

Yours, with every good wish.

Roberta

**no_place_like_motown** · 03-16-2013, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by milven

The play used ensemble players for Martha and the Vandellas. They played various roles. They sang but did not speak.

The main cast was Berry, Diana, Smokey and Marvin.

Ensemble players played the Four Tops, Lionel, Norman, Marvelletes Supremes,Jr Walker, Tempts,Contours, J-5, Commodores, Mary Wells, Stevie Wonder, HDH, Rick James, and Mickey Stevenson. I don't think any other Motown acts were featured. While the ensamble played various roles, the actresses that portrayed Mary and Flo only played Mary and Flo. The actress that played Cindy also played Gwen GOrdy, a Vandella, & Gladys Horton. Speaking of Gladys Horton reminds me that Gladys Knight and the Pips were not part of the show

Mary Wells was referred to as the Queen of Motown, although I always remember her being referred to as First Lady of Motown

>With Marvin being one of the main characters, I'm a bit surprised that Tammi Terrell's is not one of the esemble players. If I'm not mistaken I thought I saw a clip of Berry & Diana's character singing ANMHE, or another one of M&T's songs, in connection w/ Berry & Diana's romance. I'd love instead to see Tammi represented singing ANMHE [[or any one of their popular duets) w/ Marvin's character.

No Gladys Knight & The PIps? Ouch! LOL I wanna see someone sing their version of IHITTG or If I Were Your Woman or Neither One Of Us -- anything they sang. I don't recall seeing Edwin Starr, David Ruffin or Jimmy Ruffin mentioned either. That being said, I'm hoping that since they are still in the preview stages that more legendary Motown artists will be casted.

supremester · 03-17-2013, 08:29 PM

Mary Wells was billed as The Queen Of Motown until she split. My bud still calls her Queen Mary.

Originally Posted by milven

The play used ensemble players for Martha and the Vandellas. They played various roles. They sang but did not speak.

The main cast was Berry, Diana, Smokey and Marvin.

Ensemble players played the Four Tops, Lionel, Norman, Marvelletes Supremes,Jr Walker, Tempts,Contours, J-5, Commodores, Mary Wells, Stevie Wonder, HDH, Rick James, and Mickey Stevenson. I don't think any other Motown acts were featured. While the ensamble played various roles, the actresses that portrayed Mary and Flo only played Mary and Flo. The actress that played Cindy also played Gwen GOrdy, a Vandella, & Gladys Horton. Speaking of Gladys Horton reminds me that Gladys Knight and the Pips were not part of the show

Mary Wells was referred to as the Queen of Motown, although I always remember her being referred to as First Lady of Motown

**milven** · 03-13-2013, 01:09 PM

H-D-H are in the play as well as Norman Whitfield, Marvelettes, Martha & Vandellas, Teena Marie, Ed Sullivan, Contours, J-5, Jr. Walker, Rick James, David Ruffin, Mickey Stevenson and Mary Wells. They were all played by ensemble players who played multiple roles. For instance, the actress who played Mary Wells also played Mother Gordy and one of the Vandellas.

**thisoldheart** · 03-13-2013, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by milven

H-D-H are in the play as well as Norman Whitfield, Marvelettes, Martha & Vandellas, Teena Marie, Ed Sullivan, Contours, J-5, Jr. Walker, Rick James, David Ruffin, Mickey Stevenson and Mary Wells. They were all played by ensemble players who played multiple roles. For instance, the actress who played Mary Wells also played Mother Gordy and one of the Vandellas.

do h/d/h have m[[any) speaking parts, do they sing, like gordy does to ross? this whole thing sounds so bad. but, hey, if we get more record releases i will stop bitchin'!

**milven** · 03-13-2013, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by thisoldheart

do h/d/h have m[[any) speaking parts, do they sing, like gordy does to ross? this whole thing sounds so bad. but, hey, if we get more record releases i will stop bitchin'!

I can't remember if it was HDH or their lawyers speaking when they were suing Berry Gordy

**thisoldheart** · 03-13-2013, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by milven

I can't remember if it was HDH or their lawyers speaking when they were suing Berry Gordy

HA! read the preview reviews at the broadway chat site. seems like bad news for motown lovers, but will make it big with the 90% of tourists who can't tell carla thomas from any of the hundreds of former supremes 'cept ross, or the diff between stax and motown.

but there is a reason i prefer r&b to broadway musicals!

**jillfoster** · 03-13-2013, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by thisoldheart

HA! read the preview reviews at the broadway chat site. seems like bad news for motown lovers, but will make it big with the 90% of tourists who can't tell carla thomas from any of the hundreds of former supremes 'cept ross, or the diff between stax and motown.

but there is a reason i prefer r&b to broadway musicals!

I agree. That's the main reason I hate Glee. I don't like iconic pop songs turned into broadway schlockiness. It's like getting a commerical artist to come into a museum and paint Mona Lisa's.

**thisoldheart** · 03-13-2013, 03:16 PM

how did they handle the switch from ballard to birdsong? from ross to jean? micky stevenson w/o weston? hmmm ....

**jillfoster** · 03-13-2013, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by thisoldheart

how did they handle the switch from ballard to birdsong? from ross to jean? micky stevenson w/o weston? hmmm ....

I'll almost bet my bottom dollar that they didn't cast anyone to play Jean. It's probably just like Motown 25, pretending that Jean, Mary, and Cindy never existed [[After 10 million records)

supremester · 03-15-2013, 05:20 PM

I don't think there was pretense that JMC never existed. What in Motown 25 would you cut to add the JMC segment? There is only so much time. Martha & Mary Wells both outsold JMC and barely got mentioned. The Marvelettes outsold JMC and weren't included at all. They had to draw the line somewhere.

Originally Posted by jillfoster

I'll almost bet my bottom dollar that they didn't cast anyone to play Jean. It's probably just like Motown 25, pretending that Jean, Mary, and Cindy never existed [[After 10 million records)

**marv2** · 03-15-2013, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by supremester

I don't think there was pretense that JMC never existed. What in Motown 25 would you cut to add the JMC segment? There is only so much time. Martha & Mary Wells both outsold JMC and barely got mentioned. The Marvelettes outsold JMC and weren't included at all. They had to draw the line somewhere.

They should have at least mentioned Jean Terrell. They didn't even mention Florence Ballard by name and she help sell more records when she was in the Supremes than most of those others. They didn't even show a picture of Rare Earth@!!!!

supremester · 03-17-2013, 08:27 PM

There was a lot of Flo footage, and Jean Terrell, is a very talented footnote in the Motown Story. They had one big hit, one successful album, and several middling hits. I don't think they sold 10 million records in 3 years, but certainly 5.
Rare Earth? I had 3 of their singles but again, you have to draw the line somewhere. No one is owed anything - there are no "shoulds" it was a TV special and an artistic vision, like the play. There is no right or wrong. The play could have been about the working relationship between Berry & Smokey with Diana having 6 lines and that would have been fine also. Look how Gone With The Wind was edited for the film - you can cut whatever you need to tell the story. A documentary would be different. This is an entertainment piece. Jean Terrell? I doubt anyone will notice her absence. No one is crabbing about Gladys not being mentioned in the play.

Originally Posted by marv2

They should have at least mentioned Jean Terrell. They didn't even mention Florence Ballard by name and she help sell more records when she was in the Supremes than most of those others. They didn't even show a picture of Rare Earth@!!!!

**jillfoster** · 03-16-2013, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by supremester

I don't think there was pretense that JMC never existed. What in Motown 25 would you cut to add the JMC segment? There is only so much time. Martha & Mary Wells both outsold JMC and barely got mentioned. The Marvelettes outsold JMC and weren't included at all. They had to draw the line somewhere.

In the video montage. You had the Supremes performance clips, ending with the Sullivan in the gold dresses. THEN you had a still photo montage, all of Diana in solo shots. ONE of those still pictures could have been of Jean, Mary, and Cindy. I didn't ask for a SEGMENT, I ask for the woman's face to be flashed on the screen for TWO SECONDS.

**marv2** · 03-16-2013, 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by jillfoster

In the video montage. You had the Supremes performance clips, ending with the Sullivan in the gold dresses. THEN you had a still photo montage, all of Diana in solo shots. ONE of those still pictures could have been of Jean, Mary, and Cindy. I didn't ask for a SEGMENT, I ask for the woman's face to be flashed on the screen for TWO SECONDS.

The producers and certain people want to pretend that Jean Terrell never made an impact when she was probably the greatest female vocalist technically Motown ever had.

supremester · 03-17-2013, 08:38 PM

Yeah they could have, but why bother? Almost no one really cares that much about JMC or Jean and I never heard a peep about her not being mentioned. All I heard was no Marvelettes and Gladys refused. It won Emmys and huge ratings. I would have preferred Martha & Mary Wells given more time - they were huge Motown stars, but the lock kept ticking. I'd have pulled Adam Ant out but they kept it in. He still talks about his dance with Diana as a high point of his career. LOL.

Originally Posted by jillfoster

In the video montage. You had the Supremes performance clips, ending with the Sullivan in the gold dresses. THEN you had a still photo montage, all of Diana in solo shots. ONE of those still pictures could have been of Jean, Mary, and Cindy. I didn't ask for a SEGMENT, I ask for the woman's face to be flashed on the screen for TWO SECONDS.

supremester · 04-12-2013, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by jillfoster

In the video montage. You had the Supremes performance clips, ending with the Sullivan in the gold dresses. THEN you had a still photo montage, all of Diana in solo shots. ONE of those still pictures could have been of Jean, Mary, and Cindy. I didn't ask for a SEGMENT, I ask for the woman's face to be flashed on the screen for TWO SECONDS.

I know you are disappointed one of your faves didn't make it on, but they just weren't imperative to the event. I expected a medley from the other groupings but I can see why it didn't happen: the general public doesn't care about JMC,JML, MSC, MSS. Supremes fanatics held on for dear life, but the fact is they never caught on as groups and thus weren't missed by most. I mean, I've Never been to Me gets an entire song and Martha & Mary Wells get a verse and chorus? It is what it is, but they weren't gonna take a Ross still out for JMC - no one would know who they were.

**milven** · 03-13-2013, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by thisoldheart

how did they handle the switch from ballard to birdsong? from ross to jean? micky stevenson w/o weston? hmmm ....

Briefly. Flo was missing performances and was replaced. And here, I may be wrong because it happened so fast, but there was starting to be conflict in group because of Diana's prominence. Mary said something to Diana and Diana said "See what I have to put up with?" [[Again, I may be wrong about this) Anyhow, at that point, Berry convinced her that it was time for her to go solo. He named Diana's replacement, but we never saw the Seventies Supremes

**REDHOT** · 03-13-2013, 04:31 PM

Again,i can't wait to see Motown The Musical,
Please stay positive

**Methuselah2** · 03-13-2013, 05:32 PM

Whenever I see the phrase "First Lady of Motown," I know exactly what's comin' next.

I just hope the creators of the show can pull together a last-minute brief scene to end the show--one that flashes-forward to present day and shows a group singing IN MY LONELY WAITING ROOM as they are then renamed DR. ALBERT ROSE SCHWEITZER & THE VENTRICULLAS, who then proceed with plans for building the VIRGINIA MAYO CLINIC.

**jillfoster** · 03-13-2013, 07:12 PM

Let's all keep in mind that Diane has not uttered a PEEP about this, and well, that says it all. I mean, a 5 year relationship that never resulted in an engagement or marriage is portrayed as this sweeping, epic love story... and then Diana being portrayed as some little unpolished ghetto chick that Berry plucked from obscurity and molded into a superstar, just like God himself creating the heavens and the earth... and then when she gets the RCA deal, it's all like "I've made you into a beautiful star, you have outgrown me, now fly, my little bird, be free!" I'm sure Diana probably feels insulted as hell. Rhonda is "publically" supporting it, because it's her daddy... but in private, I can bet my bottom dollar the opinion ain't so rosy.

smark21 · 03-13-2013, 08:29 PM

Here's the latest update from NY Post theater columnist Michael Reidel

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainmen...ozFLjR1f6yTP9I

alexgarret · 03-13-2013, 11:15 PM

Originally Posted by jillfoster

Let's all keep in mind that Diane has not uttered a PEEP about this, and well, that says it all. I mean, a 5 year relationship that never resulted in an engagement or marriage is portrayed as this sweeping, epic love story... and then Diana being portrayed as some little unpolished ghetto chick that Berry plucked from obscurity and molded into a superstar, just like God himself creating the heavens and the earth... and then when she gets the RCA deal, it's all like "I've made you into a beautiful star, you have outgrown me, now fly, my little bird, be free!" I'm sure Diana probably feels insulted as hell. Rhonda is "publically" supporting it, because it's her daddy... but in private, I can bet my bottom dollar the opinion ain't so rosy.

I think she is keeping a low profile because it would overshadow the show. She certainly won't attend the Motown Alumni performance because it would take away the focus from the others. Nothing sinister here...