Motown: The Musical @ New Theatre Oxford

5 Stars

Motown The Musical is an award-winning show. It features music and lyrics from the huge Motown catalogue, featuring songs from artists such as The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross. I had the privilege of attending the press night for its Christmas run in Oxford in December.

The plot focuses on the relationship between the founder of Motown, Berry Gordy and the legendary singer, Diana Ross. The role of Berry Gordy was played by the fantastic swing, Cordell Mosteller and Diana Ross was played by the amazing Karis Anderson.

The stage design by David Korins was incredible, mixing great lighting with screens which seamlessly move around the stage to form different sets and at times show historical news footage of important events such as the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963 and the Vietnam War to show the issues for black artists in America in times of segregation.

The show shows the different performers of Motown Records with over 50 songs being played live by an orchestra in the pit in front of the stage.

The show shows the price of fame and fortune and rivalry.

The costume designs by Emilio Sosa are visually incredible and are recreated perfectly from the Motown era.