Berry Gordy-Inspired Motown Musical to Hit Broadway

A play based on the legendary record label will open next year. 

Posted: 06/27/2012 11:38 AM EDT
Berry Gordy Motown Musical

Berry Gordy made a great decision when he went out on a limb and borrowed $800 from his family to fund Motown Records in 1959. In the years to come, he would break a lot of raw talent, including the world's greatest pop star, Michael Jackson. These artists, in turn, went on to produce an era of timeless R&B and soul music and become superstars in their own right. Gordy's story is legendary and, according to The Hollywood Reporter, will be told in a big ticket Broadway show next spring.

 

Producers Kevin McCollum (Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights), Sony Music Entertainment chairman and CEO Doug Morris and Gordy have confirmed that Motown: The Musical has already begun production.

 

"Motown and Berry Gordy's influence on music and our culture is unparalled," said McCollum.

 

"Broadway is the pinnacle of live theater and provides a challenging and exciting opportunity to tell my story and share the magic of Motown," added Gordy. Although the word on casting for the Motown musical hasn't been released, it has been revealed that the show will play next spring at New York's Nederlander Theater.

 

One thing's for sure, the musical will feature many of the classic songs from artists like Smokey Robinson, The Miracles, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 that put Gordy and Motown on the map.

 

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(Photo: Detroit Free Press/MCT/Landov)

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