Magic of Motown at the Guild

Motown Records, the music label responsible for introducing us to Diana Ross and the Supremes, among others, had an undeniable influence on rhythm and blues music.

And theatre director Megan Francis is bringing this magic to the stage with an original production, Magic of Motown, on at the Guild Theatre this week, from November 17-18.

Francis decided to base the production on this genre of music due to its continued resonance.

“My hope is that it is a night of pure enjoyment and nostalgia and that it will appeal to those who grew up listening to it, those kids who played Stevie Wonder and The Manhattens on their radios and danced to Diana Ross and Earth Wind & Fire,” said Francis.

“Motown music is still celebrated today and the show will take the audience down memory lane.

“For those that are not well acquainted with Motown, we hope they enjoy it enough to add it to their future playlists because it is such a timeless part of music.”

Francis has provided East London audiences with several great productions and for Magic of Motown, she has teamed up with the esteemed Kerry Hiles, as well as acclaimed choreographers and dance studio founders, Jayson Jegels and Vicky Luff.

The musical score and vocal direction is provided by the talented Jacques Du Plessis and Akhona Nkinti.

Rehearsals started earlier this year and the performers have been hard at work.

“Motown groups were known for their uniformity and precision in both their movements and music, so to get everyone on the same page and to represent not just one famous group but several, has been a challenge,” she said.

“Motown groups such as The Stylistics, Main Ingredient and The Commodores had the greatest influence on this era of music and if done correctly, this translates so well on stage.

“The audience can enjoy not just the music, but the choreography that these groups were known to do.”

The show starts at 7.30pm on both nights and tickets can be purchased at Computicket or all Checkers and Shoprite outlets.

PRECISION MOVES: Choreographers Jayson Jegels, back right, and Vicky Luff, front right, with the cast of ‘Magic of Motown’ after rehearsals for the show which is on at the Guild Theatre from November 17-18. Picture: SUPPLIED

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