Motown the Musical (Chicago)

It was 5of us and we were all tapping our feet and singing along. I love the young lady playing Diana Ross and little Michael Jackson the most. I highly enjoyed and would see it again and again

I honestly thought it was going to be like a concert. It was more like a musical. Totally unexpected with lines about BG and Diana. Great platform. Extremely entertainment. I really enjoyed it.

Oh my goodness, Motown the Musical was so good! I highly recommend it. So much fun hearing and seeing the great music of awesome artists we came to love back in the day being performed by these young actors/dancers/singers. Awesome cast! Amazing costumes! Truly enjoyable and memorable production. Both my aunt and cousin and I were very glad we saw it.

My husband an I relived our youth! Motown the Musical provides a review of the most unforgettable music of our era and a history of Gordy Berry's influence on the music industry. When you were 16 you only paid attention to the music. When you're retired, you appreciate BG's hard work and determination. A memorable evening spent enjoying wonderful music!

It's a performance you will wish would never end! Big dance numbers, amazing musical talent and a wonderful walk through history highlighting the Motown Label and the struggles of African American singers. You truly felt like you were watching history and could hardly wait for each musical number. A Memorable show and a Must See!

Loved the dancing and music. The story was weak. 1st Act better than 2nd which was disappointing. Very talented actors.

The Motown play provided me with 3 hours of a smile. It couldn't have been better

Everyone should see this play. It was awesome! Couldn't get enough of the music and dancing!

Perfect music. A must for any Motown. Actors and actresses who played Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey were great at capturing their voices and mannerisms. The little boy who played Michael Jackson was a treat. The story is lacking however--don't expect it to be like Jersey Boys.

This show took us back to the best music made. I can remember where I was, live bands covering Motown, the Palas and Ed Sullivan show. Before you went to break you you ended the first set with the aftermath of Assassination of Martin Luther King. You may have done this for a reason. What was done was everyone who should have been talking to each other about how great the how was, did not. This was an uncomfortable time between the 1t and 2nd half. With that said thi was 1 of the best shows we have seen. 1 month before we took the tour at Hits Ville in Detroit.

It was awesome!!! The music was great!! The performances and performers were extremely good. We Loved it!!

I was in high school in New York; we used to sing these songs heard from an eight track in the car coming home from school. We played the music as loud as it could go. Barry Gordy wrote these love songs; it is different from the blues. It was very moving to hear them like this all in one evening. Made me think of all the dances I went to and I was lucky. The show on stage moves along quickly. Opening night was sold out in Chicago it seemed to me. Every light, every scene change, every dance, every song and every microphone was flawless. I bought the CD and the shirt! Barry Gordy was there with who appeared to be with Mayor Daley's brother. The young woman that played Diana Ross could sing in Las Vegas, but so too, could all those actors, actresses and musicians. Chicago is lucky to have Motown play here. Thank you Barry Gordy for all that you did for these people and for me long ago.

Better than anticipated. Well known story, done well. Audio and visual treat. Full orchestra doing Motown music. Lighting, costumes and choreography superb, Highly recommended!

The first act was a bit shaky and progressively got better towards the end of the first act. This was the second performance, so a little ironing out a few things is typical. The second act was great from the beginning to the end. The young man playing Michael Jackson was tremendous. You felt like the real Michael Jackson was up there performing. All in all, it was a very enjoyable evening of theater.

This musical was simply fantastic!!! The music was great the performers really made you think you were back at Motown. The young man that played Michael Jackson was awesome you could just invision lil michael Jackson singing whose loving you. This was feel good music you grew up with, beautiful love songs and consicence music . And to top all that off it was funny! What more could you ask for! Laughter music And a great performance!! I would definiately go see it again and again!

Motown - Barry Gordy was a genius, and Motown was a hit producing factory. I enjoyed the music, and the reenactment of the story. The show is a must see .

The entire cast could sing and dance very well. The young Michael Jackson was awesome. We are going back to see again.

It took me back and gave me the chance to meet young Michael Jackson. In my heart he was the real deal. The dance routine of the Temptations and Four Tops was a sight to see. An experience I'll never forget. The play surpassed my expectations. You've got to go see and feel it for yourself.

Ever want to go back to the 1950 s and early 60 s to see the Motown groups and singers at the Apollo? This stage musical helps us do that. I would have given it five stars but just a few minor things held me back. I had hoped for more review and a bit less history as I felt too much attention was given to Diana Ross (she was important to Berry Gordy so I do forgive but the title held out some hope that I would see Tammy Tyrell sing with Marvin Gaye ). My husband, on the other hand loved the way they weaved the history and songs together. Come out and watch it and see for yourself. Be like us and resent the intermission interruption. We took our granddaughter and will return.

I cannot say enough good things about this play. The story was well told with emphasis not only on the music of Berry Gordy and his Motown label, but also of the history of the times. All of the actors had excellent singing voices. The choreography and the set decorations were excellent. The audience participated in the show. It was really a mix between a play and a concert. I would highly recommend it!

Fabulous! The cast was excellent in their portrayals of the Motown artists. The women's costumes were to die for. And the music was simply MOTOWN!

Took me back to the good old days when music had meaning and you knew every word to the songs the cast was great the band was great and the story line told a great story of the motown machine I would strongly recommend it and return myself

My wifes birthday present and both she and I loved it. Oriental theater is beautiful. Performances, orchestra and sound system were excellent!

As Berry Gordon sat down in the audience right before the play began the atmospher was electric. And then it began. It was a frenetic homage to Mr. Motown. Music blasting, sets changing, lots of people singing (off key) . All trying to tell an important story but really missing the mark. After Three hours, one failed sexual encounter and some awkward dialogue about Marvin Gaye's father, it all ended. Mr. Berry is a genius. He discovered the best of the best. Even though he produced this, he deserves better!

The play was magnificient. I've read every book regarding Motown, and I learned some new info. The music, what can I say. No one does it or did it like Motown. I love a play where you can sing along to all the classics. The actors were great, especially, Diana Ross. What I realized is, this is not all about the music, it's about a love story betwwen 2 people. Berry & Diana.

Loved it!!! I am 61 so grew up with that music. Right from the 1st # it was hard to sit still in your seat. Was there opening night and Barry Gordy was there and that was exciting. GREAT performances from all!

I took the whole family to celebrate my mother and sister's bday!!!! What an amazing performance. We really enjoyed it and the memories of the songs was outstanding!!! A Must See!!!!

My wife and I had a wonderful experience on Tuesday night. We were taken back in time to the days that really touched our lives. We also were excited that Mr. Barry Gordy himself was in the audience. Everyone in the show was at there best. Go miss Dianna Ross!

Great music, lots of energy. Really fun evening. Microphones were a little off in the beginning, but up and running second act.

The characters superbly captured the essecene of stars personalities. Excellent performance. Music is as fitting today as it was then.

My sister and I and our friend Val attended 10-8 the 2 p.m. performance. It was unforgettable! Trenyce who played Diana Ross was superb! We felt we had seen Diana Ross in concert! The entire cast was excellent! We were chair dancing in our seats! We couldn't believe all the songs they performed! The ending was the best when they saluted Barry Gordy for 25 years of Motown!

Motown the Musical was full of musical Talent. The person that played Berry Gordy and Diana Ross was phenomenal and they have an amazing voice.

This was my second time seeing Motown and it was just as amazing as the first time!!

Absolutely amazing show. The music, singing, costumes...wonderful experience.

Loved it ,they were so talented. I could see this one numerous times

everything was wonderful....actors...singing....dancing...storyline..we enjoyed the play just as much as when we saw it back in 2014 at the Oriental in Chicago

Such a great show filled with great music! Audience was very entertained and singing along with all the music!

Wonderful production made all the more fun by subtle audience participation! Brought back lots of fun memories, great music & dancing! Go see!!

The musical caught your attention from the first scene and held the entire time. The cast, costume and storyline were incredible. I am very glad that I had gotten the seats on the main floor as the view was spectacular. I would suggest this show to everyone.

What a wonderful production and definitely the highlight of my trip to Chicago! It was a sell-out performance with no room to spare. The performers who enacted the specific characters in Barry Gordy's life brought them to life, and it seemed I was sitting before the actual singing "Greats"! I especially loved the lady who performed as Diana Ross. She was outstanding in her interpretation, her humor, and improvisation of this character. I enjoyed ALL others, including the Marvin Gaye character. The voice range of all these singers was thrilling! The storyline kept us on the edge of our seats. Even the artistic backdrop was fabulous. I would attend another performance without question, and be just as entertained and enthralled as this first time. I was pumped and energized after leaving the theatre. Worth the price for the better seats! The theatre will offer you booster seats if you are short and unable to see over the next row. Thank you Motown! Hope to see you soon again!

I was so unexpectedly surprised by this amazing performance. The acting, singing, choice of music, and storytelling was all spot on and amazing! I am recommending this to everyone if all ages and would see it again in a heartbeat! There wasn t one thing I didn t like about it. It moved fast and it was like You were actually transported back to Detroit during the time of Motown. Five stars from me.

This was a truly incredible musical! All of the singers gave electrifying performances and I loved the audience interaction. I would definitely recommend seeing this play while they are touring.

Motown the Musical was good but not what I expected! I thought it would be more of the music instead of the story of Motown. Could be so much better if it had more of the music!!

Motown the Musical was great! We had awesome seats. The characters did a great job. My favorite was Diana Ross! She did a superb job! I give it 5 stars. Would definitely see it again.

When we purchased our tickets to Motown the Musical we were expecting lots of fun, singing along, and good entertainment. We got so much more! If you are expecting exact replication of the 60 s music you might be disappointed. The music has a few tweaks, but wow! We sang along, had fun and learned so much about the era, not only musically, but there was a sobering history lesson that came along with the entertainment. When the entire audience stood with hands joined and raised up high and sang Reach out and Touch Somebody s Hand it was magical. We would love to see it again.

The music was great and the little boy who played Michael Jackson was outstanding

The music was amazing and the actors were so believable that you would think that they were the real entertainers!! Brought back so many good memories!!

THIS IS THE BEST MUSICAL I HAVE EVER SEEN. IT WAS SO SMART AND WITTY AND VERY COLORFULLY. MOST OF ALL IT HAS A STORE LINE THAT ALL COULD FOLLOW. I HOPE IT COME BACK AGAIN TO CHICAGO

MoTown. We all know the music and the musicians, but I did not realize the interesting story behind the music. The human relationships and the rise and fall of the MoTown music label as a business and the cult of personality that ran the business. Highly recommend this musical which mirrors life.

Motown The Musical was a wonderfully entertaining show with every singer and group sharing ttheir excellent talent and bringing the audience on a journey through the late 50's to the 70's.The singers brought the house down. Well worth seeing this show.

I saw this show 4 days ago and can t stop thinking about it. So amazing!!

The music never stopped, choreography was amazing, wanted to make you sing along and dance.

I loved this play. The cast had great voices. The costumes of the starlets were amazing. The only thing i didnt like was a few moments in the play where they used foul language. It only happened about 3 times but it was noticeable. Other than that it was a must see. The music from that era is great. Much accolades to the young cast who really brought to life the performers of that day.

This production of Motown was super great. From the beginning number to the end this production does not disappoint. The story line is great and the music and the players are some of the best theater has to offer. We had a great time and wonderful seats. Will go see it again if it comes back to Chicago.

Motown was terrific from the very start to the very end. So great to hear so many of the Motown classics in one sitting. A great story behind all of the music. The Cadillac Palace Theater is a great venue.

The show was FANTASTIC!!! The music, the costumes, the dancing, the singing. and the story behind how Barry Gordy started Motown was fabulous. I would go again!

Great story w/awesome music - hard not to sing along. Definitely recommend.

Motown was a wonderful play. Not only did it go through the positive & negative ups & downs of the business, but was also somewhat interactive. The actors were great, & obviously the music was phenominal. Highly recommend this thoroughly entertaining play.

Cadillac Palace in Chicago to see Motown the Musical second time for me it was great all over again great music great story had a wonderful time seats were excellent

I recommend for everyone of all ages.. so much entertainment makes you feel as if you are currently in Motown Days.

This is one of the best musicals that I have seen in recent years. The nostalgia brought tears to my eyes and the music had me dancing in my seat.

My wife grew up in Detroit, a teen in the 60's. This was literally the music of her life. I grew up similarly in Cleveland. The songs were spot on. We had heard the criticism that the songs were not full length, but that did not trouble us. The amount used gave us enough, and we liked hearing parts of 40 (?) songs instead of 10 full length songs. Besides, they covered the history of Motown, and that's a lot of history. The band/orchestra was an exciting tribute to the Funk Brothers. The performers were amazing, and their voices were so rich and full, with great range. There were some understudies the night we went and they were phenomenal. Can't image what the regulars could do. Thanks to Barry Gordy for bringing this history to the stage, warts and all!

Oh, the memories that were revitalized and brought back to life. This is what I grew up on and danced to. My little sister Diana hooked up to the Motown songs first but quickly converted the rest of the siblings to the latest sound. No other 2 main characters couldn't be more convincing to me, other than BG and Diana Ross themselves. The two of them made such beautiful music together. Dancers were right on target with style and grace. I so wanted to get up and sing with Diana (Allison), but feared I would scare the audience. My sister Diana wanted to go to the stage more than I because her name is Diana.

A GREAT MEMORY and amazing entertainment! My husband and I went to Motown The Musical last night at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre in Chicago\u2014IT WAS PHENOMENAL! I have never seen a Broadway production before, although my husband has, and he said that Motown was over the top and beyond excellent! The birth, the perseverance, along with the growth and maturity of Motown was presented in such a powerful, moving and entertaining way. The voices were incredible, the acting was phenomenal, the dancing was electrifying, the stage scenes, props and hands were exemplary and flawless and the orchestra was outstanding! The talent and creativity was just absolutely stunning! We enjoyed ourselves immensely! Thank you for a great show!

Words can't express how i felt watching the show. It brought back so many wonderful memories of my teen years. The actors were sooooo good. I felt i was listening to the originals. I will go and see it again

Took my wife for her birthday. Powerful performances. Reminds us all, in case we're unaware or somehow forgot, of the Motown Machine---the timeless legends, the timeless music, and the power to capture the hearts and minds of its listeners. Long Live Motown!

Took my wife for her birthday. Powerful performances. Reminds us all, in case we're unaware or somehow forgot, of the Motown machine---the timeless legends, their timeless music, and their ability to capture the hearts and minds its listeners. Long live Motown.

The vocals were spectacular. Diana Ross, Berry Gordy and Michael Jackson characters were spot on. Every single other vocalist was amazing. Wonderful harmonies and blending. Like taking a trip down memory lane reliving moments associated with every song. Such an up beat fun night. Went with my son who is a Pop Music Major at USC. He thought it was phenomenal. Don't miss it.

Music was so familiar, growing up in the 60's. Actors and singers were great, too! Missed this musical when we were in NYC last fall, so glad we could experience it here in Chicago.

I was at the edge of my seat during the whole show. It was wonderful. A great birthday for me

The show was awesome - I wished they had time to sing all the songs all the way through but it was enough to take me back - to when I was growing up - the music back then made you want to move and groove - it spoke about our souls and got us through to the next day - I really wish we had more entertainers that would make the Motown sounds again - thank you so much Berry Gordy

The Motown musical was truly the best musical we've seen. The story line was accurately depicted and the performing artist were awesome. I will travel from Baton Rouge again to see it in another venue.

My husband and I saw the Friday evening performance at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago and it was the highlight of our trip, celebrating our 10th anniversary. I've seen many plays, but the professionalism I witnessed was above and beyond what is available to me to see locally in MN. The timing of the music and dancing was impeccable, the orchestra was brilliant, and most impressive was the fluidity of set changes and scene transitions. There was no "dead air", so to speak...the whole play was fast-paced and they filled nearly every second of it's run-time with music, dancing, singing, or dialogue. Of course the actors and actresses embodied their characters--I felt like I was actually watching the real Smoky Robinson and Diana Ross on the stage, not just people who sounded like them. And it was so fun to see The Jackson Five and little Michael Jackson sing his heart out--what talent that young actor has! Lastly, I thought the storyline really captured the audience interest, and indeed educated viewers such as myself who have limited knowledge of the history of Motown. It was definitely the most entertaining history lesson I've ever had! While my husband and I absolutely loved the play as a whole, the one thing my husband pointed out was that he could see the forehead mics on the actors, and he thought they should have been hidden better. There's always one critic....but he is a music/tech/detail guy like that. The mics never even crossed my mind, and I never noticed one-- on the contrary, I remember wondering how much sound could come out of those actors and singers so clearly!! Another highlight of the play was the part when Diana Ross is giving a concert, and has people from the audience sing with her-- I don't know if they were plants...I don't think they were-- the amount of interaction with the audience was very entertaining to see, and I think audience members enjoyed being encouraged to clap and sing along to the songs they knew. I expected going to see a Broadway play would mean a stiff, formal affair, but was pleased to see quite the opposite... everyone in the building was having a good time! I would highly recommend anyone looking for a fun evening and spectacular performing to go to see Motown the Musical in Chicago. Thanks for the lovely experience!

Loved the music of the "60's" performed by talented, energetic singers and dancers. Fast paced, raw and honest. Wonderful choreography and minimal set. Worked extremely well for the production.

Being from motown myself it was wonderful to see how Berry Gordy was able to bring together the most amazing artist under one little roof. I would definely recommend going to see this musical, in fact I'm planing on seeing it in Detroit .

This was my 2nd time attending. It was even better than the 1st time. The cast was amazing especially Diana and Berry. The dancing and singing was extra spectacular. I think I'll be going a 3rd time.

I bought tickets to that musical for my sister's birthday as per her request. I had never seen a musical so I did not know what to expect. But I was more than pleasantly surprised. Actually, I was overwhelmed. It was so brilliant with acting, comedy, and most of all the music. The singing was phenomenal!!! I love the story of the timeline of not just Berry Gordy but of the world at that time. Awesome!!!

This was an absolutely amazing performance! Growing up in the 70's this was all I ever heard. It brings back lots of memories and still to this day I know all the words. Since this production starts back in time to concerts I would've never been able to see like The Four Tops, The Temptations and The Commodores it was an unbelievable experience. Great story and full of fun and excitement. Diana Ross and Barry Gordy were the stars of the show. But of course little Michael Jackson was awesome. Just loved it!

Best broadway show I have seen and plan to see again in Detroit

My five friends and I had the BEST time ever. The ENTIRE cast was SUPERB! The orchestra was MAGNIFICENT!

Absolutely an excellent show. Music was right on. Orchestra was amazing & stars (especially Diana Ross & 2 little Michael Jackson's) were perfect! My husband and I ( married in 1963) were visiting our old hometown, Chicago (continuing our bucket list) and this musical was an awesome part of it. We flew in from Phoenix, AZ and attended with my brother (that worked in a record shop in the 60's) and our old friends (that we drank & danced with almost every Friday & Satirday night in the 60's)....So the five of us rocked all night Thursday, May 8th. Seating in Oriental Theatre was great, departing was easier than entering. Thanks to everyone that participated in this excellent production!

It was a terrific show. I took one of my friends and we stayed overnight. We are from Green Bay. I have seen a few shows in Chicago and have loved them all. The theaters are all so beautiful.

took me back in time and I loved every minute. Need to see it again!

I attended opening night and I had the beloved opportunity to meet the founder of Motown Mr. Berry Gordy!!!!! This made the experience even more AMAZING!! The Cast was outstanding and the Music/Choreography was breathtaking!

Wonderful night of entertainment and the fact that Berry Gordy was in the house for opening night was the icing on the cake for me. An absolute thrill! Going again on May 27th, floor seats this time. I want to see the singing and dancing up close. Cast was awesome and Clifton Oliver who played Berry has the voice of an angel.

I LOVED this musical!!! I went on opening night with a friend and it totally exceeded our expectations. This musical is GREAT from beginning to end! The music never ends during the show and it is all true to the originals! Favorite performers were Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder! Amazing portrayals!

Motown the Musical is a must see musical! The performers and the music were superb!

Great musical, phenomenal cast!! If you loved the music of Motown, do not miss this!!

Motown the Musical was Great! The seating choice was also awesome p(101-102). The cast was so talented and the costumes for the ladies were so colorful and gorgeous. Job well done!!!!

Everyone I know grew up listening to Motown. The music brought back so many great memories. The performances we all superb, and the dancing and costumes, Classic Motown!!!

What a great show. The music was great the performers were wonderful. I had a hard time staying in my seat. I would go see it agian.

It was an amazing show...the singing and the music was outstanding. It brought me back to the good old days going out with my husband on dates and dances. Those songs would play and we would hug and just dance the night away. I loved it. I should have had my family come and see what music is like. Would go and see this again.

I thought the music was ok. I would have liked a more definitive story line. Felt disjointed and that if you didn't have some historical knowledge of Motown you were left in the dark on some characters.

The cast of the Motown musical was AMAZING. I really enjoyed the show and so did my parents. They are still talking about it...GREAT JOB

One of the best shows I have ever seen. Great music great cast.

This was my second time seeing this fabulous musical. It was rewritten and still fabulous. It was like seeing a different play.

I have seen quite a number of broadway shows and went with my cousin who had not seen one yet. I had to tell her afterwards that this was a unique experience and to not expect this from other broadway shows! Jam packed with songs, filled with energy and excitement, great audience participation, and gives you a great history lesson on Motown! I would highly recommend this to those who love Motown and also those who don't know much about it. No matter what, you will have a great time!

It was an OK show. The performers did a fantastic job. I think it dragged on an bit towards the end. I feel like most of the shoe focused Gordy and Diana Ross' relationship rather then the music. I wish there was a bit more hits songs performed. The crowd was a bit obnoxious and security didn't put a stop to it. Would I recommend it..... Probably not.

The Motown Musical is a great story about Berry Gordy and the artists he found. Better than I expected

it was refreshing to see a musical play with history integrated and based on facts alone and nothing exaggerated or made up.