After playing over 120 cities across the nation in four years, Motown the Musical will conclude its national tour in June at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap.
Motown debuted on Broadway in April 2013, playing through January 18, 2015, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. (The musical made a short-lived return to Broadway July 12–31, 2016, at the Nederlander Theatre.) The first national tour opened in Chicago in April 2014.
Over five million people will have experienced the musical between the first performance on Broadway until the final tour performance this June.
Motown Founder Berry Gordy stated, “Motown was my impossible dream that came true. It could not have happened without the Motown artists, writers, producers and executives who followed me down roads that didn't even exist. It also happened because of the loyalty and love of Motown fans everywhere. I am so gratified that those same fans, their children, their grandchildren, even their great grandchildren all came to experience and enjoy the Legacy of Motown.
“The original Motortown Revue, traveling through a racially divided America, changed hearts and minds as it brought black and white audiences together with the ’Sound of Young America,’” added Producer Kevin McCollum. “Touring this show over the past four years has continued to articulate this much needed message.”
Producer Doug Morris, stated, “It has been an amazing experience to watch the impact the show has had on audiences across the country, inspiring so many with its message of social change and love. What better place to conclude the tour than in the nation's capital.”
Motown continues across the pond with the West End production now in its third year. A U.K. tour is also planned for the fall.
CLICK HERE TO SEE A FULL LIST OF ANNOUNCED AND UPCOMING NATIONAL TOURS
Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, Motown follows the life of Motown founder Berry Gordy, from featherweight boxer to the music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and more. The production features more than 50 classic hits, such as "My Girl" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," among many others.
The production also has staging by Schele Williams, choreography re-created by Brian Harlan Brooks, original choreography by Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams, scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Tony nominee Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Tony winner Natasha Katz, sound design by Tony nominee Peter Hylenski, projection design by Daniel Brodie, hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe, and casting by Wojcik | Seay Casting.
Motown's arrangements and orchestrations are by Grammy and Tony nominee Ethan Popp, who also serves as music supervisor, with co-orchestrations and additional arrangements by Tony nominee Bryan Crook and dance arrangements by Zane Mark.
Currently produced by Work Light Productions, Motown the Musical was originally produced by Tony-winning producer Kevin McCollum, Chairman and CEO of 12Tone Music Doug Morris, and Motown Founder Berry Gordy.
