UK Theatre Network

The sound of Motown is transported to Glasgow this week as the stars of the 60s take to the stage in this first class tribute concert.

There are a number of ways to bring the hits of the past to a stage show.  The success of the ABBA based hit, Mamma Mia!, has seen a resurgence of productions with a fresh story to tell weaving old songs around the drama.  But this is difficult to do well and easy to do badly.  Dancing in the Streets takes the simpler route by delivering a straight forward tribute concert (similar to Rat Pack – Live from Las Vegas) … and delivering it with some style.

The first thing to consider when conceiving a production like this has to be the theme.  In “Motown”, Director and Musical Supervisor, Keith Strachan, has tapped possibly the richest vein of musical hits in history!  With artists from Gladys Knight and the Pips to Diana Ross and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, The Temptations, (the list goes on) … the hardest decisions must have been what to leave out of the show!  But you can be sure that the numbers in the show will be hits that everyone has a specific memory of.

And that’s what the audience pay their money for … memories.  They want to be transported to the time and place that each song meant the most to them.  Time travel isn’t just for Doctor Who, you know.  It was certainly a reality for the majority of the audience in Glasgow last night!  The reason the “Dancing in the Streets” time machine works so effectively is in the delivery of those Motown hits.  The first class cast sounded (and often looked) like the original artists.  Dance moves were faithfully reproduced, backup singers swayed and clicked and clapped and ‘shooped’ just like their 60s counterparts and the band faithfully reproduced the Motown sound on every track.  Overall production values were excellent, too, with a classically styled static set incorporating the live band, excellent lighting effects (probably far superior to the 60s originals but effective and atmospheric nonetheless) and more costume changes than London Fashion Week!

Transport yourself to Hitsville, USA in the 60s for £25.50 (or less) - bargain!

Listings Info:
King's Theatre Glasgow: Mon 15 Feb – Sat 20 Feb
Mon – Sat  at 7.30pm
Sat mat – 2.30pm
Tickets: £12 - £25.50
Box Office 08448 717 648 (Bkg fee)
www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow (bkg fee)