Minneapolis Musical Theatre’s “Calvin Berger”: Embarrassing moments. Bad lunches. Friendships. Crushes. High school.

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Calvin Berger is a new and hilarious musical by Barry Wyner that follows four high school seniors trying to survive their last year. Calvin, the class brainiac, has a huge crush on the prettiest girl at school, Rosanna . She falls for the cute new kid, Matt, who feels the same way but can’t find the words to tell her. Calvin, convinced that his big nose is the one thing standing in the way of his chance with Rosanna, finds a different and not-so-successful way to confess his love. Brilliant at writing, he gives Matt romantic poems to memorize and recite to Rosanna, making her fall in love with the words… and Matt. While this unfolds, Calvin’s cute and quirky best friend Bret watches from the sidelines, hoping that Calvin will notice her feelings for him. Continue Reading

The supreme temptation to dance to Mowton

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From The Marvelettes’ perfectly coiffed wigs to the blindingly shined black shoes of the Contours, Motown was a musical where attention to detail reigned supreme. It was a musical that combined historical accuracy with entertainment – a feat that most of Hollywood struggles to achieve. With the gifted leadership of Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris, and the one and only Berry Gordy, Motown brings about thought-provoking concepts surrounding ethics in the musical industry and the stories regarding some of the most iconic stars of the Motown heyday. Continue Reading

A “Supreme” show

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What the world needs now is glitter, sequins and a bit more glitter. There isn’t enough shimmering in shows these days. Next to Normal? Nary a twinkle. Spring Awakening? Less gleam and more child abuse. Once? Less sparkle than a room full of burlap bags. Good thing for the theatre community, Motown brought not only the shimmer but the funk. A show was packed to the brim with exiting and iconic songs, and it wowed with its creativity and precision.  Motown, now at the Minneapolis Orpheum Theater through December 28 was a spectacle of glamor, glitz and…what’s another g word that’s not glitter? Continue Reading

People are racist – Motown can help

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Motown had the opportunity of a lifetime – to really emphasize the extent that black culture and history has had an impact on contemporary music. They didn’t take it. That’s not to say that this celebration of Motown music didn’t showcase spectacular music from across the board, it just didn’t take it as far as it could have gone. This show still needs to appeal to the majority white theatergoers who will be the driving force of ticket sales. If Motown were to attempt to only draw in a new crowd, it wouldn’t have been as successful as it ended up being. These real world facts are reminiscent of the plot of the show – one where Berry Gordy (Julius Thomas III) is focused on money rather than the rich history that the artists bring to the table.  Continue Reading

Don’t close the door on Motown

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Many anxious people meandered into the Orpheum theater in Minneapolis on Tuesday night awaiting the experience they wouldn’t soon forget. Opening night of Motown the Musical did not disappoint. Starting in the one and only “Motor City” of Detroit, Michigan, Motown begins with a lively overture from the orchestra followed by a high-energy medley of some of the classic music from the time period, instantly pulling the audience in. In just two and a half hours Motown spans a time period of 45 years, highlighting the struggle to obtain equality among musicians of different races. Going into the production with some background knowledge may not be a bad thing. Continue Reading

Callin’ out around the world: Are you ready for a brand new beat? Motown the Musical will have you dancin’ in the seats

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Motown The Musical instantly fills the Orpheum theater in downtown Minneapolis with sound and energy. This show is a full body experience. From the music that rushes through you, making any audience member want to move their feet, to the heart warming/wrenching moments around creating change and standing up for racial justice. Motown The Musical leaves nothing to complain about besides some minor technical difficulties and a stumble here and there, which can be attributed to it being opening night. Continue Reading