Dancing in the Streets @ The New Theatre
Certain things just stick a smile on my face; old people arguing at the bus stop, the smell of summer’s first barbecue (preferably one that I’m invited to), those 'Cow and Gate' adverts with the laughing babies, the Irish accent... And pretty much any Motown record! This production, Dancing In The Streets, celebrates 50 year’s of Motown and showcases the music of the label’s most talented, successful and charismatic artists. This was therefore a perfect remedy for an altogether mundane day at school and was right up my street (buh-dum-chee). The fact that the music is from the specific era of the 60s and 70s and from the specific area of Detroit, yet it still remains timeless and has worldwide appeal, that's what steals the deal for me! Motown songs are always feel-good and uplifting, even if they are addressing serious racial issues or the heartbreak of young lovers. This show was a real joyous way to spend an evening!
The focus of Dancing In The Street is on the artists and their songs, which are presented in a such a way that you'd imagine stage shows would have been presented at the time. The show is hosted by an emcee, who introduces the artists in turn and gives some background on their careers (and how he and his marital decisions had been influenced by their music, which was rather humorous!). Accompanied by a fantastic band, the cast reproduced the amazing live quality of all the great Motown stars, from Marvin Gaye to The Supremes, with both authenticity and real fun. Stevie Wonder’s set went down especially well with the New Theatre audience. 'Superstition' and 'Sir Duke' are two of my favourite songs so I couldn’t resist a good old dance, to the embarrassment of my accompanying sister!
This show is really fabulous, with literally heaps of sunny music and tune after tune of classic hits. A simple set-up. A simple idea. The final product, simply perfect. There ain’t nothing like the real thing, but this is the closest you’ll ever get to 60s Detroit without having to go to the trouble of inventing time-travel. Save yourself that bother and come and dance in your seat at the New Theatre, until Saturday!
If you'd like to go and see Dancing in the Streets at the New Theatre, you'll find the details on our events pages here.
This event was reviewed by a young Sprout reporter, if you'd like to review an event contact arielle@thesprout.co.uk.
1 Comment – Postiwch sylw
lemonnhead
Rhoddwyd sylw 73 mis yn ôl - 29th April 2010 - 15:49pm
Great review Tommy b! I love that kind of music and the event sounds great!
Also I would have LOVED to have seen you dancing, with Rachel (I'm guessing) squirming! Really good article. Had me chuckling!