Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Saturday 19 October 2024, The Regal Theatre, SA
When it comes to the magic of Motown, there’s something undeniably special about the way the music moves you. The swell, catchy beats, soulful vocals, and timeless melodies have a unique ability to time-warp you back to a golden era of sound. Dancing in the Shadows of Motown confidently does that, with a vibrant & colourful celebration of the genre’s most iconic hits, paying homage to the legendary artists and musicians who shaped the Motown sound.
A Journey Through Motown’s Greatest Hits at The Regal Theatre
The show takes you on a nostalgic journey, re-creating the era when artists like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations ruled the airwaves (perhaps they still should – it was a great time). From the very first song, the audience is swept into a whirlwind of infectious energy and it didn’t take long before the audience were filling the spacious dance area between the stalls and the grand stage at the iconic The Regal Theatre. The talented cast breathes life into these classic songs, performing each one with the kind of passion that makes it hard to not groove along. By the time the band strikes up ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ or ‘Shakey Ground’, you’re fully immersed in the magic.
Exceptional Performances
What stands out about Dancing in the Shadows of Motown is the undeniable talent on stage. Each performer, whether vocalists or musicians, brings an incredible level of skill and authenticity to their roles. The musicianship is tight with each of them having various key moments to really highlight their skill set. The musicians are top-notch, handling the complex, rhythm-heavy arrangements with finesse. The driving bass lines, sharp guitar riffs, and of course, those signature horn sections are all played with meticulous attention to detail, evoking the spirit of the original Funk Brothers, Motown’s legendary house band.
The four lead singers with honed vocals capture the vibes of the Motown greats, without trying to simply mimic them. The freshness to their interpretations clear, but they stay true to the soul of the original performances. With choreographed routines and movements, they are slick and tight.
Engaging the Audience
The performers do a brilliant job of engaging the audience, encouraging clapping, dancing, and singing along. By the time the show reaches its crescendo, you feel like you’re part of a massive Motown party. It’s evident that Dancing in the Shadows of Motown is designed to be as much an interactive experience as it is a concert.
There’s also a real sense of joy and celebration in the air. The performers seem to genuinely enjoy what they’re doing and are having fun up there, and that energy spreads quickly through the audience. It’s hard not to smile and tap your feet when the entire room is buzzing with the sound of hits like ‘My Girl’ and ‘Dancing in the Street’.
Attention to Detail
The production values in Dancing in the Shadows of Motown are simple but it works. From the old-school costumes that mirror the glamorous style of the era, to the vibrant back-screen that shifts with the mood of each song, everything is designed to take you back to Motown’s heyday. As mentioned prior, even the choreography stays true to the iconic moves we associate with groups like The Temptations or The Four Tops — synchronized, smooth, and oh-so-cool.
Downsides?
Having balcony seats, the audio could have been more suited to include that area, it almost felt disconnected to what the stall seats were experiencing. And, the screen videos could have been timed slightly fine-tuned as the ‘technical’ holding screen appeared a few times between numbers. However, this doesn’t take away from the overall experience – it’s a small critique in an otherwise stellar show.
Final Thoughts
Dancing in the Shadows of Motown is a feel-good, high-energy tribute that brings the sounds of Motown to life in a way that’s both authentic and exhilarating. It’s designed to be a good fun night out and that’s what you get. A great set-list, fabulous band and brilliant singers, it’s a great night out – It’s a wonderful homage to an era of music that changed the world, and by the time the final song fades, you’ll be ready to hit replay and experience it all over again.
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