adminReps Theatre this week.
The show features 10 singers and an eight-piece band performing a selection of songs made famous by singers and groups signed up to the Tamla Motown record label, which this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding by legendary impresario and producer Barry Gordy.
Songs include many originally performed by singers and groups such as Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, the Supremes, Lionel Richie and the Commodores, all of whom made major contributions to the financial and critical success of the Motown label and helped create what is universally known as “the Motown sound”.
The Motown show was devised by Mark Robbins, who is also the director, with help from Alex Fairlie. Singers on stage include Kirby Chipembere, Alex Fairlie, Ruth Fernandes, Brita Masalethulini, Tina
Masawi, Innocent Museve, Shami Musariri-Hove, Rudo Musiwacho, John Pfumojena and Aaron Ziwande. The band includes Basil Fernandes, AB Meyer and Simba Moyo on guitar, Kudakwashe Gomba and Tasimba Mhizha on keyboards, Mark Robbins on drums, John Pfumojena on percussion and Aubrey Kabambe on saxophone.
“This will be a fun show that highlights some of the greatest music ever written and recorded and is our tribute to a great recording label,” said Robbins.
“It will have broad general appeal to all ages and will be something that will leave audiences in a great mood.”
The show previewed on Wednesday, when pensioners got in for free, with an opening night on Thursday September 1.
Two gala nights follow – one for the Arcadia Community Centre on Friday September 2 and one for St George’s College on Saturday September 3. Thereafter there are performances each night except Sundays and Mondays at 7pm, ending on Saturday September 17. Matinee performances have been scheduled for 2.30pm on Saturday September 3 and Saturday September 10.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu