Dancing in the Streets...

A celebration of Motown Music at the Opera House…

If you are between the ages of 20 and 70, go to the Opera House this week. Mancunians, you should go in droves. This is a two hour joyful celebration of some of the greatest 60s music performed with enthusiasm, excitement, vibrancy and consistent exhilaration.

The virtuoso performances of an exceptionally talented company of musicians and vocalists ensures this. They make the stage vibrate.

It is a joy to be reminded of so many of the greatest Motown hits of the decade from the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye and so many more. It creates a wonderful atmosphere in the Theatre bringing the audience to its feet time after time, as fantastic hit after hit rolls across and through the auditorium.

Keith Strachan has directed this joyous evening and helps to so memorably capture this golden age of Detroit music. He is assisted wonderfully by all the participants. They deserve enormous credit.

Johnny Amobi was quite marvellous. It is a salutary thought that so much unrealised talent runs through our musical world. His Jimmy Ruffin song was one of my personal highlights.

Not a play, not a gig, no actors, no plot. As the “label” says a celebration. A wonderful, ravishing celebration of an important portion of the legacy of many baby boomers lives.

I heard on the grapevine that tickets are in short supply. Whatever becomes of the broken-hearted… get your ticket and avoid such a calamity. Sheridan was right, “anticipating the past” can be most productive. A glorious night out.

Richard Burbage
April 2006

Showing at the Opera House, Manchester until Sat 8th April

Ticketmaster 0870 401 9000