Motown the Musical with Kenneth Mosley

Motown the Musical hits the Peoria Civic Center stage October 17^th, 18^th and 19^th for a one-of-a-kind music celebration of Motown Records and hits that topped the charts worldwide. Kenneth Mosley, playing Berry Gordy, spoke with us about life on the road and the experience of performing these classic songs night after night.

Being on tour brings a sense to discipline to the cast. Life on the road isn’t an easy one, but Mosley spoke to the great difference that having a routine can make. Between sleeping, eating, and exercising regularly, the cast sometimes has to juggle press runs and extra outings that make it harder to keep their routine. Of course, taking care of themselves both physically and mentally is important while on tour in order to keep them healthy and show-ready every night.

Apart from their lives off-stage, Mosely told us just how fun it is to be ON stage eight times a week.

“If you love the show, you get to do it over and over and over,”  he said. “Every audience is different…you get to experience the local flavor and the flair of the people there.” Motown is a show that has so many classic hits that are happy and upbeat, which makes it easy for the cast to be able to genuinely be engaged each time they perform them.

Not only does this show have great music, but it tells an important backstory as well. Mosley talked about how wonderful it is that the show really opens up the eyes of the audience to explain the driving force behind all of the artists people do know about- Dianna Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5- the story of Motown and how all of these artists came to be represented is a brilliant story.

Motown is also an extremely relevant show that can continuously bring a positive message to audiences across the country.

“In a time where there is so much division and so much going on in our world, it’s great to be able to have something that unifies us together with a message of love and fun with music,” Mosley said.

With quite a few Broadway shows under his belt, Mosley loves this role of Berry Gordy for a few reasons, including the fact that it is a way to enlighten audiences with history and a very encouraging message to those pursuing theater or the arts as their career.

“Getting experience is just as valuable. Having the on-the-job experience in this industry is paramount to that,” Mosley said. He continued to say that any experience is a great stepping stone along the way to a “big break” or a dream role.

“I really don’t feel like there are any small parts because every part helps tell the story. We get to do this. This is something you choose to do.”

Don’t miss this amazing show that kicks off the 2017-2018 Ameren Illinois Broadway Series with a serious bang. Tickets are still available at the Toyota Box Office at the Peoria Civic Center. Call or stop by and get yours today!

 

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10 Questions with Josh Wright

Adding Josh Wright to our Sales team at the PCC has not only brought a great attitude to our third floor group, but a great background of experience and ideas for the future of the building. Josh is a quiet but determined worker who we are lucky to have!

What does a typical work day look like for you as a Sales Manager at the PCC?

A typical day consists of learning, networking, prospecting, and working with clients on their events.  However, with all the stuff that goes on in the PCC, some days you get to be involved in something unique or unexpected which is a job perk.

How did your previous experiences and/or education prepare you for your current role at the PCC?

I majored in marketing, and have sold various products and services over my career.  Backing those skills with being organized and having a desire to help people has led me to success that I plan to continue.

If you had the chance to bring your favorite band/show to the PCC, who would it be?

An acoustic show with Eddie Vedder in the theater would be amazing.

What is the most important achievement you hope to accomplish at the PCC?

I hope to do my part to further promote the PCC as the best location in the Peoria area to host corporate events.

Do you have a daily routine that helps you have a successful and productive day?

My daily routine is that before I leave the house I make sure I do everything I can to set my wife and kids up to have a great day.  If I want to have a productive day in my career, I have to make sure I’m a productive person at home where it starts.

What is the best piece of career advice someone has given you?

My dad always told me to do what you are good at and what makes you happy.  He came from humble beginnings, worked hard and sacrificed so I would have more opportunities in life than he did.  I’m very grateful for that influence.

 

If you could play one character in any movie or TV show, what character would it be?

I wanted to be Indiana Jones when I was a kid, and I still think he’s an interesting character.

What is the most surprising aspect of working at a venue like the PCC?

I knew the PCC was big, but there is so much more space behind the scenes that you don’t see as a visitor.  Walking around the facility can be an adventure.

What do you do for fun when not at work?

Playing with my two boys takes up most of my free time. Things that I find fun and relaxing are fishing, hiking, and running.

What would be your dream job if you could do anything in the world?

I would write novels.  I’d move around the country to find interesting places and people that inspire me and then craft stories based on my experiences.

 

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