Motown the Musical hits the Peoria Civic Center stage October 17th, 18th and 19th 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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