Motown vs Beautiful!

Motown:
We went to see ‘Motown’ for a second time and I must say, it’s just as incredible a second time around! It’s currently running at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End. 

Personally, I love musicals that tell stories, go behind the scenes, giving us as an audience a glimpse into a character’s journey. I love this show for that. It gives us an insight into the creation and development of Motown as a music genre and although it doesn’t go into great depth, the show still includes critical moments of the ‘Motown’ timeline. It also includes classic Motown hits that we all know and love!

Those who know me well, know how much of a ‘voice-geek’ I am.  The vocal performances in this show are flawless. Especially from Cedric Neal, who plays Berry Gordy. Absolutely incredible. The ensemble pieces are amazing too – vocal blending is on point! (Which, of course, made me so happy!)
 Beautiful:
We also went to see ‘Beautiful’ this week, which is currently running at the Aldwych Theatre in the West End. This show is now up there with my favourites.

Again, this show follows a journey. This time about the legendary Carole King… And what an incredible songwriter and artist she is! Like I said, I personally love musicals like this. Not only do we learn things about Carole King’s music career, we learn about her life and the highs and lows that come with being in the music industry. It was also great to learn about the musical journeys of Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil as well. 

Both productions are fantastic in their own way. From set, to costumes, to casting, to music and vocal arrangements, to the stories. For me, they’re incredible. 

It’s near on impossible for me to pick a favourite stage show (musical or play) as I love so many things about each one I’ve seen. But these two are up there… with about 10 others!! 

Lou xx