THE Magic Of Motown is celebrating 50 years of British number one singles on its new Baby Love Tour.
The 2014 show will visit the Grand Opera House, York, on Saturday, March 8, and courtesy of the Cumberland Street theatre, The Press has three pairs of tickets to be won.
The new tour takes its name from the pop landmark moment in 1964 when The Supremes rocketed to the top of the UK chart for the first time with Baby Love, following the number three success of debut single Where Did Our Love Go earlier that year.
Motown’s first UK chart topper paved the way for 100 more worldwide, while The Supremes became the most successful female group in the world, achieving a record 21 Top 20 hits in Britain – a feat later matched by the not-quite-so-pioneering Bananarama.
In another 1964 slice of pop history, Motown’s concert show, the Motown Revue, crossed the Pond for its first UK tour, bringing Smokey Robinson And The Miracles, The Temptations, Martha Reeves And The Vandellas, Little Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross And the Supremes to these shores.
That year the British Top Ten was duly peppered with Motown hits, not only The Supremes but also My Guy by Mary Wells and Dancing In The Street by Martha Reeves.
Direct from the United States, The Magic Of Motown show features 36 its from the Motor City in Detroit by The Supremes, The Temptations, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Lionel Richie, among others.
“Our performances authentically revive the style and sophistication of all your favourite Detroit legends,” says producer Michael Taylor. “As well as intricate dance moves choreographed by Andre Lejaune and glittering costumes galore designed by Claire Davis, the elusive, authentic sound of Motown is recreated by our Magic Of Motown band.
“The group, especially put together for the show, are now celebrating their tenth year together. In their capable hands, you can guarantee that the score will be – with a nod to the great Stevie Wonder – uptight, alright and out of sight.”
Sadly, many of the original Motown legends are either no longer alive or no longer touring, notes Michael. “So The Magic Of Motown is the nearest you’ll get to authentically capturing their incredible musical legacy in a live show,” he says. “Our young cast is able to reflect the exuberance and excitement of these songs as they were originally performed.”
This year’s tour will take in 100 dates featuring Andre Lejaune as male lead singer as well as choreographer. Promises new additions to the hits package, he says: “Come and celebrate 50 years of number one hits. With the Baby Love 2014 Tour, the magic of Motown is truly coming to town.”
Tickets for the 7.30pm show are on sale on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york
• Competition question: In which American city is the Motown label based?
Send your answer with your name, address and daytime phone number to charles.hutchinson@nqyne.co.uk by next Friday. Usual competition rules apply.
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