Through December 14
Now at Playhouse Square’s Hanna Theater, the Karamu House’s A Motown Christmas radiates holiday spirit and plenty of joy. No story, just song after song, flashing soul, talent, and (yes!) glittery costumes galore.
Part of what makes this holiday show, created and adapted by Nate Jacobs and directed by Karamu CEO Tony F. Sias, is—of course—the music. It’s a review of Motown’s greatest hits (you know, some of the ones some of us grew up with) by now-legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Jackson 5 and more.
Many are officially “Christmas songs,” such as “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Others bring back memories, such as “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.”
Trust me here, unless you’ve had a very sheltered youth, you’ll recognize (and enjoy) this song-packed fest. Twenty-seven hits before intermission; eighteen afterwards. Good vibes flew all over the place. (Honestly, if the numbers had stopped after the first 27, it would have been plenty, but everybody cheerfully streamed back to their seats after intermission for second helpings of the music feast.)
Aside from the Motown vibe just mentioned, an additional factor makes this show a “don’t miss” holiday show. In this case, it is the outstanding ensemble cast. No matter how great a song is, it needs the right dancing, voices and energy to show it off. This Karamu production has that.
Ensemble members Christian “CJ” Hall, Jacob Johnson, Joshua McElroy, Mary-Francis Miller, Bri Mosley, Renata Napier, Avery Lamar Pope, Corlesia Smith, Africa Turner, Noire Whitehead and Kodee Williams kept all lively and bright.
Also thanks to costume designer Inda Blatch-Geib, the stage looked like a Christmas tree decorated with vocalist/ dancers, garbed in sparkling tops, sequins and fancy suits.
The lively onstage orchestra, conducted by Dr. David M. Thomas, gave dancers and vocalists support as it convincingly switched from one mood (“Go Tell It on the Mountain”) to another (“I Can’t Help Myself [Sugar Pie Honey Bunch]”).
Other credits for this fun production should go to Errin Weaver (choreography), Logan Chapman (lighting), Richard Ingraham (sound design), and Shannon McManus, stage manager.
Bottom Line: A fine, festive show—perfect for the season. (And, Karamu House even encouraged the audience to sing along. Yay!)