Delco Collage

By Amy A. Winnemore    Bringing Detroit’s soulful music to the masses was the goal, and Berry Gordy was ready for the challenge by creating the melodies of Motown. Adapted from Gordy’s memoir, Motown the Musical is now onstage at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Krisha Marcano, Allison Semmes and Trisha Jeffrey.    The musical begins with a dejected Berry (Chester Gregory), feeling betrayed by his former stars and unwilling to attend the 1983 television special celebrating Motown's 25th anniversary. Both the harshness and opportunity of the music industry are shown throughout the show with flashbacks, starting with Motown’s first headquarters Hitsville U.S.A. Newcomers and superstars of Motown music take turns supporting each other and bringing each other down following one of Gordy’s mantra: “competition breeds success.” Tension between groups (The Four Tops vs. The Temptations) is a source of play-fighting throughout the show as their medley of song...