Denver Mayor Sings Praises Of 'Motown: The Musical'

DENVER (CBS4) - It's the music that you grew up with, and now it's a Broadway musical that's headed to Denver.

"Motown: The Musical" is the story behind some of the biggest musical groups and solo singers of the 1950s and 1960s. It's the music that shaped a generation and now it's playing out on stage.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock told CBS4 that he and his wife saw the show on Broadway in New York. He called it phenomenal.

"It's just a moment in time in music that's defied time … crossed every racial, ethnic and religious boundary ever set in this world," Hancock said.

When he got to Denver after seeing the musical, Hancock said that he immediately contacted the Denver Center Attractions to get the show here. He said that the deal was already in the works.

"Motown: The Musical" is the story of how Barry Gordy found and promoted some of the biggest musical acts in the United States. The show explores Gordy's relationships with stars like Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. It features more than 40 classic songs, including "What's Going On," "Dancing in the Street," "I Heard It through the Grapevine," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and "My Girl."

"'My Girl' by the Temptations is my favorite song from Motown. Loved all the music, but 'My Girl' resonates because it's one that's just crossed every genre, every geographic boundary ... every limit in society," Hancock explained.

He's pretty clear on his favorite Motown act also.

"Without question, The Temptations. Closely followed by The Jackson 5. We all grew up with the Jackson 5. Certainly, Michael Jackson … the greatest entertainer of all time. But when it comes down to music that lasts forever you've got to go with The Temptations," Hancock said.

LINK: Motown's Biggest Fan Contest

What is your favorite Motown song or act? CBS4 in partnership with Denver Center Attractions is looking for Motown's Biggest Fan. Winners will get tickets to the musical when it comes to Denver, and a grand prize winner will get a trip for two to Boston to see the show from Feb. 9– 11. We want you to put together your best Motown selfie or video and upload it to CBSDenver.com. The deadline for entry is Jan. 30. Winners will be chosen Feb. 2.

"Motown: The Musical" comes to The Buell Theatre March 31 through April 19. Tickets are on sale now.

--Written for CBSDenver.com by Special Projects Producer Libby Smith