Motown revue at Thalian Hall features transportive moments despite sound issues

Around here it's often called "beach music," but if we're being honest that's just another way of saying "R&B that white people like."

Whatever you call it, Techmoja Dance and Theatre Co.'s musical revue "The House That Gordy Built" takes its audience back to the 1960s and '70s, when Detroit's famed Motown Records label — led by Berry Gordy, hence the title — was cranking out hit after indelible pop hit, many with evocative themes that belied their tuneful sounds.

There's not an unfamiliar song of the 30 or so in the show — The Four Tops' "Baby I Need Your Loving" and The Temptations' "My Girl" are two of the more famous — which opened last weekend at Thalian Hall in downtown Wilmington and runs for its final three performances this weekend.

This is the third time since 2010 that Techmoja has done "The House That Gordy Built," and the revue, which was devised, directed and choreographed by Kevin Lee-Y Green, comes off like a slightly more contemporary version of beloved '50s rock 'n' roll revue "Smokey Joe's Cafe."

A loose but distinct story line has various couples interacting in the common areas of a modest neighborhood. Set designer Donna Troy's homey set captures the it-takes-a-village vibe as the songs, most of which center on the ups and downs of romantic relationships, play out.

There is ton of talent on stage, with Gregory Devon Brown's high, sweet vocals taking the spotlight on multiple occasions, including The Temptations' "Just My Imagination" and Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours." Other highlights include Adrienne DeBouse's emphatic take on The Marvelettes "Please Mr. Postman," Martha Graham Quince's lovely version of Mary Wells' "My Guy" and stirring harmonies throughout the show.

In each number, Green gives his performers snappy, engaing choreography to perform, and he even brings in a sexy dream ballet sequence while Brandon Bradley sings a heartfelt rendition of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On."

Music director Sherome Amoire' Clay's band is on-point in delivering these well-known songs, but during Sunday's performance various problems with the sound and the performers' mics cropped up again and again.

Good sound equipment and sound technicians don't come cheap, of course, so to some extent it feels like a matter of equity. Techmoja is a Black-run company and "Gordy" is an almost entirely Black show, and while no Wilmington theater company is rolling in dough, it's probably safe to say that Techmoja isn't among the best-funded arts groups in town. It would be nice to see what they could do with this show if it had top-notch sound design.

At any rate, the sound issues are unfortunate, because when they go away the show can be downright transportive. A couple of particularly nice moments come during the second act with a spine-tingling group rendition of The Jackson 5's "I'll Be There" and with Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," which Rayana D. Briggs and Terrill Williams give an entertainingly humorous twist.

If the distracting sound problems can be fixed for the show's final three performances this weekend, even more highlights will emerge from "The House That Gordy Built."

Want to go?

What: "The House That Gordy Built: A Tribute to the Motown Sound," presented by Techmoja Dance & Theatre Co.

When: 2 p.m. June 8-9, 7:30 p.m. June 8

Where: Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington

Info: Tickets at 910-632-2285 or ThalianHall.org.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: The House That Gordy Built from Techmoja at Thalian Hall in Wilmington