ISSUED: 28 March 2022
MEDIA CONTACT: Dana Costa
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The Shepherd University School of Music and the Contemporary Theater Studies Program will premiere an original musical production “Motown: Music from the Motor City” on Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 10, at 3 p.m. in the Marinoff Theater. Through the songs, stories, and memories from Hitsville, USA, the audience will experience how the impact of Motown music made it the Soundtrack of America.
The show is directed by kb saine, assistant professor of theater, with musical direction by Dr. Rob Tudor, dean, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. It will feature singers, actors, and musicians exploring the history of Motown music, its artists, and its role and influence on 20th century American culture.
Featuring a live band and musical arrangements by Shepherd adjunct professor Kevin Pace, the show will include hit songs like “My Girl,” “Stop in the Name of Love,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” and many others. Scenery design is by Chase Molden, Shepherd theater technician director. Lighting and sound design is by Braden Harrington, Shepherd assistant theater technician. The 1970s period costuming is by costume designer Greg Horton.
The cast includes Sophia Mayrand, Shenandoah Junction; Alisa Mills, Martinsburg; Eddie Peters, Moundsville; Matthew Green, Charleston; Zoey Breakall, Clear Spring, Maryland; Susan Celano, Clarksville, Maryland; Courtney Bell, Manassas, Virginia; and Xander Strain, Bridgeville, Delaware.
The band features Meya Collings, Charles Town, on piano; Jacob Routzhan, Falling Waters, and Samuel Ellis, Berkeley Springs, both on guitar; Emily Ellmore, Big Pool, Maryland, on baritone saxophone; Sianna King, New Market, Maryland, on keyboard; Jonathan Zutt, Gambrills, Maryland, on drums; Crispin Enger, Alexandria, Virginia, on bass; and Joe Rupert, Haymarket, Virginia, on trumpet.
General admission is $15; $10 for Shepherd faculty, staff, alumni, senior citizens, active-duty military, and those age 18 and under; and free for Shepherd students with a valid Rambler ID.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the online ticket office.
There is a $1 surcharge for tickets purchased in advance online and for all credit card sales. Cash and checks are preferred for in-person box office sales.
For more information about upcoming events visit the School of Music Calendar of Concerts and Events webpage.
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