Karamu’s ‘Motown Christmas’ is a rockin’ holiday extravaganza

Back in the 50s the various record companies use to send out their hottest stars on extended tours to promote their newest hits and sell records and sheet music. It was not unusual for these tours to play lessor cities bringing top notch talent to the lesser reached segments of the country. While those days are gone you can relive the feel of what it was like to witness a true rock and roll Christmas tour. Karamu’s Motown Christmas captures that Motown feel and excitement in the intimate Hanna Theatre in Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio.

In Motown Christmas, ten local artists take on the daunting task of recreating musical numbers of some of the most famous Motown performers. The talented ensemble represent such groups as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes, The Temptations, Martha and the Vandellas, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Four Tops, The Jackson Five singing the great hits as well as a collection of Christmas songs done in the Motown style. In all forty five songs are performed during the just shy of two hour show but the action is so fast and the singing so good that the time flies by without notice.

The ensemble singers include Christian “CJ” Hall, Jacob Johnson, Joshua McElroy, Mary-Francis Miller, Bri Mosley, Renata Napier, Avery Lamar Pope, Corlesia Smith, Africa Turner and Kodee Williams along with Dyrell Barnett. The orchestra under the direction of Dr. David Manning Thomas (keyboard), David Munford (keyboard II), Bill Ransom (percussion), Dieon Williams (drums), Wayne A Deadwiley Sr. (bass guitar), Kevin Byous (guitar), Johnny Cochran (saxophone), VanDarrel Woods (trumpet) and Zach Warren (trombone). The show is directed by Tony F. Silas with Errin Weaver handling the choreography. T. Paul Lowry designed the stupendous digital backgrounds. The hardest working member of staff was once again Inda Blatch-Geib who had so many costume changes that it took the efforts of two dressers, Liannah Foster and Akilah Marshal as well as a dresser sub, Sara Ratcliff. Keeping the sound bright and crisp was Richard Ingraham with Logan Chapman doing the fantastic lighting design. Brielle McCrew handled all of the wigs which truly added to the feel of authenticity.

Such holiday favorites as “Deck The Halls”, “Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer”, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bell Rock, The Little Drummer Boy” as well as Motown favorites of “Come See About Me”, “My Girl”, “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch”, “The Tear Of A Clown” and more. As in all Karamu productions (the word means “A Joyful Gathering Place” audience members are invited to clap, sing and dance along during the performance and it is not hard to get caught up in the excitement of the show.

If you are looking for a truly hip and exciting holiday show this is a must see. Being housed in the intimate Hanna Theatre brings everyone close to the action on stage. This show takes us back to a simpler time of the 50s when a few dollar ticket could have you see million dollar acts performing in your small town. Don’t “Shop Around” but instead experience the “Heatwave” of live performing at its best.,

The Karamu House production of “A Motown Christmas” will be on stage in the Hanna Theatre through December 14, 2025. For tickets and more information go to https://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/a-motown-christmas or call (216) 241-6000.