INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Music of Motown: Let’s Get it On

Four stars

American Cabaret Theatre

Fast-paced with excellent timing for sharp segues out of and into the next set, the signature Motown intimate snapshots engaged the packed audience. A company of 13 fine song stylists and a corps of strong dancers grasped the emotional aspects of the genre without trying to mimic the singers that led the charts during the ’60s, when Detroit delivered a sound and beat that changed popular music for a generation, and that still commands attention. Dreamgirls certainly has re-awakened interest. Some 50 numbers satisfied thoroughly, yet a few standouts bear special mention, including the Supremes’ “Stop in the Name of Love,” the Ross/Ritchie version of “Endless Love,” Temptations’ “Pappa Was a Rolling Stone,” Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight & the Pips’ versions of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and Edwin Starr’s “War.” Soloists delighted throughout, the dancing numbers were show-stoppers. Just right setting and costumes added to the overall pleasure of the program that had a good inter-mix of fast numbers, soulful ballads, humor and thought-provoking content. Through Oct. 28; 317-631-0334.