Chattanooga Times Free Press - ChattanoogaNow
UTC graduate Matthew Keaton in cast of "Motown the Musical" at the Tivoli. TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY
UTC grad Matthew Keaton in cast of tour stopping at Tivoli Theatre
Less than two years after graduating from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Matthew Keaton is cast in his first national tour of a Broadway musical — a coveted gig he won on his first New York audition.
“I still can’t believe it myself,” he laughs during a phone interview. “It’s a blessing.
Keaton and the cast of “Motown the Musical” will stop in the Tivoli Theatre for three shows Tuesday-Thursday nights, April 17-19. He’s anticipating a big homecoming with friends coming to see him “in full force.”
“Motown” is the Broadway musical about the American dream of Motown founder Berry Gordy. It follows his journey from the teen who dropped out of school to pursue boxing to the music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more artists.
“It ’ s t he t hought process behind the creation of Motown, how it started as an idea. Then it shows every stage of what Mr. Gordy went through trying to change the world with music,” Keaton describes.
“His objective was to bring people together through music. We are still trying to bring people together. We are touring the country promoting unity.”
Keaton is a swing actor, meaning he changes roles constantly to fill the cast where needed. Look for him in the Temptations’ numbers next week.
“I know the show at least three different ways. I cover six people in the show, and each person has at least four different people to portray because the show travels through time.”
Keaton says “Motown’s” 1960s costuming delights the audience.
“We have everything from the shiniest of suits to the sparkliest of dresses and all the high wigs. It’s like stepping into a time machine.”
Nearly 60 songs are included in the score — all the old favorites from Jackson 5’ s “ABC” to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” Audiences will groove to “Stop in the Name of Love,” “My Girl,” “Dancing in the Street,” “Brick House” and “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) — just to name a few.
The UTC alum says watching the audience’s delight in the production, the grins of recognition when they hear the first notes of their favorite songs, is proving to be his biggest delight in touring with this production.
“The most fun has to be seeing the reactions of people seeing certain outfits when we come out onstage. They don’t expect it. We’re taking them to a place they’ve lived already.”