Magic of Motown comes to Rhyl Pavilion

Nov 18 2009

KEEP your eyes peeled if you’re in the audience at the Magic of Motown show at Rhyl Pavilion on Sunday - you may be able to spot that a young Michael Jackson is actually played by a girl.

Singer Natasha Burnett, who also plays Diana Ross in the show, appears in the Jackson 5 section of the gig. And renditions of smash hits like ABC, I’ll Be There and I Want You Back have been so lifelike that audiences have not spotted the hit Motown tribute show has a "my girl" playing a "my guy".

Natasha said: "The first time I performed as Michael was on the night we all learnt he’d passed away.

"We hastily rehearsed a version of his hit Ben as an extra special tribute and it was decided I could hit the high notes better than any other member of the cast."

At 23, Natasha is ideally suited to portray Diana’s meteoric rise from the most inauspicious of introductions to Britain to become an internationally-known megastar capable of filling stadiums worldwide.

Natasha has been treading the boards since the age of 15 and has had some success as an actress, appearing in the film Children of Men – which stars Clive Owen and Michael Caine – and featuring in TV adverts.

"Acting is good for the bank balance but my real passion is the theatre," says Natasha.

"The opportunity of performing with Magic of Motown means I do what I love best week-in, week-out throughout the year."

Lead singer of a trio of girls in Magic of Motown, Natasha joins talented male singers and an accomplished backing band.

 "It’s a job any girl would die for," says Natasha. "With 16 costume changes, I get to wear the most amazing frocks every night, and get paid for the privilege!"

Her vocals and appearance make her a dead ringer for Diana.

"Fortunately, I restrict my portrayal of Diana to my on-stage performance," says Natasha, "so the guys need not be concerned that I have any diva tendencies!"

As well as performing as Diana, Natasha also portrays Martha Reeves, Gladys Knight and Mary Wells.

Producer Michael Taylor says a cast of talented singers and real musicians is what sets The Magic of Motown apart from other shows.

"Our Michael Jackson tribute is a glowing example of how our show can respond and adapt to suit any audience and any situation," he says.

"Other productions can’t present anything other than what’s rehearsed. Our stars delight in interacting with the audience and adapting to please. No two shows are ever the same."

The Magic of Motown tribute show celebrates the 50th anniversary of the record company, and brings to life hits like Stop in the Name of Love, My Girl and Dancing in the Street; Reach Out I’ll Be There; What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, Tears of a Clown, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.

The distinctive Motown sound was created by Berry Gordy Jnr back in 1957. Beginning his music career as a song writer – he co-wrote international hit Reet Petite for Jackie Wilson – Gordy Jnr re-invested his money along with a loan to create Tamla Records in 1959 and, subsequently the same year, Motown.

It was not just the music that set Berry’s signings apart from all other hit singers of the time. For mass market appeal, artistes’ images were carefully controlled from dress and choreography, right down to their manners.

The Magic of Motown, November 22, 7.30pm, Rhyl Pavilion Theatre. Tickets 17.50 from 01745 330000 or rhylpavilion.co.uk