| riveting true story begins with young Marvin, who clearly enjoys the sound of his own voice, soulfully singing a secular song. His father Marvin Sr. (Clifton Powell), who obviously has serious issues, rushes in and chastises the little boy, telling him that if he keeps singing “the devil’s music,” he will “lose his soul.” He then begins to beat the child with a leather belt until his wife Alberta (singer Allison Williams) rushes in to stop him, and the grown woman is also severely chastised. This incident is indicative of the lifelong conflict that existed between Marvin and his father, which ended on April 1, 1984, when Marvin Sr. shot his son at point blank range.
Buff balladeer Keith Washington gives a poignant and powerful performance as Marvin Gaye, the talented and troubled Motown legend, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Known for the R&B hit “Kissing You,” Washington who has appeared on the sitcom “Martin,” as well as in the feature film “Poetic Justice” and the daytime drama “General Hospital,” successfully portrayed the angst, the attitude and the artistry of the 2-time Grammy winner.
Playing Gaye in his teenage and young adult years is the studly Tony Grant, who gave an engaging performance while battling the numerous technical problems that plagued the production on this particular night – to the point where a stage hand actually had to run by and place a hand-held microphone on the piano when Grant’s body mic went out in the middle of a scene.
Grant handled it like a pro however, and gave an engaging interpretation – particularly in his romantic duets with the gorgeous Tammi Terrell, played by Lia Grant. The duo absolutely sizzled during their romantic concert scene, which ended with Tammi collapsing into Marvin’s arms.
In the spirit of a true Philadelphian, John Terrell, who played the intense Motown mogul Berry Gordy, capably handled good-natured hecklers and was particularly adroit at making light of a smoke machine that suddenly went crazy, while a hilarious comedic moment was provided by Michael Knowlton, who gave a sidesplitting portrayal of David Ruffin, Gaye’s rival for the affections of the cute and curvaceous Tammy Terrell.
“My Brother Marvin” featured a script that was humorous without becoming stereotypical, and even though the production provided a candid disclosure of Gaye’s personal and family life, it was also a nostalgic celebration of the ’60’s and the “Motown Sound.” There was even a lively version of the “Motown Revue,” featuring performances by the “Supremes” and the “Temptations.” Cynthia Calhoun was a hoot as the self-absorbed Diana Ross, who was the target of open contempt from group members “Mary” and “Florence.”
In a moment straight from the Uptown Theater, the “Temptations” delivered rousing renditions “My Girl,” and “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” although some license was taken by the lead singer who sported dreadlocks that had been swept back into a ponytail. Sorry fella, but none of the Temps wore locks back in the ’60s, and this faux pas kills the authenticity of what is otherwise a magic moment.
Even so, fans will revel in the virtual cavalcade of hits, including “Come Get to This,” “Let’s Get It On,’ “Sexual Healing,” “What’s Going On,” “Hitch Hike” and “Pride & Joy.” Just come prepared to spend the evening, because the performance, including intermission is three hours long.
Directed by the versatile Clifton Powell, “My Brother Marvin” not only answers the questions that followed Marvin’s Gaye’s tragic death, it is a nostalgic celebration of the music and the magic that truly made Motown “The Sound of Young America.” For tickets call (215) 336-1234 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Merriam Theater box office. | 