“Motown” Opens in Steel Town; “Into the Woods” on Local Screens (CPs Tues., 12/30/14)

The Supremes – Krisha Marcano (Florence Ballard), Allison Semmes (Diana Ross), and Trisha Jeffrey (Mary Wilson)
“Motown The Musical” First National Tour
(c) Joan Marcus, 2014

1) With Motown: The Musical, The Temptations for word-play are endless. One could say it’s loaded with Miracles, or call it Supreme, or maybe you Heard It Through the Grapevine. The show brings a cast of today’s actors to Heinz Hall to play (and sing) the roles of Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, and other stars from Detroit’s iconic record label. Based loosely on the autobiography of Motown founder Berry Gordy, the musical received four Tony nominations last year. It includes over 60 songs, from “Dancing in the Street” to the 1970 chart-topper “War”—and though most are done only in short versions, that’s a lotta Motown. 7:30 p.m. Through Jan. 4. 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

2)  Into the Woods—The movie event of the season. Stephen Sondheim’s Tony-winning musical mash-up of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack & The Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Rapunzel finally makes it to the big screen with an all-star cast that includes Emily Blunt, Chris Pine, Tracey Ullman, Anna Kendrick, Johnny Depp, and Meryl Streep. Check Fandango for screens and times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9LD-JqHVps

3) Head—Now this is a cult classic. Hoping to mimic the success of The Beatles’ Hard Day’s Night and Yellow Submarine, in 1968 Bob Rafelson and Jack Nicholson wrote a psychedelic movie happening for The Monkees … and no one has ever been able to figure out what any of it means. With appearances by Victor Mature, Annette Funicello, Sonny Liston, Dennis Hopper … and Frank Zappa! 7:30 p.m. Hollywood Theater, 1449 Potomac Ave., Dormont.

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