Behind the Scenes
For over 50 years, the music of Motown has conveyed an ongoing celebration of life, love, and community, as stars like Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, and James Brown collaborated with legendary songwriters such as Berry Gordy, Stevie Wonder, Carole King, and Smokey Robinson. These collaborations are behind the moments of musical magic captured in Dancing in the Street.
In fall of 2018, the primary cast came together for the first rehearsal at The Cutting Room in New York City. For the producers from Greenberg Artists and Schirmer Theatrical, listening to Shayna Steele, Michael Lynche, and Chester Gregory harmonize, the talent in the room was palpable. When asked about his connection to the music of Motown, lead vocalist Michael Lynche shared that he grew up on this music: “I think each of us singers are of the generation where our parents had this music playing throughout our youth. I had a great childhood and this music continually takes me back to happy memories.”
Since its world premiere with the Long Beach Symphony in October 2018, Dancing in the Street has been performed by orchestras throughout the US, including orchestras in Detroit, Virginia, Santa Barbara, Chattanooga, Greenville, Hartford, Grand Rapids, Dallas, Oregon, Louisville, St. Louis, Buffalo, Greensboro, and North Carolina, among others.
Set List
- Dancing in the Street
written by Marvin Gaye, Ivy George Hunter and William Stevenson, recorded by Martha Reeves - You Really Got A Hold On Me
written by Smokey Robinson, recorded by The Miracles - It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World
written by James Brown, Betty Jean Newsome and Dwight Grant, recorded by James Brown - Reach Out I’ll Be There
written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland, recorded by The Four Tops - Touch Me In The Morning
written by Michael Masser and Ronald Norman Miller, recorded by Diana Ross - Just To See Her
written by Jimmy George and Louis Pardini, recorded by Smokey Robinson - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland, recorded by Marvin Gaye - Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
written by Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, recorded by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - A Song For You
written by Leon Russell, recorded by Donny Hathaway - Superstition
written and recorded by Stevie Wonder
Intermission
- Let’s Groove
written by Maurice White and Wayne Lee Vaughn, recorded by Earth, Wind & Fire - I Got You (I Feel Good)
written and recorded by James Brown - My Guy
written by Smokey Robinson, recorded by Mary Wells - My Girl
written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, recorded by The Temptations - Endless Love
written by Lionel Richie, recorded by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross - Could It Be I’m Falling In Love
written by Melvin Steals and Mervin Steals, recorded by The Spinners - Don’t Leave Me This Way
written by Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, and Cary Gilbert, recorded by Thelma Houston - (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher
written by Gary Jackson, Raynard Miner, and Carl William Smith, recorded by Jackie Wilson - All Night Long
written and recorded by Lionel Richie - Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)
written by Stevie Wonder, Lee Garrett, Lula Mae Hardaway, and Syreeta Wright, recorded by Stevie Wonder
ALL ARRANGEMENTS LICENSED BY SCHIRMER THEATRICAL, LLC
Dancing in the Street is a co-production of Schirmer Theatrical and Greenberg Artists, part of their joint Symphonic Experience catalogue. Set list subject to change.
Artists
Crystal Monee Hall
Vocals
Crystal Monee Hall (s/h/h) is a singer/songwriter, composer and vocal director/arranger/producer based in NYC. Recent credits include Goddess (Berkeley Repertory Theatre), ALLSWELL the Movie (Dir. Ben Snyder), Choir Boy (Philadelphia Theatre Company), Darius De Haas’ You Send Me: The Songs and Soul of Sam Cook (92Y Lyrics and Lyricists), Where We Dwell (New York City Center), Ayodele Casel’s Chasing Magic (American Repertory Theater), Walker (CW network), “A Beautiful Noise” (Gospel Arrangement), Ben Platt: Live From Radio City Music Hall (Netflix), PBS Kids (Donkey Hodie, Nature Cat), Black Ink Crew (VH1), HBO’s High Maintenance, Stars on Stage: Brandon Victor Dixon (PBS), Cynthia Erivo: Live From Lincoln Center (PBS), Mickey Hart (The Grateful Dead), RENT (Nederlander Theater), Kristen Chenoweth, Thomas Rhett, Renee Elise Goldsberry, John Legend, Patti Austin, Oleta Adams. Awards include The Lilly Awards’ 2021 “Go Write a Musical” award and the Black Theatre Coalition’s inaugural Composer Fellowship in 2022.
www.crystalmoneehall.com, @crystalmonee.
Chester Gregory
Vocals
Chester Gregory is an award-winning singer, actor, and producer, who was last seen starring in Motown The Musical as Berry Gordy on Broadway. Gregory’s additional Broadway credits include Hairspray (Seaweed), Tarzan (Terk – Original Broadway Cast), Cry-Baby (Dupree – Original Broadway Cast), and Sister Act (Eddie – Original Broadway Cast). His national tour credits include roles in Dreamgirls and Sister Act, as well as his one-man show, The Eve of Jackie Wilson. Gregory’s acting credits include roles in August Wilson’s Fences and Two Trains Running.
Gregory has received many awards, including the Jeff Award and an NAACP Theatre Award. He has also been presented with the keys to two cities: one for his hometown of Gary, Indiana, and one for East Chicago. Gregory was selected to be an Honorary State Representative for Indiana and received an Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater, Columbia College Chicago.
Michael Lynche
Vocals
American Idol Michael Lynche is a new breed of soul singer with completely classic influences. Traces of Donny Hathaway, Al Green, Luther Vandross, Sam Cooke and James Brown all seem to flash in this uniquely talented performer. Undeniable charisma, well-crafted song arrangements and a voice soaked in soul give the big man class all his own. “Big Mike”—as he was known while winning over the hearts of a nation during his stint on American Idol—has talent so versatile, he’s played intimate jazz & blues clubs, 20,000 seat arenas and opera halls with 100-piece orchestras backing him. Through it all, “Big Mike” has always had one singular goal: to spread a message of love wherever he goes.
A New York City resident for the last 15+ years, this Florida native rose from obscurity as a finalist on season 9 of the hit phenomenon, American Idol. After wowing millions of fans on American Idol with his comforting and powerful voice and performing throughout the United States as part of the American Idol LIVE! Tour, Big Mike has released two studio albums, toured as an opening act for Boyz II Men, Lalah Hathaway, Faith Evans, and Lyfe Jennings and toured the world with his honest storytelling brand of soul music.
Since 2012, Big Mike has been a frequent featured guest vocalist with Maestro Jeff Tyzik and his hit show — “Let’s Dance!”. With the perfect repertoire to showcase his dynamic song range, “Let’s Dance!” has been performed with orchestras all over the US and Canada, including the Dallas Symphony, Utah Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Toronto Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and many many more. Tyzik has been an incredible mentor for Michael over the years, recognizing a passion and drive in the big man that has made his own career successful. The two have spent the last years collaborating on new, sensational soul inspired Pops concerts including “R&B Legends”, “Kings of Soul” and “Dancing in the Street – The Music of Motown”.
“Big Mike” brings an inspirational story and a searing, soulful, one-of-a-kind voice. He leaves you breathless and wanting more when the night is over. This extraordinary vocal talent seamlessly fuses classic R&B, thoroughly modern urban grooves, and swoon-worthy vintage soul into a fresh, unique sound. Big, yes—and beautiful, too; Michael Lynche makes music that’s unforgettable.
Eric Metzgar
Drummer
Eric Metzgar is an in-demand drummer and versatile collaborator who offers his musicianship to various jazz/pop artists and symphony orchestras worldwide. He has had the opportunity to play with numerous first-rate performers including Jeff Tyzik, Sutton Foster, Joe Locke, Jimmy Greene, Shayna Steele, Byron Stripling, and Delfeayo Marsalis.
Metzgar is a passionate educator deeply invested in music teaching and learning. Each summer, he teaches at the Cape Ann Jazz Workshop under the direction of saxophonist Alexa Tarantino. He maintains a private studio and serves as a clinician at grade schools and universities.
Metzgar holds a BM in Drum Set Performance and an MM in Music Teaching and Learning from the Eastman School of Music. He lives in New York City and tours frequently around the world.
Chris Kuffner
Guitar
Chris Kuffner has been a professional bassist Guitarist and music producer for over 20 years. He has performed or recorded with such visionary artists as Regina Spektor, Ingrid Michaelson, David Byrne, Sara Bareilles, Jason Mraz, A Great Big World, Jenny Owen Youngs and Joanne Shaw Taylor. His playing and production work has also been featured on commercial campaigns for Hershey’s, Old Navy, and Cheerios.
Chris loves working with Greenberg Artists and Schirmer Theatrical, and has played Bass or Guitar for many of their pops concert programs from the Revolution: The Music Of The Beatles to Dancing In The Street: The Music of Motown, the Paul Simon Songbook to Disco Divas, Summer Breeze: Yacht Rock Classics to Back To The ‘80s. Chris loves performing all of this amazing repertoire with symphonies in America and beyond.
“What Greenberg Artists and Shirmer Theatric have created and curated is beautiful. All the shows are expertly arranged to showcase the orchestra and bring the best of modern popular music to this setting. Symphonic music needs pops concerts to continue to thrive and I’m grateful to play a small part in that. Hope you enjoy!”
Creative Team
Robert Thompson
Creative Producer
Jeff Tyzik
Producer & Arranger
Jami Greenberg
Producer & Booking Agent
Betsey Perlmutter
Producer
Alex Kosick
Producer
Evie Miller
Assistant Producer
Schirmer Theatrical is a concert production company specializing in the creation of symphonic experiences, film with live orchestra concerts, and theatrical productions.
Greenberg Artists is an artist management and concert production company striving to bring the highest level of talent and musical integrity to audiences around the world.
Acclaim
“The audience was so receptive, and [the] band and singers were a delight. Most importantly, the music and [Jeff Tyzik’s] arrangements were superb. The orchestra performed beautifully and really seemed to enjoy themselves.”
– Henry Panion III, PhD, Guest Conductor, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra
