Smokey & Me: A Celebration of Smokey Robinson
Date/Time
Location
Colonial Theatre (111 South St., Pittsfield, MA 01201, Pittsfield MA)
Tony nominated actor and musucian Charl Brown, who won national praise for his portrayal of Smokey Robinson in Motown: The Musical, celebrates the life, music and career of the acclaimed singer-songwriter once pronounced by Bob Dylan as America’s greatest living poet, and inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.
On opening night of Motown: The Musical, Smokey Robinson, known as “The King of Motown” and one of the show’s producers, went backstage to look for Charl Brown, the handsome young actor who portrayed him in the show. Upon finding him, he smiled and simply said, “Hello, Me!”
Smokey Robinson’s career spans more than four decades of hits. He has received numerous awards including the Grammy Living Legend Award, NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, Honorary Doctorate (Howard University), Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States.
Act One celebrates Smokey’s story and many of his biggest hits; ones he sang and ones he wrote, including: “Shop Around,” “Mickey’s Monkey,” “Going to a Go-Go,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “My Girl,” “I Second that Emotion,” “Tracks of my Tears” and so many more.
Act Two explores the story of Charl Brown, the actor who was fortunate enough to become Smokey every night in Motown: The Musical. This act highlights Charl Brown’s Broadway history and hits, including songs from Hair, Jersey Boys, Pippin, Sister Act, The Wiz and will end with a medley of Smokey’s iconic songs, “Tears of a Clown” and “Being With You.”
Berkshire Theatre Group brings the performance to town with muti-media support, a fantastic band and backup singers.