Preview performances for Motown: The Musical open tonight on Broadway, in anticipation of its official opening day of April 14 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, Motown: The Musical is based on founder Berry Gordy’s 1994 autobiography To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown, and will feature music and lyrics from the legendary Motown catalogue.

Motown: The Musical is the real story of the one-of-a-kind sound that first hit the airwaves in 1959 and changed American culture forever. The show charts Motown founder Berry Gordy’s inspiring journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more.

Featuring all the classics you love, Motown: The Musical tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in the United States. The music that shattered barriers, shaped lives and made us all move to the same beat finally arrives on Broadway in one of the most anticipated world-premiere events of the season.

EBONY.com Arts & Culture Editor Miles Marshall Lewis interviews Berry Gordy, discussing Motown’s legacy and expectations for Motown: The Musical on Broadway.