Campers wow audience with 'Sounds of Motown'

Jitters, giggles and excitement filled the Seminole Theater in Homestead on Friday evening, Aug. 10.

Summer camp participants from the SBC Community Development Corp. Youth Zone took the stage for their culminating summer production performance of “The Sounds of Motown.”

“The Sounds of Motown” is a children's musical featuring student and professional actors chronicling the real story of Berry Gordy and Motown Records. It celebrates the music that inspired a generation, defined an era and reshaped the music industry.

The youth-filled production depicted all of Motown’s big artist groups such as the Jackson 5, the Supremes and the Temptations.

“I wanted to play the part of Tammi Terrell because I felt like I could connect with her role. I used to listen to the song ‘Ain't No Mountain High Enough’ all the time, and I did not know it was her,” said Na’yilah Anderson who did portray songstress, Tammi Terrell. “I loved it. It made me realize that the music from that era is better than the music now!”

Christopher Robins portrayed Stevie Wonder, and acknowledged the artist’s talent.

“[He] is an amazing, talented performer, and by portraying his role I was able to identify with being blind and to realize that it takes a gift that only God could give for him to be successful,” said Christopher. “I think the production was by far one of the best SBC CDC shows I’ve ever participated in. It really made people believe that even the younger generation can appreciate the older generation’s music and talent.”

Earlier in the day at the Seminole Theater, the SBC Youth Zone students hosted a private show for I am Different Inc., Camp Seminole, Homestead YMCA, Youth Impact, J&A Residences and the Children’s Learning Center. Professional actor Joe Louis Sumpter narrated the production.

“Believing in the vision set forth by the SBC staff of empowering and inspiring the youth to do something positive and entertaining in the community, I thought that it was evident that team-building was essential in making this project work. From the staff to the choreography with each group performing, it was amazing to see children come together and work as a team.”

Devonte “T.P.” Miller was the musical director for “The Sounds of Motown.” Miller summed up the night by saying: “The production was amazing!”