February 14, 2015
According to Philly.com, PIR stalwart Kenny Gamble confirmed there is definite interest behind a Motown-style musical for the soul and R&B juggernaut.
"We've had quite a few people approach us that are interested in doing the Philly International program as a musical, so I'm excited about it," Gamble said, during a recent phone chat.
Gamble, who along with Leon Huff and Thom Bell was a pioneer at Philadelphia International Records, continues to credit Motown record label founder Berry Gordy for serving as an archetype.
For Gamble and his collaborators, there is a precedent for a production of this kind. 2001's 'Me and Mrs. Jones'. The show premiered at the Prince Music Theatre in Center City, where it got mixed reviews and will serve as an instructive experience this time around.
While Gable would not go deep into specifics about what the new musical would encompass, he did indicate that it would be broadly based around the concepts of unity and brotherhood.
"I think that's really the story of Philly International - starting at the bottom, working together as a team and reaching success in the music industry. I think people will be interested in knowing where that body of music called 'the Philly sound' came from and what went on."
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