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Motown Magic
Genre
Created by Josh Wakely
Directed byJosh Wakely
Opening theme" ABC" performed by Zacary James and Motown Magic Cast
Ending theme" ABC" performed by Zacary James and Motown Magic Cast
Country of originUnited States
Australia
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes51
Production
Executive producers
  • Josh Wakely
  • Mikael Borglund
  • Smokey Robinson
ProducerJosh Wakely
Running time15 minutes
Production companiesGrace - A Storytelling Company
Beyond Entertainment
PolyGram Entertainment
EMI Music Publishing
Sony-ATV Music Publishing
Original release
Network Netflix
7TWO (Australia)
ReleaseNovember 20, 2018 (2018-11-20) –
June 28, 2019 (2019-06-28)

Motown Magic is an animated children's television series, created by Josh Wakely, and produced for Netflix. The series follows Ben, described by Netflix as “a wide-eyed 8-year-old with a big heart and an amazing imagination,” who uses a magic paintbrush to bring the street art in Motown to life. Wakely acquired worldwide rights from the music of Motown to feature in the series. The program features versions of songs by the popular record label, performed by contemporary recording artists and interwoven into the narrative. Motown hits that are recorded in the series are from such performers as The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. [1] [2]

The series was first made available worldwide on Netflix on November 20, 2018. [3]

Cast and characters

  • Avia Fields as Ben
  • Marissa Buccianti as Ella
  • Betsy Kenney as Angie
  • Monie Mon as Mickey
  • Alex Thomas as Brad, Jimmy Mack
  • Steven Cantor as Dancing Machine
  • Rhonda Morman as Grandma Ruby
  • Ryan Robinson as Grandpa Marvin
  • Byron Marc Newsome as Uncle Rod
  • Kelly Jean Badgley as Jenny
  • Ingrid Nilson as Harmony
  • Autumn Joy as Bernadette
  • Amanuel Richards as Bill
  • Peter Tiganis as Johnny

Reception

Motown Magic received favourable reviews. Critics praised the concept of reimagining Motown songs for a young audience. [4]

Other media

Soundtracks

The first soundtrack to the show was released on online music-streaming service Apple Music on November 20, 2018. [5]

References

  1. ^ "Netflix's 'Motown Magic' exclusive: Watch this amazing kid's version of Jackson 5's 'ABC'". Eu.usatoday.com. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  2. ^ "Motown Reveals 'Motown Magic' Soundtrack Track List, Previews Becky G's 'For Once in My Life' (Exclusive)". Billboard.
  3. ^ Sippell, Margeaux (2 November 2018). "TV Roundup: 'Stargirl' Series at DC Universe Casts Anjelika Washington". Variety.com. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  4. ^ "'Motown Magic' - Netflix Original Series Review - Ready Steady Cut". 20 November 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  5. ^ "Eventbrite Received $17M Discount on Ticketfly Purchase as Part of Renegotiated Deal With Pandora". Billboard. Retrieved 20 November 2018.

External links