Reviews
SDGLN.com
By Jean Lowerison - SDGLN THEATER CRITIC
June 12, 2015
THEATER REVIEW: "Motown: The Musical"
But my favorite is Reed L. Shannon, the 14-year-old dynamo who lit up the stage as the very young Michael Jackson (and also played the young Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder) last night. These roles are triple-cast, so your mileage may vary, but Shannon is a real find.
Times of San Diego
By Pat Launer
June 11, 2015
Dancing in the Street: ‘Motown, the Musical’ at Civic Theatre
One showstopping performer plays young Berry, young Stevie and, most spectacularly, young Michael Jackson. Fourteen year-old Reed Shannon was phenomenal (he alternates with Nathaniel Cullors and Leon Outlaw, Jr.). He moves well, but it’s his singing that blows the roof off and brings the house down.
BroadwayWorld.com
By Christine Swerczek
March 27, 2015
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, What's Going On?
Reed L. Shannon is a loud favorite with the crowd, not only because he is a kid, but also because the boy can move like a pro and belt out his ABC's like a young Michael Jackson.
Omaha.com
By Bob Fischbach / World-Herald staff writer
March 26, 2015
‘Motown’ gets the music spot on, and it should have stopped there
Some of the biggest cheers were reserved for young Reed Shannon as a young Michael Jackson, jumpin’ and jivin’ through all the old Jackson 5 hits with all the old moves and vocal embellishments. Sensational.
Tampa Tribune (TBO.com)
By Joe Henderson
March 18, 2015
‘Motown The Musical’ is a non-stop sensory treat
Reed L. Shannon gets a special shout-out for tackling the roles of young Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. For unexpected comedy relief, you’ll love Doug Storm in a couple of cameos as Ed Sullivan....
Urban Image Magazine
By Cynthia Roberts
January 28, 2015
No Nonsense Telling It Like It Is- Motown The Musical- My Review
The star of the show in my opinion was young Michael Jackson played by Reed Lorenzo Shannon. If Michael Jackson ever had a singing twin, Reed was it.
Broadwayworld.com
By Michael Rabice
January 21, 2015
BWW Reviews: MOTOWN:THE MUSICAL at Shea's Performing Arts Center
"Young Michael Jackson (Reed L. Shannon) appeared to be an audience favorite and rightly so. He had all the Jackson moves, while having a voice that was almost as remarkable as Jackson's own at that young age."
Twin Cities Daily Planet
By Alison Grausam
December 26, 2014
The supreme temptation to dance to Mowton
"It would be a disservice to this musical if it was not mentioned that the most amazing singing voice was belted out of a seventh-grader. This is not to say that all the other singers were not talented - they most certainly were - but to find a talent like Reed L. Shannon for the part of Young Michael Jackson, it was a highlight of the performance. If you closed your eyes and listened, you would be transported back to apex of the Jackson 5. Even now, it is a guarantee that Shannon is going places".
The Des Moines Register
By Michael Morain
December 3, 2014
'Motown' hits march fast through history — and today
...And Reed Shannon channels young Michael Jackson so cannily that the other Jackson Four barely stand a chance. It's startling how much the kid sounds like M.J.
The Detroit News
By Susan Whitall
October 23, 2014
Motown the Musical captures real thing - in surreal twist
"One of the biggest ovations, and justly so, came when young Reed L. Shannon came dancing out as Michael Jackson with the Jackson 5, purple hat cocked just so, his purple fringe vest an exact copy of one of MJ's '70s outfits. Shannon's voice perfectly evoked the beauty of Jackson's winsome young voice on songs like "Who's Lovin' You," and "I Want You Back."
Detroit Free Press
By John Monaghan
October 23, 2014
Motown musical: Glorious tunes and showbiz cliches
...Though there is too much of Ross in her diva phase for my taste ("Reach Out and Touch," complete with mandatory audience hand-holding), we also get a healthy, welcome dose of the Jackson 5. Reed L. Shannon, who played young Michael on opening night, was spot-on in both the vocal and dance departments.
mlive.com
By Eric Lacy
November 4, 2014
Motown The Musical: 10 reasons why you need to see show before it leaves Detroit this month
5. Leon Outlaw Jr. and Reed L. Shannon are so talented in the roles of the young Gordy, young Stevie Wonder and young Michael Jackson that you'll probably have to blink several times to make sure you aren't seeing the originals on stage. They are that good.
Examiner.com
October 23, 2014
Signed. Sealed. Delivered. ‘Motown’ comes home
The cast of this national touring company – which has the daunting task of recreating the artistry of some of the most brilliant performers of all time – does an incredible job. Clifton Oliver and Allison Semmes feel perfect in the leading roles of Berry Gordy and Diana Ross. Ms. Semmes nails that sweet, slightly nasal voice that made Ms. Ross such a stand out. Nicholas Christopher plays the fabulous singer songwriter and loyal friend Smokey Robinson. And Jarran Muse is spot on as sexy Marvin Gaye. Leon Outlaw, Jr. and Reed L. Shannon alternate in the juvenile roles, playing Berry Gordy as a boy as well as the young stars Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Reed L. Shannon performed for the show last night, and blew the crowd away with his “Michael.”
The Stanford Daily
By Anjali Bhat
August 27, 2014
“Motown: The Musical” is a hit at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre
...Once Gordy discovered The Jackson 5, it is clear that Motown stars are headed for extraordinary fame. Reed L. Shannon, who plays young musical prodigy Michael Jackson, wows the audience with his powerhouse voice and captivating grin.
Napa Valley Register
By L. Pierce Carson
August 27, 2014
Tune-filled musical celebrates birth of the Motown sound
...And who couldn’t fall in love with Reed L. Shannon as the young Michael Jackson? Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re listening to the young man who went on to achieve superstar status. The timbre of Shannon’s voice raised gooseflesh (“I’ll Be There”).