- December 6, 2025
Nothing but rave reviews.
That's the feedback the cast and crew of the annual Motown & Mo' production received after the show on Saturday, Oct. 18. The production is put on by the City Lites Inc. and the theme for the 27th show was "Rocking Around the Clock." The floor was sold out, with only balcony seating available.
"People said, 'That's the best show ever,'" said James Sims, president of City Lites.
When it comes to his favorite performance of the night, he admitted he may be a bit biased. His wife performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in the second act. But there was something for everybody, he said – songs from The Temptations, Adele, Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight and the Pips and more.
"This person may like this jazz, or may like this rock and roll," Sims said. 'So we try to put different variety of songs. We had reggae. Be a crowd pleaser, that's what we do."
City Lites Foundation was able to award six scholarships this year. The recipients were recognized before the show started and were included in the playbill.
The nonprofit will begin planning next year's show in February 2026. Rehearsals with the volunteer performers begin about 10 weeks before the show.
"You kind of miss it, being together, you know," Sims said. "Because when we come together, we have fun. We laugh, talk, talk about each other. It's just a family thing."
His message to the community that continues to support Motown & Mo' year after year?
"Thank you for your support, because it's all for the children," Sims said. "It's all about the future. That's what we're about."
Want to volunteer? City Lites Inc. hosts auditions every spring. Visit https://www.facebook.com/CityLitesMotownAndMo.
