Entertainment
13 September, 2025
Reef Casino all set to swing
CAIRNS is set to swing to the unmistakable sounds of Motown later this month when Dancing in the Shadows of Motown takes over Bar36 at The Reef Hotel Casino on 26 and 27 September.
The show’s producer and bass player, Craig Bodinnar, promises audiences “Australia’s most authentic Motown experience”, a high-energy production that channels the iconic Motown roadshows of the 1960s and 70s.
“This isn’t just a cover band,” Mr Bodinnar said. “We tell the story of Motown, from the early Temptations and Supremes through to the Jackson Five. By the end of the night, it turns into a full-on dance party.”
The producer highlighted the lasting influence of Motown’s rhythms.
“The funky dance grooves recorded by the Temptations on songs like Standing on Shaky Ground and many others can still be heard on dance records today,” he said, underscoring Motown’s role in shaping contemporary music.
Authenticity is central to the show. Performers meticulously study archival footage, replicate choreography and wear costumes modelled on the original artists. Mr Bodinnar also works closely with Motown legends, including Mickey Stevenson, the label’s first A&R man who helped launch careers like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Martha and the Vandellas. “Mickey tells us, ‘Don’t change a thing, you’ve nailed it,’” he said.
For Craig Bodinnar, one of the most powerful moments is performing ‘I’ll Be There’ in sync with young Michael Jackson on screen. Having worked as Michael Jackson’s production manager during the Bad tour, he says the memories make the performance especially moving. “We start big, bring it down, and ramp up to a big dance party at the end, it’s exactly what Michael taught me makes a show work,” he said.
Audiences across Australia, New Zealand, and the US have already embraced the show, with sold-out performances including a packed night at the Sydney Opera House. Craig describes the energy as infectious: “The audience goes nuts at the end. People escape their everyday lives, sing along, wave their arms and leave feeling uplifted.”
Adding to the spectacle, the show incorporates modern technical elements, such as advanced sound systems, light shows and synced video of the Jackson Five, creating a comprehensive sensory experience that combines nostalgia with cutting-edge production.
Dancing in the Shadows of Motown plays Bar36 at The Reef Hotel Casino on 26 and 27 September. Entry is free. Don’t miss the chance to sing, dance and celebrate the music that changed the world.
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