Dixon, LeKae land 'Motown' roles

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NEW YORK, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Brandon Victor Dixon and Valisia LeKae have been cast as Berry Gordy and Diana Ross in "Motown: The Musical," the Broadway show's producers said.

Based on the life of iconic music mogul Gordy, the show is to open at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre April 14.

Additional casting will be announced shortly, the musical's producers said Monday.

Dixon earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance in "The Color Purple" on Broadway and received a Drama Desk Award nomination for his work in "The Scottsboro Boys" off-Broadway.

LeKae has appeared in the Broadway musicals "The Book of Mormon," "Ragtime," "110 in the Shade" and "The Threepenny Opera."

Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, "Motown: The Musical" will feature a book by Gordy, and music and lyrics from Motown's famous song catalog.

Gordy helped establish the careers of Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and Marvin Gaye.