Human Nature -The Ultimate Celebration of the Motown Sound presented by Smokey Robinson

Motown Magic in Sin City

By Caroline Fontein

Get ready to clap your hands, stomp your feet and maybe even learn some new dance moves at Smokey Robinson Presents Australia's Human Nature -- The Ultimate Celebration of Motown. The show features the dynamic harmonies of Toby Allen, Phil Burton, Andrew Tierney and Michael Tierney as they perform Motown's greatest hits. Their uplifting show creates a night of exciting entertainment in the newly remodeled 653-seat Imperial Palace Showroom.

On the night the show was attended, Motown legend Smokey Robinson, appeared on stage to introduce the group. He first heard Human Nature when they auditioned for him in hopes of getting his permission to sing one of his songs on their new album.

"I grew up with Motown where the standard for talent was so high," said Robinson. "When I saw these guys I was blown away."

Robinson not only gave them permission to use his song, but he became an instant fan. In a press conference he explained that what impressed him most about Human Nature was their ability to sound amazing without any special voice altering techniques, as used with many other popular studio artists today. Robinson wanted other people in the United States to have that same experience, which led to Human Nature being the first Australian group to have their own show on the Las Vegas Strip.

Although audiences in Vegas may not be that familiar with Human Nature, they are one of the most popular acts from Australia. The group formed in 1989 as a doo-wop band in Sydney. In 1994 they signed with Sony Music and released their debut album "Telling Everybody" in 1995. The album was an instant hit, selling four times platinum and in the process going on to become the most successful debut album ever released in Australia. Human Nature released their fourth consecutive No. 1 album, "A Symphony of Hits," in 2008.

As a result of their outstanding showmanship, Human Nature has performed as the opening act for Celine Dion and Michael Jackson. In 2000, they had the honor of performing the Australian National Anthem at the Sydney Olympics.

In Smokey Robinson Presents Australia's Human Nature -- The Ultimate Celebration of Motown, the four men, dressed in coordinating suits, perform all your favorite Motown hits including "Reach Out I'll Be There," "Baby I Need Your Loving" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" backed by a live six-piece band. Not only do they have all the soulful sound of The Four Tops, but they also have the catchy choreography. The men are constantly moving around the stage in sync with one another and the music.

A state-of-the-art set designed by David Rudder, Human Nature's longtime creative and technical director, and special lighting effects designed by Yves Aucoin, who also designed the lights for Celine Dion "A New Day" and Cirque du Soleil's "Love," add to the groups riveting performances.

Between songs they stop to greet the audience. They explain that when they were young they always aspired to be as great as groups like The Temptations and The Miracles. Part of that inspiration came from the positive message they got from hearing Motown music and then wanting to share that experience others.

Next, they sing "The Tracks of My Tears" a cappella. People watch the men in awe, mesmerized by their four voices resounding throughout the showroom. There are several of these moments in the show when Human Nature performs without the band. These songs spotlight each performer's amazing voice and his ability to perform in perfect harmony with the rest of the group.

Aside from just showing off their fancy footwork and incredible voices, the performers also like to share their fun-loving personalities with the audience. During their performance of "Stop In the Name of Love" they ask guests to get out of their seats and learn a few dance moves with them. Everyone stands while Allen, Burton and the Tierney brothers demonstrate some simple choreography to perform in time with the chorus. Before you know it, the entire audience is standing with their hands in the air and singing along.

Human Nature keeps everyone on their feet and dancing to the tunes of more hits including "Wait a Minute Mr. Postman," "My Girl," and "ABC." No one can resist the feel-good message found in these timeless songs and in the incredible show put on by Human Nature.