Brandon Victor Dixon and Krystal Joy Brown take on two legends who shaped the music industry in the hit Broadway musical Motown. Dixon leads the company as Motown founder Berry Gordy and Brown let’s her inner diva shine as his lover and protégé Ms. Diana Ross. Together, these two headliners give Motown its heart and soul. BroadwayBox caught up with the dynamic duet to find out the secret to their passionate onstage pairing.
What was your first impression of your co-star?
Brandon:
Bright.
Krystal:
I met Brandon at the stage door of Big Fish. He had seen the show that night and once he told me his name, I was so shocked and nervous but somehow instantly he put me at ease and just made me want to be around him. He was charming, kind and attentive. Also intense and curious but the kind of guy you want to tell your secrets to.
What do you think it is that makes your performances gel so well together?
Brandon:
We met each other by chance and dealt very openly with each other from the beginning, so I’m gonna go with trust.
Krystal:
Well, I am still pretty new to Brandon and Motown so I hope it is gelling as well as it feels. But for me, perhaps because these are two real people who have a real relationship and real history, helps to keep the energy alive. The passion. Falling in love, pushing each other to extreme limits and then breaking up but still always holding on to a piece of each other. It's a love story, and to me that is fascinating. And because it is all real people, I try to come across as honestly as possible. I think Brandon is an incredibly honest actor and when you have that it is just easier.
My favorite moment on stage with him is
Brandon:
Right now, all of them. We just got started with each other so I’m enjoying discovering everything with her.
Krystal:
Falling in love in Paris and singing our duet, "You're All I Need to Get By."
The most memorable performance we shared has been
Brandon:
The last…
Krystal:
My zipper broke during a quick change into "Stop in the Name of Love," and I managed to not expose myself or even show Brandon – but I did a really awkward sideways walk off stage.
My co-star and I bond over
Brandon:
Whiskey!
Krystal:
I think we are both workaholics and he really pushes me to be better and try new things. To me, being able express myself creatively and effortlessly with someone is a great bonding experience.
I’m envious of my co-star’s ability to
Brandon:
Shine all of the time.
Krystal:
Brandon has such a great confidence that is definitely enviable. He just puts it all out there and it's great to be on stage with someone that committed, grounded and real. Also, his pursuits outside of Motown, like his production company. It makes me wonder, when does he has the time?!?!
Don't miss Dixon and Brown in Motown at Broadway's Lunt Fontanne Theatre.
