| . | 10/19/2009
Memphis
By: Linda Amiel Burns
| Montego Glover in Memphis |
| photo by Joan Marcus |
Broadway is teaming with musical revivals these days, so it was thrilling to see Memphis, a rip-roaring entertaining original musical that opened at The Shubert Theater on Monday night, October 19, 2009.
The book about the beginnings of Rock and Roll in the 1950’s in Memphis is by Joe Dipietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and the lush music is by David Bryan (founding member and keyboardist for Bon Jovi) encompassing many styles from Gospel to Blues to Rock. Both Diepietro and Bryan collaborated on the fine lyrics that define each character and move the action forward.
The story revolves around Huey Calhoun (Chad Kimball) who stumbles into a black club on Beale Street attracted to the music that he hears. When told to leave by the owner Delray, Huey sits down at the piano and then sings a rousing song with the ensemble “The Music Of My Soul.” There he meets Felicia (Montego Glover) sister of Delray, a beautiful black woman and a talented singer. Huey promises to not only get her voice heard, but this new style of music out to the world. The story centers on how Huey promotes this “race music” first by successfully selling records in a store and then becoming a prominent DJ. Huey and Felicia have a forbidden love affair for several years and when it is revealed, there are dire consequences and, as the first act ends, they are beaten up by white thugs who object to their relationship.
The production itself is stunning, from Christopher Ashley’s expert direction to the versatile set by David Gallo and fine lighting by Howell Brinkley. The colorful costumes designed by Paul Tazewell fit the spirit of the era and help enhance the spectacular choreography of Sergio Trujillo emphasizing the sexiness and athleticism of the dancers. The leads are all exceptional singers starting with the boyish Chad Kimball, a quirky and charming leading man who is totally believable as he grows from stock boy to a powerful music mogul. His moving rendition of “Memphis Lives In Me” at the end of the show is stirring. The lovely Montego Clover as Felicia is star material, especially when she performs the dramatic showstopper “Colored Woman.” Cass Morgan, Huey’s mama, scores with “Change Don’t Come Easy” in a rousing number with Gator (Derrick Baskin), Delray (J. Bernard Calloway) and Bobby (James Monroe Elkhart) as she learns about tolerance in that racially charged age. Memphis holds your interest from beginning to end with an involving story, great music and songs, lots of humor along with dramatic moments and an exuberant and talented cast. At the finale, the entire audience spontaneously jumped to its feet applauding appreciatively and not letting the cast leave the stage.
Memphis is an important musical about the history of American music, the birth of rock and roll, and an exciting and exceptional night in the theater.
Shubert Theatre
225 West 44th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
Linda Amiel Burns
E-mail: LABstarmaker@gmail.com Tel: 212 315-3500
Website: http://www.SingingExperience.com
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