With inspiring music and energetic dance numbers, Memphis did a great job of telling a moving story when it opened at Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center for the Arts on Tuesday night, January 22.
Set in the 1950’s, this 2010 Tony winner is set in the South. The production takes a look at two different musical cultures and shows how they began to evolve. A local DJ, Huey Calhoun (Bryan Fenkart) takes audiences on a journey from nightclubs to radio stations and recording studios as he shares his passion for R&B music. In the process, he meets the talented, up-and-coming singer, Felicia Farrell (Felicia Boswell) on Beale Street. Throughout the course of the show, as Huey and Felicia discover their romantic feelings for each other, they have to face some of the era’s challenges of an interracial relationship.
A few of the musical highlights from the two-and-a-half hour show include “Underground” “Scratch My Itch,” “Someday” and “Steal Your Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Big Love,” “Say a Prayer” and “Ain’t Nothin’ but a Kiss.”
Huey’s fame with a successful radio show and television program in Memphis, Tennessee give him an opportunity to share the music he loves. At the same time, Felicia is pursuing her own dream. She receives an offer from a record company executive, who wants her to move to New York.
Other characters offer their talent equally, such as Felicia’s over-protective brother, Delray (Horace V. Rogers), the radio station janitor, Bobby (Will Mann) and a mute friend, Gator (Rhett George).
Overall, the musical leaves audiences with a heartwarming, powerful message that offers hope and a sense of awakening. It demonstrates that change is possible, even when there are obstacles.
Memphis will be in town through Sunday, February 3 as a part of the 25th Anniversary Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati 12/13 Season. Show times for Memphis are at 8 p.m. from Tuesdays to Saturdays and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays. Matinee performances are at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets start at $28. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Broadway in Cincinnati Box Office downtown in the Mercantile Center at 120 East 4th Street, or online at www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com and at www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at (800) 982-2787.
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