Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Broadway Tuesday

A couple of months ago, I was lucky enough to see the Broadway show called Memphis the Musical.  It was written by Joe DiPetro and David Bryan and the cast was amazing.  Memphis is loosely based on the life of Memphis disc jockey Dewey Phillips, who was one of the first white DJs to play black music in the 1950s.  I thoroughly enjoyed the music in this play and the plot kept me guessing from the opening number of "Underground" to the end of Act 1 "Say a Prayer" all the way to the closing performance of "Steal your Rock And Roll".  It is hard not to love the characters.  Huey Calhoun is the lovable white DJ who is...well, different, in a comical way.  He invents his own amusing words like "Hockadoo" and "Fantastical".  He hard time finding and keeping a job.
 
Felicia Farrell, on the other hand, is an African American woman who sings in her brother Delray's club on Beale Street.  Her dream is to become a singer, but she is held back by lack of money.  When Huey meets her, he promises to get her on the radio.

Another noteworthy character was Gator, a sweet man who works at Delray's club.  He has not spoken a word since he witnessed his father being lynched when he was a young child.






The only thing I did not love about this musical was the ending, but I will not say any more to spoil it for you.  All in all, however, I enjoyed seeing this show.  Hurry up, however, because it closes on Broadway in early August!  There is also a national tour running. So, have you seen Memphis?  If so, what did you think about it?  If not, do you think that you would like to?

8 comments:

  1. No, don't close, Memphis!!!
    I love this musical, and Huey is hilarious.
    I think it's time for everyone to do the Gator Dance! ;)

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    1. I know, Cortney, it is sad! Huey is a very funny character. I'm glad you like it!

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    2. Huh, I hadn't heard they were ending it. But it will still keep going other places, with the national tour?

      The ending of Memphis was sort of sad, but I like the musical overall.

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    3. Yeah, it became Broadway's 98th longest-running show on Saturday but it closes August 5th. The tour will continue. I think national tours last two years, so I'm not sure when it will end.
      And yes, the ending was kind of sad! I'm glad you liked it, Nathan!

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  2. I'll miss Memphis, too!
    Eden

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    1. At leasdt I'm not the only one. Thanks, Eden!

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  3. H O C K A D O O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love Chad Kimball, He was as much of a character in Memphis as he seems he is in real life. Adam Pascal who wouldn't love him,(Aida-Radames, Rent-Roger, of course lets not forget Caberet-Emcee) what a wonderful voice. Brian Fenkart, saw him in person-he was a wonderful Huey. DON'T CLOSE MEMPHIS!! P.S. Gator is awsome!!:D

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    1. Yes, I think all three of them are amazing! Thanks :D

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