MEMPHIS Authors DiPietro & Bryan at Work on New Musical

In the April 2011 edition of (201) Magazine, composer-lyricist Joe DiPietro reveals that he is currently working on a new musical with his MEMPHIS collaborator, David Bryan. In the interview, the playwright, who last June took home two Tony Awards for co-writing MEMPHIS, recalls the moment his name was called at last year's awards ceremony. "It was a very Zen moment, almost like an out-of -body experience", describes DiPietro, "... being recognized by a jury of my peers. That really knocked me out. "

The playwright, who grew up in northern NJ, credits regular family trips to Broadway shows as a child with instilling a steadfast respect for theater. As early as high school, DiPietro showed promise as a playwright when he entered his very first one-act play into a contest. He was quite stunned when he found out he had won. "The award put the thought in my mind that writing could become a career", DiPietro tells (201).

Prior to MEMPHIS, DiPietro's theater credits included the long running off-Broadway hit, I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, and the Outer Critics Circle Award winners THE TOXIC AVENGER and THE THING ABOUT MEN. Yet, it was not until he penned MEMPHIS' compelling story of a white radio DJ and a black club singer that brought DiPietro to new heights. Set against the backdrop of the 1950's segregated South, MEMPHIS exemplified the playwright's gift for blending comedy and drama. "I am inherently an optimist." DiPietro tells (201) Magazine, "My characters may be in tough situations, but I always find some redemption and joy in their stories".

MEMPHIS is currently playing at the Shubert Theatre. For more information, please visit: http://www.memphisthemusical.com/