RIALTO CHATTER: Timberlake, Efron Interested in MEMPHIS Film?

Back in May, the New York Post reported that pop-star Justin Timberlake had been expressing interest in starring in a film version of the Tony-winning musical, MEMPHIS. Now, with Zac Efron having just made his second visit to the musical, they're speculating that he's interested in the part as well.

The paper now reports that "Although there are no concrete plans yet to adapt "Memphis" for the big screen, Efron isn't the only actor in the hunt. Justin Timberlake saw the show in May, about the same time director Oliver Stone checked it out.

Insiders say Stone has taken meetings with "Memphis" writers Joe DiPietro and David Bryan, who's also the keyboardist for Bon Jovi, and Stone mentioned Timberlake as a potential Huey Calhoun. A rep for Stone confirmed he met with Bryan and expressed interest in doing a film adaptation."

MEMPHIS features a brand new score with music by Bon Jovi's founding member/keyboardist David Bryan and lyrics by Bryan and Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change), who also pens the musical's book. MEMPHIS is based on a concept by the late George W. George (producer of the Tony nominated Bedroom Farce and the film My Dinner With Andre), with direction by Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu) and choreography by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys).

MEMPHIS takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 50's, a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun (Chad Kimball) fell in love with everything he shouldn't: rock and roll and an electrifying black singer (Montego Glover). MEMPHIS is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever.

MEMPHIS stars Chad Kimball (Huey) and Montego Glover (Felicia) with Derrick Baskin (Gator), J. Bernard Calloway (Delray), James Monroe Iglehart (Bobby), Tony nominee Michael McGrath (Mr. Simmons), and Cass Morgan (Mama).

Tickets for MEMPHIS range from $41.50 to $126.50 (including a $1.50 facility fee). The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday at 7pm, Wednesday - Saturday evenings at 8pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm, and Sundays at 3pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.Telecharge.com, call 212.239.6200 or visit the Shubert Theatre Box Office (225 West 44th Street).

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.