BWW Reviews: Fall in Love with the Soulful Radiance of MEMPHIS the Musical at the Arvada Center

"Love will stand when all else falls"

There is a line that perfectly fits the amazing work that this cast and crew brought to this show! No - it is not "HOCKADOO," the key word is "FANTASTICAL"! This musical was filled with such passion and every member of the cast brought their all. I thought several of the numbers were actually better than the touring company. The skilled actors behind the showstopping numbers not only sang their hearts out, but absolutely owned their songs such to the audiences delight. The highlight of the show was Jim Hogan and Huey and Aisha Jackson as Felicia that not only brought such conviction to their performances, but great chemistry and blending to their roles. This company also brought the story, not matter how painful to light and truly moved everyone in the audience. Highlight numbers include - Underground, Music of My Soul, Everybody Wants to be Black, Make Me Stronger, Colored Woman, She's My Sister, Say a Prayer, Big Love, Love Will Stand, Stand Up, Change Won't Come Easy, Memphis Lives in Me, and Steal Your Rock-n-Roll.

Jim Hogan was perfect as the goofy and lovable Huey that looked beyond color and saw only love and music. Jim has this way of making the audience instantly fall in love with him and taking them on his rollercoaster of a life. Aside from his great acting, I was in absolute awe of his sensational voice that knew no bounds or octaves. He totally made The Music of My Soul, Radio, and (especially) Memphis Lives in Me his iconic numbers. I am filled with a sense of motherly pride to see local Aisha Jackson transform from Little Inez in Hairspray into this blossoming and accomplished exceptional singer. She brought heart, passion and a bit of sassiness to the role of music ingenue, Felicia. I absolutely was in love with her singing in Colored Woman,Someday, and Love Will Stand. Keith Hattenn portrayed Felicia's brother, Delray with such compassion and heart. He truly was the grumpy and protective brother with a heart of gold. His rendition of She's My Sister was so powerful and brought an elevated strength to his role. Mathenee Treco was absolutely adorable as Bobby and he brought down the house with his showstopping number, Big Love. Mama Gladys (fabulously played by Melissa Swift Sawyer) grounded the show and their runaway romance with her ingrained racism, but she brought such a great character arch as she began to come around. She also brought had the audience clapping and on their feet with Change Don't Come Easy. Robert Michael Sanders pulled double duty and was so humorous as both shopkeeper Mr. Simmons and radio station manager Collins giving them their own distinctive style and hilarity. Vincent Smith did a great job with his non-verbal expressions as Gator and when his gorgeous voice broke out into Say a Prayer, it demanded everyone's attention.