Musical Theatre West Opens 2016-17 Season with Four-Time Tony Award-Winning Musical MEMPHIS

Musical Theatre West (MTW) opens its 2016-2017 season with Broadway's smash hit musical Memphis, at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center October 21 - November 6. The winner of four Tony Awards, including "Best Musical," "Best Original Score," "Best Book" and "Best Orchestrations," is filled with roof-raising Rock & Roll, high-octane dancing, and an extraordinary tale of fame and forbidden love that sparked a cultural revolution.

the show's Tony-winning original score features music by Bon Jovi's founding member and 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 . Tickets are on sales at www.musical.org or by calling (562) 856-1999, ext. 4.

Inspired by actual events, Memphis is a story of a cultural revolution that erupted in the 1950s, in the segregated underground nightclubs, radio stations, and recording studios of Memphis. When Huey Calhoun, a rebellious DJ with a passion for R&B, discovers Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer in a club on Beale Street, they pursue a romantic and professional relationship, defying their place in society and in music. As their careers rise, they are challenged by personal ambition and the pressures of a segregated world. Will their love be able to withstand the trials of separation, greed and fame?

When Memphis opened on Broadway in 2009, audiences and critics went wild for the high-octane musical. The New York Timeshails, "[Composer] David Bryan evokes the powerhouse funk of JAmes Brown, the hot guitar riffs of Chuck Berry, the smooth harmonies of the Temptations, the silken, bouncy pop of the great girl groups of the period." The New York Post raved "Of such thrills, Broadway is made." The New York Daily News "It's nice to know a new musical can actually surprise you !. Memphis wins you over with its sheer enthusiasm and exuberant performances."

Awards followed the critical acclaim. Memphis earned a total of nine Tony nominations, winning four of the top categories and seven Drama Desk Award nominations, taking home the awards for "Best Musical," "Outstanding Book of a Musical," "Outstanding Music," and "Outstanding Actress." When the production moved to London, the show garnered an additional nine Laurence Olivier Award nominations and the awards for "Best New Musical," "Best Theatre Choreographer," and "Best Sound Design."

Edgar Godineaux serves as director /choreographer for MTW's production with musical direction by Darryl Archibald. MTW's production is made possible thanks to the support of Honorary Producers Ken & Dottie Reiner (who also serve as Season Honorary Producers) and Associate Producers Larry & Shari Nemirow. Season Honorary Producers include Ackerman Family/Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation, Don & Marlene Temple, Kathy Baker Campbell and KC Wilson. Education and Outreach Sponsorship is provided by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Dr Ron and Sylvia Hartman,Arlene Solomon and the Arts Council for Long Beach. The production is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide. Paul Garman serves as Executive Director /Producer of Musical Theatre West.

Don't miss Musical Theatre West's production of Memphis at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. For tickets go towww.musical.org or call (562) 856-1999, ext. 4

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