Review Roundup: See What Critics Thought of MEMPHIS at Actors Playhouse.

MEMPHIS opened at Actors Playhouse in Miami on March 13 and is playing through April 7, 2019.

Inspired by actual events, Memphis follows the story of Huey Calhoun, a fictitious white radio DJ who was one of the first to play black music in 1950s Memphis, and Felicia, a black club singer who is hoping for her big break. Filled with laughter, soaring emotion, forbidden love, irresistible dancing, rhythm and blues, and roof raising rock 'n' roll, this winner of four Tony Awards including "Best Musical" features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change), and a Tony-winning original score with music by David Bryan, one of the founding members of Bon Jovi.

For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.actorsplayhouse.org/mainstage.htm

Let's see what the critics had to say...

Bill Hirschman, Florida Theater on Stage: But the most powerful song is "Say a Prayer," which a character named Gator (David Berry) sings. Up until then, he hadn't uttered a word, for a reason that should shock you. But when he opens his mouth, his voice emits a hopeful, soulful sound. It drifts across the stage and out into the auditorium. Berry's voice is filled with such hope and heart that it is a production highlight.

Cristina Pla-Guzman, BroadwayWorld: I can't say enough about the power houses on stage. The show, with its laugh one moment and break your heart the next, was a perfect vehicle to showcase its incredibly talented actors. Not just the leads, the ensemble was filled with wildly talented performers. Chaz Rose as Delray took the story by storm from the very first number, "Underground".Gabrielle Graham as Felicia was the perfect amount of sweet and strong to play the role. But it was David Berry as Gator who brought a tear to my eye. Berry's rendition of "Say a Prayer" was so powerful. It made me think about how important it is for audiences today to hear that message. His voice was heavenly. We had to wait almost into Act Two to finally hear it, but what a gift.

Christine Dolen, Miami Herald: The leads are surrounded by impressive talent, each getting a moment (or more) in the spotlight. The deep-voiced Rose, whose protective Delray sees the danger in Huey coming anywhere near Felicia, fights for his sibling as he sings "She's My Sister," then later joins Huey's mother and his friends Bobby (Jerrial T. Young) and Gator (David Berry) in singing a fierce "Change Don't Come Easy."

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