Review: MEMPHIS, THE Musical

Memphis starts on a familiar note with a storyline reminiscent of "Hairspray" and "Dreamgirls","Memphis" eventually finds its own voice and beat, and wins over with its sheer enthusiasm and passionate performances. For the most part its careful balance of pure fun and character drama proves to be irresistible.
The show's story is relatively simple. Its hero, Huey Calhoun, is a poor white guy who wiggles his way into one of Memphis's Beale Street clubs, where he falls head over heels for both the intoxicating rhythm and blues sound, and a young black singer, Felicia.

Memphis is a musical by David Bryan (music and lyrics) and Joe DiPietro (lyrics and book). It is loosely based on Memphis disc jockey Dewey Phillips,[1] one of the first white DJs to play black music in the 1950s. It played on Broadway from October 19, 2009 to August 5, 2012. This production won four 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Book, Original Score, and Orchestrations. Not bad for a show that some folks barely heard of!

Ritz veteran Matt Reher plays Huey Calhoun, a stand-in for real-life Memphis D.J. Dewey Phillips, who was among the first to play R&B "race records" for white audiences and famously gave Elvis his radio debut. Unlike Dewey, Huey doesn't put Elvis on the air. Oddly enough there's no mention of Elvis at all in this 1950's Memphis story. In fact Huey seemingly forgets he is a white boy except for the fact the he reminds everyone around him about the inability of white people to sing and dance.
Matt Reher's summoning up of Huey is so perfect that not for a moment do you believe that it is only acting. He is enchantingly partnered by Felicia played by newcomer to the Ritz, Vedra Chandler- a thrilling singer and commanding actress; so much so that you find yourself rooting for her ( and Huey) all the way.

The principal and ensemble cast, mostly new to the Ritz, are equally wonderful and direction by Bruce A. Curless and choreography by Arthur Leo Taylor bring this show to a non-stop treat for all. The score while not especially memorable outside of the material, moves the story line effectively with songs "Music For My Soul", "Everybody Want to Be Black", "Love Will Stand" sung wonderfully by Felicia. Huey's eleven o'clock number "Memphis Lives in Me" is a painful reminder of the choices that need to be made and Reher delivers it well.

MEMPHIS The Musical plays at the Ritz Theatre, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon Twp. NJ through February 5. For tickets and more information: www.ritztheatreco.org or call 856.858.5230

Photos by Chris Miller