BWW Reviews: MEMPHIS is A Rip-Roaring Good Time

In this age of jukebox musicals and seemingly endless revivals, we don't get to see many unique blends of original music, choreography, and story.  But Memphis bucks that trend and delivers a rip-roaring good time at the theatre. Set in 1950s era Memphis, Tennessee, the show tells the story of young white DJ Huey and is loosely based on the real life story of Dewey Phillips.  Huey is a loveable yet somewhat aimless character who finds his groove when he stumbles upon an underground club that plays “race music” and features a talented black singer Felicia (played by Felicia Boswell) who quickly steals his heart.  The story is as much about the love that the two share for each other and the obstacles they face as it is about the racial battles occurring in America at the time and the way that music helped make a more tolerant world.

First things first, Memphis is a loud, energetic, toe-tapper of a show.  With original music by David Bryan (of Bon Jovi and Toxic Avenger fame) the songs are catchy, soulful ditties that sound like they could have been written in the era for which they are tailored.  Sergio Trujillo’s (Jersey Boys, Next to Normal, The Addams Family) choreography here is brilliant, reminiscent of Jersey Boys in both its style and its uniformity but taken to new heights in terms of energy and difficulty.  Director Christopher Ashley brings it all together, showcasing a talented cast and letting each member shine at various moments in the show.

It is these cast members that turn Memphis from what would simply be an “average” show into one of the “must-see” musicals of the 2011 Toronto season.  Fenkart and Boswell are captivating as Huey and Felicia, both working through complicated emotions as they explore a tumultuous relationship that was essentially destined to fail.  Boswell performs a gut-wrenching Act I closer in "Coloured Woman", with astonishing vocals and intense emotion.  Not to be outdone, Fenkart shines with similar strength in "Memphis Lives in Me", where we see the evolution his character has taken throughout the show.

With leads that shine like Boswell and Fenkart, the supporting cast deserves special mention for stand out performances at every opportunity they’re given.  Too numerous to mention all of them, some specific highlights include Quentin Earl Darrington wailing a soulful, bluesy “She’s My Sister” and Will Mann’s “Big Love” which let him show off not just his vocal skill, but some impressive dance moves and a killer smile.

Finally, Julie Johnson steals the show as Huey’s mama Gladys in her eleven o’clock number “Change Don’t Come Easy.”  Her stage presence is undeniable as she rocks, rolls and gyrates her way to the realization that she has to change her own intolerant ways.  Hilarious, heartfelt and impressively sung, Ms. Johnson had the audience clapping, snapping and hooting with praise throughout her entire number.

Memphis is a feel-good musical that is guaranteed to inspire a little bit of rock and roll into even the most tenuous theatre goer.  It’s not Shakespeare, but that’s the best thing about Memphis.  The show has given itself permission to be first and foremost about celebrating the music and simply having a good time.  Journey down underground – you'll be glad you did. 

When and Where?
Memphis

The Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts

Performance Schedule

December 6^th -24^th 2011

Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30PM

Saturday and Sunday at 2PM

Dec 7, 11, 22, 23 at 2PM and Dec 24^th at 1PM

Tickets range from $51-$180 and can be purchased online at www.dancaptickets.com or by phone at 416-644-3665

For more information please visit the official website at: www.MemphisTheMusical.com

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