Memphis tells the story of a disc jokey who gets "race music" on the radio. Or, Rock n'Roll. It also doesn't hurt that the music was composed by David Bryan (the drummer for Bon Jovi)!The husband and I had to laugh when during act 1 the main character makes fun of Perry Como. Our first dance at our wedding was to Perry Como (but we know we skew older).
Living in the Pacific Northwest, one can be blissfully unaware of the discrimination that has happened in other areas of the country. I was unpleasantly reminded of my own racist southern grandmother (that we stopped talking to when I was a tween). I don't think she would have like this production. Memphis brings an unfortunate era in American history out into the open and ready for discussion. This would be an excellent show for older elementary and middle school students to attend as part of a social studies unit.
Kudos to the cast and crew for a job well done. I sincerely hope this show does make it to Broadway- it deserves it. Our only complaint was the soundboard was off. Perhaps the opera is spoiling us, but there was a tinniness at times, even though we could hear that it wasn't coming from the singer...and occasionally the ensemble overpowered the main characters.
Interestingly, we both felt that Memphis was a much stronger show then Shrek and the audience response seemed to agree with us. Good luck Memphis!
