Well, I knew this was going to be an interesting show when one of the first songs was called, "Everybody Wants to be Black on a Saturday Night." Actually, it turned out to be an amazing show. Memphis, which debuted on Broadway in New York several years back, is now on the circuit as well, and made it's stop this week in Columbus. The show which is based in Memphis, Tennessee in the very late 40s to the mid 50s, tells the story of a visionary DJ by the name of Huey who wanted to mix black music with white music on the radio. In the segregated south, that was a no-no, to say the least. The story becomes the music and vice-versa. Huey falls in love with a black singer named Felicia and they are off and running trying to get their careers in high gear. The music is infectious, as it begins primitive and evolves into a blend of rock 'n roll, gospel, blues and jazz. The vocalists in this production are top rate. Even though they are soulful, they are still Broadway, featuring big booming performances. Running over 2 hours it moves along briskly, and the story is wrought with youthful exprssion, joy and humor, with racial tension and issues mixed in. The house was a little more noisy with their appreciation as well!
RSS Feed