Thursday, March 27, 2014

MEMPHIS Phoenix Theatre Sept 17 - Oct 12, 2014



Book and Lyrics by Joe Dipietro, Music and Lyrics by David Bryan 
Original Concept by George W. George
Memphis bursts off the stage with undeniable soul and gutsy storytelling as the first show in Phoenix Theatre’s remarkable 94th season! The Tony Award® winner for Best Musical, Memphis is poised to be this fall’s most exhilarating theatrical event. Jam-packed with a soaring score and sensuous energy to burn, Memphis follows a young white disc jockey named Huey Calhoun (CJ Pawlikowski) in the 1950s. At an underground club in Memphis, Huey discovers the raw, real sounds of rock n’ roll and meets a beautiful African-American singer named Felicia Farrell (Tia DeShazor). What happens next is an incredible journey of fearless ambitions and honest romance set against a turbulent, defining time in our history. A potent reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go, Memphis is a rare gem of modern musical theatre that combines roof-raising vocals and powerhouse choreography with a compelling original story. Producing Artistic Director Michael Barnard promises to bring this production to life in Phoenix Theatre’s signature style - with impeccable production quality and a tremendous amount of heart. Marked by love, rebellion, and passion, Memphis is the perfect show for anyone who has ever had obstacles to overcome or big dreams to pursue. Phoenix Theatre brings you Memphis the way it should be experienced; you do not want to miss this one!
Reviews:
"an unstoppable in-your-face energy.  It practically leaps off the stage from the get-go."  - David Appleford - Valley Screen and Stage

"as effective, crowd pleasing and powerful as it was on Broadway.  With a vastly talented cast, impressive direction and creative elements as well as vocals that make the most of the rocking score, Phoenix Theatre’s Memphis is an explosive and engaging production, just as impressive as it was on Broadway, that brings the important message of the story to life in an engaging way.
Gil Benbrook - Talkin' Broadway


" “Memphis” entertains mightily but also leaves audiences with a thoughtful look at one of this country’s biggest challenges.  What a show!" - Chris Curcio - KBAQ

"Phoenix Theatre's season opener is a faithful re-creation of the 2010 Tony Award winner for best musical. A mix of style-perfect pastiche and more contemporary musical-theater hybrid, it thumps and buzzes with good-natured energy.  If you saw "Memphis" in New York or on tour, however, you might get the feeling that this re-creation is just a little bit too faithful, To be fair, the enthusiastic audience at a recent matinee performance would surely disagree with this assessment. But it's a good bet this was their first "Memphis," not their second or third."  -  Kerry Lengel -  Arizona Republic

Tia DeShazor and CJ Pawlikowski

Book and Lyrics by Joe Dipietro
Music and Lyrics by David Bryan
Original Concept by George W. George
Musical Staging & Director: Michael Barnard
Resident Musical Director: Alan Ruch
Choreographer: Michael Jenkinson
Fight Choreographer: David Barker
Scenic Designer: Robert Kovach
Costume Designer: Adriana Diaz
Wig Designer: Kelly Yurko
Lighting Designer: Michael J. Eddy
Sound Designer: Dave Temby
Props Designer: Katie McNamara
Dialect Coach / Resident Dramaturge: Pasha Yamotahari
Associate Production Manager: Karla Frederick
Production Stage Manager: Samantha Monson
Assistant Stage Manager: Katherine Roll Lang

Cast:
Huey Cahoun: CJ Pawlikowski*
Felicia Farrell: Tia DeShazor*
Del Ray: CR Lewis*
Gladys Calhoun: Lisa Fogel*
Mr. Simmons: Chris Eriksen
Bobby/Ensemble: David Robbins
Gator: Miguel Jackson
Martin/Gordon/Colins/Frank D.: Terry Gadaire
Ethel/Ensemble: Chanel Bragg
Clara/Ensemble: Trisha Hart Ditsworth
Ensemble: Matravius Avent, Skyler Bean, Lucas Blair, Nic Bryan*, Daniela Castro, Steven Charles, Lynzee Forman, Carly Grossman, Cooper Halstrom, Marq Johnson, Britney Mack*, Kishea Morning, George P. Scott
*Members of Actors’ Equity Association

Photo: Erin Evangeline /Phoenix Theatre 

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