“Memphis” on Broadway

By: Maranda Baksh

If I had to give “Memphis” the musical, a grade; it would be an ‘A.’ The show was high- energy and very lively; the dancing, singing and storyline were very strong and entertaining.

“Memphis” is set in a time marked by both racism and the birth of Rock and Roll. It tells the story of a white disc jockey (Huey Calhoun – an illiterate high school dropout) who successfully sells himself as a promoter of black R & B music. He falls in love with Felicia (a black singer – far much smarter and practical) whose career is on the rise, but is stuck in segregated nightclubs. As their interracial romance and career emerge, Huey and Felicia are faced with hurdles of conflicts by society (especially from Huey’s mom and Felicia’s brother).

The acting was very believable. It took you to the time and place in the story making you feel what the characters were feeling. It made you want to rejoice and cry with the characters as they illustrated their emotions. Adam Pascal captured the attitude and charisma of his character Huey Calhoun. His voice was strong. As he sang “Memphis lives in Me” you felt the real ache and emotions. Montego Glover was the perfect Felicia. She was dynamic, beautiful, poised and illustrated the toughness of her character. The chemistry between the two actors was breath-taking.

Although the end of Memphis was bittersweet (I would have loved to see Huey and Felicia’s romance escalate into marriage), I was not bored or disappointed. The performances, dancing, and music were electrifying from the beginning to the end, and there was never a dull moment.

Seasons writer Maranda Baksh