MEMPHIS is High Energy and Lots of Fun
The Tony Award Winning Musical is Now Playing at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center
Seeing Memphis, the musical – with music from Bon Jovi’s David Bryan - is like taking a stroll down Beale Street and listening to rhythm and heart of the city coming through in the music.
The show starts off with the high energy song Underground that introduces you to Felicia Ferrell and her older brother DelRay, played by Felicia Boswell and Quentin Earl Darrington. DelRay is extremely protective of Felicia and is pushing her to make it in a music industry that does not look kindly on her color. One night while Felicia was singing in DelRay’s club her voice brought in Huey Calhoun, a quirky, skinny white boy, played superbly by Bryan Fenkart. Enchanted by her voice and by her, Huey promises to get Felicia on the radio, even though “race music” is not found in the center of the radio dial. By sheer pluck and determination, the completely unique Huey gets himself on the radio. He is an instant hit with the teenagers of Memphis. Unfortunately he is not a hit with the white members of the very segregated 1950s Memphis, Tennessee.
Fenkart is stellar, endearing, and just downright crazy as Huey. From the moment you see him peaking in the windows of the Beale Street night club, you cannot help but root for this underdog. Huey is not bright, but he makes up for it in spirit and determination. Teamed up with Boswell as Felicia Ferrell, the two of them strut into your heart.
Felicia Boswell does a tremendous job. Watching her perform you understand the theatre term “triple threat” even more. Without seeming to bat an eye she danced, sang, and acted her way into your heart. She easily accepted the challenge of being a woman of color during a time when that was barely above being dirt. Felicia Ferrell does not have an easy life and you grow to love her.
For this reviewer, there were three real fantastic performances. First Julie Johnson’s – who plays Huey’s Mama – powerful performance of Change Don’t Come Easy will leave you wanting to jump up shout Amen! Will Mann’s performance as Bobby is fantastic! He is completely enveloped in his character. The minute you hear him sing you want to join in. The third performance I hesitate to mention for fear of ruining the surprise, but Rhett George as Gator stops the show with his Say a Prayer. The rest of the cast should be thankful his first number comes right before intermission because no one should try and follow him.
Memphis is a fun and entertaining evening that leave you wanting to dance and sing as you walk out of the theatre. I recommend seeing it. Although I will caution parents that, due to the nature of the show, you may want to bring only the mature kids to see it.
Memphis is at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center from now through November 20th. Tickets can be purchased by calling 615-782-4040 or by visiting www.patron.tpac.org
