Tony-winning Memphis book writer and lyricist Joe DiPietro penned a special opening cameo for Morrow, who will appear in the show through May 8. The musical centers on a white DJ in 1950's segregated South who falls in love with a young black singer. Chad Kimball and Montego Glover star.
Morrow's appearance coincides with the publication of the paperback edition of his book, "Rock & Roll…And the Beat Goes On," which is a tribute to the great musicians of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Autographed copies of the book will be available at the theatre during his appearances.
In a statement Morrow said, "When I first saw the show, I felt as if the script was written about my life in radio—I was amazed how accurate the characters portrayed a time in music that I will never forget. It’s no wonder the show has won Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book, and Best Orchestration, and I can’t wait to be part of the celebration."
Producer Sue Frost added that she is “honored that Cousin Brucie is joining the Memphis family. He is an absolute legend and everyone will certainly get a kick out of hearing his radio voice at the Shubert Theatre!”
Cousin Brucie Morrow is a 40-year, on-air personality, and the only radio broadcaster in NYC to have a street named after him. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1988, the Broadcasting & Cable’s Hall of Fame in 1990, and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2001. Bon Jovi songwriter and band member David Bryan and Joe DiPietro penned the score to Memphis, which is flavored with gospel, R&B, rock and soul sounds.
The cast also features John Jellison, Nancy Opel, Derrick Baskin, J. Bernard Calloway, James Monroe Iglehart, Ashley Blanchet, Felicia Boswell, Preston W. Dugger III, Hillary Elk, Bryan Fenkart, Dionne Figgins, Bahiyah Sayyed Gaines, Rhett George, Robert Hartwell, Elizabeth Ward Land, Bryan Langlitz, Kyle Leland, Kevin Massey, Candice Money McCall, David McDonald, Paul McGill, Monette McKay, Andy Mills, Sydney Morton, Justin Patterson, Jermaine R. Rembert, Jamison Scott, Betsy Struxness, Ephraim M. Sykes, Daniel J. Watts and Dan’yelle Williamson.
Memphis earned Tony Awards for Best Book, Best Score and Best Musical.
Songs in the production are "Underground," "The Music of My Soul," "Ain't Nothin' But a Kiss," "Everybody Wants to Be Black on a Saturday Night," "Make Me Stronger," "Colored Women," "Someday," "She's My Sister," "Radio," "Say a Prayer," "Big Love," "Love Will Stand When All Else Falls," "Stand Up," "Change Don't Come Easy," "Memphis Lives in Me" and "Steal Your Rock 'n' Roll."
Memphis is produced on Broadway by Junkyard Dog Productions, Barbara and Buddy Freitag and Kenny and Marleen Alhadeff with Latitude Link, Jim and Susan Blair, Land Line Productions, Demos Bizar Entertainment, Apples and Oranges Productions, Dave Copley, Dancap Productions, Inc., Tony Ponturo, 2 Guys Productions, and Richard Winkler in association with Linda and Bill Potter, Broadway Across America, Jocko Productions, Lauren Doll/Bob Bartner, Patty Baker, Dan Frishwasser, Loraine Boyle/Chase Mishkin, Remmel T. Dickinson/Memphis Orpheum Group and ShadowCatcher Entertainment/Vijay and Sita Vashee.
Memphis opened on Broadway Oct. 19, 2009, at the Shubert Theatre under the direction of Christopher Ashley. Broadway previews began Sept. 23, 2009.
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