Christopher Ashley (Xanadu) directs the musical that has book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Toxic Avenger) and a score and lyrics by Bon Jovi's David Bryan (Toxic Avenger). Memphis officially opens Oct. 19 at the Shubert.
Chad Kimball (Into the Woods, Lennon, The Civil War, My Life with Albertine) and Montego Glover (The Color Purple, Ragtime, Aida), who originated the roles of radio DJ Huey Calhoun and his muse Felicia Farrell, respectively, in the pre-Broadway engagements of Memphis at the La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre, repeat their roles for the Broadway run.
Principal casting also includes J. Bernard Calloway (The Good Negro, "The Taking of Pelham 123") as Delray, James Monroe Iglehart (Spelling Bee) as Bobby, Cass Morgan (Mary Poppins, Ring of Fire) as Gladys Calhoun and Derrick Baskin (The Little Mermaid as Gator. Tony nominee Michael McGrath (Spamalot, Is He Dead?) joins the cast as Mr. Simmons.
The Memphis ensemble features Jennifer Allen, Brad Bass, Tracee Beazer, Kevin Covert, Hillary Elk, Dionne Figgins, Rhett George, John Jellison, Sydney Morton, Vivian Nixon, John Eric Parker, Jermaine R. Rembert, LaQuet Sharnell, Ephraim Sykes, Cary Tedder, Danny Tidwell, Daniel J. Watts, Katie Webber, Charlie Williams and Dan’yelle Williamson.
"In the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated '50s," press notes state, "a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun fell in love with everything he shouldn't: rock and roll and an electrifying black singer. Memphis is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever." Based on a concept by George W. George, Memphis features choreography by Sergio Trujillo (Next to Normal, Jersey Boys), as well as scenic design by David Gallo, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley and sound design by Ken Travis.
Memphis is produced on Broadway by Junkyard Dog Productions, Barbara and Buddy Freitag and Kenny and Marleen Alhadeff with Jim and Susan Blair, Demos Bizar Entertainment, David Copley, Dancap Productions Inc., Latitude Link and Tony Ponturo in association with Broadway Across America, Lauren Doll, Linda and Bill Potter, Chase Mishkin and Patty Baker/ShadowCatcher Entertainment.
The performance schedule follows: Tuesday through Saturdays at 8 PM, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 PM and Sundays at 3 PM.
For tickets, ranging $41.50-$126.50, phone (212) 239-6200 or visit Telecharge. The Shubert Theatre is located at 225 West 44th Street.
Visit MemphistheMusical.
