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MEMPHIS [Delray Records]
Memphis, the first new musical of the 2009-10 season — or at least, the first (and only) musical thus far with an original score, by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro — came traipsing into the Shubert in October with a spotty tryout record and something of a question mark after its title. This sleeper status managed to pay off, big time; audiences, and many critics, found the show to be surprisingly good and highly entertaining. Sort of like a Jersey Boys with new songs, which — given the instant-fire success of the Four Seasons musical — is quite a recommendation. Memphis rushed out a "special limited edition" cast album in time for the holidays, despite the fact that a distributor is not yet lined up. Not officially, that is, although the deal is apparently set if unsigned. In the meanwhile, the CD is available at the Shubert and at the memphisthemusical.com website.

The recording handily recreates the in-theatre excitement of the show. Chad Kimball and Montego Glover head the cast; their names are in small print below the title, in a size half that of the authors and creative staff, but they are the stars of the occasion all right. Mr. Kimball is remembered along Broadway for his performance as the cow in the 2002 revival of Into the Woods (as well as a few subsequent roles). Ms. Glover was a member of the Color Purple troupe. Both quickly demonstrate, midway through the first act, that they are able to carry this show. We often see stars who live up to their reputations, and sometimes see stars who don't quite do so; it is always invigorating to see relative newcomers dazzle us.

The pair of newly-minted stars are supported by an able and energetic cast, with tasty contributions from J. Bernard Calloway, Cass Morgan, Derrick Baskin and James Monroe Iglehart; the cast, and in this I specifically include the members of the ensemble, sing this score. That said, I find I must temper my enthusiasm for what they are singing. Under present-day conditions, though, that seems to be acceptable. A recent return visit to the show, on a frigid mid-week night in early January, demonstrated that Memphis — with Mr. Kimball and Ms. Glover very much in the spotlight, and the ensemble giving their all — positively sizzles at the Shubert. Continued...