Oh Memphis where to begin.
Well I shall start at the beginning I suppose. Memphis opened on Broadway in
2010 and received the Tony Award for Best Musical that year. Naturally I saw it
for the first time shortly after that awards show had aired. I was already
intrigued by the story of this city in the 1950’s, the music, and of course at
the center our two main characters, one white, one black as they fall in love
during this era. Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan wrote the music and lyrics
and as a long time fan of that band I insistently knew it would be incredible.
The music in a musical after all is central. It is what keeps you interested,
tells the story, and what you should be feeling. My heart starts racing
immediately when I close my eyes and replay the music in my head of Memphis. It
is that intense and so is the show.
I have seen many, many
shows more than once. It is probably easier to count the plays I have only seen
once; they would probably fit on one hand. The reason for that is when I
connect with a play, whether it’s the acting, story, or music, I crave it. I
have to go back. Usually I want to share it with someone else. When I see all
three qualities it is rare and then I know I am in the presence of greatness. I
feel like I write more positive reviews lately but believe me I have seen shows
I have hated. I am honest about it and I am disappointed. Theater is the
freshest and rawest sense of performance. When it is done right there is a kind
of spiritual exchange between the actors and the audience. It is a gift. A
misconception is that you have to have the lead in order to be the star. Not
true. Memphis is great example of this. Here not only are the leader characters
utterly amazing but the entire ensemble cast gives me chills. Without them I
don’t think this show would have left production. It is all the pieces of the
puzzle that fit together that creates this magic.
First off we have to talk
about Montego Glover. She is the lead actress, portraying Felicia Farrell. She
has the most amazing singing voice and can belt out the longest and highest of
all notes. When she opens those pipes of hers watch out. I never tire of
hearing her sing and I am amazed every time I do. Even on the soundtrack she sounds
like she is sitting next to you. I do not have any idea how she has managed
this role for over two years, eight nights a week, without hardly ever leaving
the stage but when she up there you can see the light her eyes and the fun she
is having. It is an awe inspiring experience. I cannot wait to see what she
does next.
When I saw the show in
2010 there was another actor playing the male leading role of D.J. Huey
Calhoun. But the actor currently starring in this role is actually the reason I
came back. His name is Adam Pascal and for anyone who has ever seen “RENT” that
name will sound familiar. He originated the role of Roger and has been a legend
among us fans ever since. I have followed his career since that role and have
seen him in Aida and even when he came to perform his own album at my college,
Adelphi University some years ago. So when I heard he was back on Broadway in a
play I already loved I knew I had to see him in this role. When I heard that
Memphis was closing I was shocked, but that combined with Adam gave me the push
I needed to book my tickets even faster.
But before we go any
further with the details of this play, I first need to talk about the first
Huey Calhoun, Mr. Chad Kimball. I always believe in giving credit where credit
is due and let me tell you the first time I saw this show Chad was amazing. He
played Huey until late last year when an injury caused him to leave the show.
That is when Adam took the part over. However, Chad was amazing in his own
right. He made Huey come alive and without his charm, playfulness, and talent
this play would have never come this far. His is the voice I hear in my head as
Huey since he is the voice recorded on the soundtrack and it is well deserved.
He was also a delight to meet afterward, gracious and kind. I know he will be
back on Broadway and I will be there to meet him again.
When Adam first was
announced as the next Huey I have to admit that as much as I adore him I was
nervous. Nervous not because of his talent or capability but because right off
the bat I couldn’t picture him in the role. In my mind’s eye the original Huey
was younger and I was not sure Adam’s nature was right for the part. Despite
these reservations I was still eager to see what he would bring to the
performance and love hearing his voice live.
On the night of this
performance, the curtain lifted, the characters emerged, and the orchestra
swelled, it was only about four notes in when I was reassured that Adam Pascal
was the musical theater professional I had come to know and love. His voice
blew the house away and I was instantly proud, thinking to myself: that’s my
boy! After that the rest fell into place. Felicia and Huey were back in my life
again.
Usually when I repeat a
show it is fairly close to my first appearance. But this might be my longest
separation, two years. It is funny how you remember certain parts and loving a
story yet block out things. I knew I would love it again but still was watching
intently just as I did my first time. I still gasped as the parts that hold you
on the edge of your seat. I still cried at the parts that moved me to tears.
And I still wanted to get up and dance to the songs I loved. The only
difference now was I knew the lyrics and had to make sure I sang the songs in
my head and not out loud so not as to embarrass my friends and myself. Let me
tell you that was a challenge. I never silently screamed so hard.
One of my favorite actors
in this show is James Monroe Iglehart who portrays a character named Bobby. I
am amazed by how he carries himself non-stop on the stage. He is a triple
threat for sure with his singing, dancing, and acting abilities. I am
definitely anxious to see what he will be in next because I know I will be
there with bells on.
Actually the entire
ensemble cast is incredibly talented, as they would have to be for this show to
take flight. Just as important as the cast is the music. It is like a character
in the play. My favorite songs in this show I can sing right off the top of my
head. But my favorite of all time is the one this blog is named for, “The Music
of My Soul”. It is the central theme of this play and the most powerful song, I
think, in the show. It is beautiful and I could never tire of it. As soon as I
sat down this last time to see “Memphis” it automatically popped into my head.
That’s why I love this show; it feeds “The Music to My Soul” much the same way
the theater does.
This play shares another
special quality with “RENT” besides Adam Pascal. Both plays were filmed for the
movies. However “Memphis” is the only play to have ever been shown while it was
still on Broadway and become available for purchase. So if you can’t make it to
the theater before it closes you will still get to experience this wonderful
show. I wish they did this for all plays, especially ones that close. I always
wish I could rewind the experience and for those who can’t get to N.Y.C. or a
touring production they wouldn’t get to miss out.
This performance completed
the play section of my 2012 to-do list (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html),which makes me want to do
a happy dance. The only downside to this night was that I did not get to see
Adam Pascal afterwards. I was disappointed to say the least but I was more
shocked than anything. I know from past experiences that he is kind to his fans
and appreciative so I am assuming this was for a good reason. Since he is a
main reason for my return visit I was initially on fire but when I stopped to
think about it and compare to others who have avoided stage doors there was a
big difference. Adam Pascal is not a stuffy celebrity doing theater for
publicity for a six-week run and selling over priced tickets. I would mention names
here but I don’t want to give those actors, I have one in mind, more attention
then they deserve (you can check my recent blogs for more info). I have also
met Adam before at other stage doors, once even with a severely broken arm and
hand, and he spent over an hour trying to accommodate everyone. Adam Pascal is
not like that so I am giving him a pass this one time because after all no one
works with Jonathan Larson on “RENT” and doesn’t learn to appreciate life and
love.
Everyone else in this cast
was wonderful when they came out, just as when I was there last time, including
Ms. Montego Glover even though she could barely speak because of her vocal
strain from the show. And of course, “my friend” James was too adorable.
In 2010, my seat was in
row b on the left side of the orchestra. During the emotional final number,
which is my favorite part of the show, I had an amazing vantage point. I could
look up and see the actors sweating, singing, celebrating their victory of
another successful show. Then I turned and could see the entire packed theater
up to the top of the balcony on their feet clapping and cheering for them. It
was a crazy sight. I was overwhelmed with emotion just imagining what that
would feel like to be on stage after another night of hard work to see an
audience react to you like that. I always think its magic the way actors make
it look like they are doing a play for the first time. Does that applause
always feel like the first time? I can’t imagine that gets old.
It is a shame this show is
closing. But I have learned an important lesson, never let anyone “Steal Your
Rock N’ Roll”.
Hurry up and don’t miss
your chance to see “Memphis” on Broadway. This gem is closing August 5th!
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