MEMPHIS at La Jolla Playhouse - this weekend review

[joes12345]

Posted: 9/9/08 at 3:24am

WOW! I just got back from seeing MEMPHIS at La Jolla Playhouse, and you need to run - not walk - or actually drive .... realllly fast to see this show ASAP. It is amazing! One of the best shows I've seen in the past few years. I don't usually do the whole review thing - but I felt like it was imperative for me to get the word out about this amazing show, not to mention it's amazingly talented cast.
I'm gonna start off by mentioning the most incredibly talented performer I've ever seen, and that is Mr. Chad Kimball, who plays the lead role of "Huey Calhoun". He is absolutely amazing. I couldn't take my eyes off of him when he was on stage, he was totally spastic and in full out character. He lived and breathed the world of Huey and is one of the most talented people I've ever seen on stage. And we're not even talking about his voice yet - which is AMAZING. I got chills when he started singing "Music of My Soul" in the first act. He is truly gifted - and I would bet money that if the show makes it to NY, he will absolutely win a Tony Award.
Montego Glover plays his love interest, and she has an amazing voice, and great stage presence but her acting needs a little work. I felt as though everything was a little forced, and I didn't believe her in some moments - unlike Chad who was truly believeable as the dark and sad character of Huey. Chad made you believe what he was doing - to come from nothing and become ridiculously successful and then to end up with nothing because he won't conform - I felt for him truly, but also appreciated his will to stand up for what he believed in and not to conform to traditional values. And his acting was what helped me accomplish that.
Other standouts include J. Bernard Calloway who was AMAZING as Del Ray, I loved his voice so much and his presence on stage is absolutely incredibly.
Cass Morgan plays Mrs. Calhoun and she was perfect for the role. The man who played "Bobby" - name escapes me and I can't find my playbill - but he was absolutely adorable and fun loving with a great voice and great physical skills (hello he did a split and a cartwheel!)
The ensemble was amazing, and added so much to the show.
I just can't believe Chad Kimball! Where has he been???? He is truly meant to be on stage, and this show is just what he needs to put him back in the spotlight....his performance is UNREAL and just out of control ridiculousness. I urge you to just get out there if you can -- to see this young man give the performance of his life -- he will bring you tears! As a matter of fact, TWO people stood up in the audience after his big song in the second act, which I believe should be a solo, but they have 2 characters singing it as well as the ensemble. He hits a note though in the end that is electric and powerful and absolutely amazing. Like I said, that TONY is just waiting for him and I think he absolutely deserves it.
I think the show runs til the end of the month -- GET THERE!!!!!!!! You won't regret it.

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 9/9/08 at 5:08pm

Chad Kimball has a long list of credits including the Into The Woods revival and Lennon on Broadway, Little Fish LA Cast (and CD), My life With Albertine (Off-Bway and CD), etc.,..He hasn't exactly been hiding

Montego Glover is destined to be a superstar- she's a true triple threat and has incredible stage presence.

[nickatnight]

Posted: 9/9/08 at 8:28pm

he really chews the scenery...the real performance to see is Ms. Glover's. Thrilling.
"Memphis" needs alot of work, script-wise...and the music is only so-so....but it's gotten nice press and has another stop in Seattle so there's time to play with it. (Living in San Diego is a great thing...we see lots of very interesting theater!)

[joes12345]

Posted: 9/10/08 at 1:48am

wow, i didn't think so at all. i mean, he is playing an "Over the Top" and larger than life character....i don't think there would be another way to play it. i think he truly is feeling the character and i believe his performance is 100% truthful. I thought montego was excellent vocally, but i didn't really feel that her acting was 100% truthful. chad kimball's performance had me in tears probably 5 times throughout that show. i never cried for her - except at the end of act one, but it was chad's acting that got me there. i don't know, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but i would definitely have to disagree with you regarding his performance being "way over the top"...he is as much of actor to me as he is a singer - and like i said, people stood up in the audience after he sang in the 2nd act - what is amazing to me is that he is just as brilliant at both his signing and his acting - and that is what makes a star.
:)
anyway everyone should really go see it if they can! although there's not a doubt in my mind that this show will make it to broadway next year... it's so great AND original.

[Lulu1234]

Posted: 9/10/08 at 12:59pm

I registered here because I have been browsing for reviews of this show to see what others thought, and have to add my 2 cents - I saw it during previews (so maybe it has gotten a lot better?), and I have to say, I really agree with Nickatnight - this show needs A LOT of work to get it in shape for Broadway. The first act was some of the finest musical theater I have seen - I was blown away at how good it was. Seriously. (even though I live here in SD, I get to Broadway at least 2-3 times per year) The second act was a huge let down. It feels like the same people didn't write the fist and second act, its that dramatically different. I kind of had the same feeling after I saw In the Heights (which I loved, but to me, the first act of that show completely outshines the second act - even so, no comparison between the two, In the Heights is overall a complete musical, the second act of Memphis needs a TON of work).

Chad Kimbal's acting was pretty good, his voice was just ok. Montego Glover is reason enough to see this show - she is amazing.

[joes12345]

Posted: 9/13/08 at 1:48am

his voice is JUST ok?????? ummmm. ok. are you sure we saw the same show? his voice is insane..........esp in "memphis lives in me"......that high note? are you kidding??? i'm sorry, i just can't justify you saying his voice is "just ok".... sorry.

[otis33]

Posted: 9/13/08 at 2:47am

I think Mr. Kimball is pretty stellar in the show. I hope it gets to Broadway. I think it's potentially a star making turn for him.