Memphis at La Jolla Playhouse - Another Review Added

[mlsheehan]

Posted: 9/3/08 at 2:47am

It’s rare to see a show that totally catches one by surprise, but Memphis, The Birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll is one of those shows. An exceptional show is on the boards in La Jolla. I would encourage anyone in the area to see it.

Chad Kimball is giving a terrific performance - a truly unique and exciting role for him. He has developed a character that is at once heart breaking and pulsating with life. His movement and mannerisms are almost stylized, but still based in truth. He is surrounded by some wonderful company. Montego Glover is also terrific as the female lead. She has wonderful stage presence and a beautiful singing voice. There is excellent support from J. Bernard Calloway, Michael Benjamin Washington and a scene stealing number by James Monroe Iglehart. The ensemble is sharp.

A new R ‘n’ B, rock ‘n’ roll score with Gospel overtones is quite captivating. The choreography by Sergio Trujillo is well done and entertaining. The direction is slick and well paced.

You can tell that I loved the show, and I don’t want to write too much about the plot.

The official opening is tomorrow night (well tonight now). I hope the reviews are good. This show could have a chance in New York. If you are in San Diego area I’d definitely recommend this one.






Updated On: 9/10/08 at 02:47 AM

[otis33]

Posted: 9/3/08 at 2:55am

I saw either their 2nd or 3rd preview - I LOVED it! I agree with you about it catching you by surprise. I didn't know what to expect, and found myself pretty instantly hooked. Yes, there were some kinks to work out. But, I had a blast. And, yes, the cast is great! Chad Kimball blew me away. I hope to get the chance to go back and see it again.

[mlsheehan]

Posted: 9/3/08 at 3:04am

It's not a perfect show. There are a few book issues, but one of the better shows that I've seen at the Playhouse. I've been a subscriber for several years now.
Updated On: 9/3/08 at 03:04 AM

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 9/3/08 at 3:05am

Chad Kimball is in town!?! I must go see this!

[Holbee]

Posted: 9/3/08 at 3:50am

Chad Kimball's my boyfriend.

Well, no. Not really. But I've been in love with him since "Godspell"...

[musicaltheater1]

Posted: 9/3/08 at 3:21pm

Thanks. Will definitely catch that.

La Jolla Playhouse stages great productions. I was wondering whatever happened to "Most Wanted". I thought that musical had great potentials.

I heard Xanadu is also going to be staged at the playhouse.

Updated On: 9/3/08 at 03:21 PM

[mlsheehan]

Posted: 9/3/08 at 3:45pm

"Most Wanted" was excellent. I think the writers are still working on it and will workshop it again. I know it sounds awful from the description (who wants to see a story about that?), but the show itself was well done and riveting.

In case people want to get a visual sense of "Memphis", the below is a link with some production photos that was on BWW a week or so ago...
Photo Flash: Memphis ...

[stupidbeans]

Posted: 9/3/08 at 5:49pm

This show sounds great, it is something broadway needs next season, I hope to see a transfer soon

[nickatnight]

Posted: 9/5/08 at 3:39am

...but another stop in seattle will help. the book is the main problem, especially act two and especially the ending. (i think the variety review nailed it pretty well), although they were overly kind to the music, which i found very bland and generic. excellent cast, for the most part (especially the female lead). the male lead (chad kimball?) has alot of talent, but is mugging up a storm, needs to subtle things up alot more. staged well.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 9/5/08 at 10:12am

It looks like it has the potential to be a hit. I'm keeping my eye on this one. Let's hope it makes it to Broadway, unlike La Jolla's production of Gantry, which my parents adored. Has anyone heard any news about Zhivago?

[mlsheehan]

Posted: 9/5/08 at 11:40am

Review from the San Diego Union-Tribune (the largest paper in the area) - Mostly Positive

"The show stops short of deploying spangled skydivers, but it does put up a high-flying mix of original music, athletic choreography, visual dazzle and sharply etched performances. And if a few moments go splat, at its best this peppy and eminently likable show still brings Memphis' Beale Street scene to life in all its rough-and-ready luster. (Graceland it ain't.) ..."
San Diego Union-Tribune Review

[mlsheehan]

Posted: 9/5/08 at 11:50am

Variety - Mixed to Positive

"Beale Street -- that mile-long black enclave leading east from the Mississippi, fabled as a home of the blues and cradle of rock 'n' roll -- is the vibrant setting as "Memphis explores America's transitioning interest from a doggie in a window to a hound dog cryin' all the time." There's high-stepping talent and entertainment aplenty in Christopher Ashley's La Jolla Playhouse co-production with Seattle's 5th Avenue Theater, but significant book problems and tonal inconsistency need addressing if this tribute to the era of Johnny B. Goode expects greatness..."
Variety Review

[Radioactiveduck]

Posted: 9/5/08 at 7:15pm

My friend is working that show, and I wasn't sure if I could trust his judgment or not, so I said no.

Maybe I'll have to un-say no.

[dented146]

Posted: 9/7/08 at 8:24pm

theater mania very positive

theatermania review Updated On: 9/8/08 at 08:24 PM

[mlsheehan]

Posted: 9/7/08 at 10:32pm

Theatre Mania - is pretty close to a Rave

"Director Christopher Ashley keeps the action and momentum going throughout; indeed, there is barely a chance to catch your breath between show-stopping musical numbers and gripping dramatic scenes. Sergio Trujillo's energetic and frenetic choreography have the joint jumping from the opening moments. Paul Tazewell's costume design is period perfect; David Gallo's scenic design and projections effortlessly take the action to many places; and Howell Binkley's lighting design is stellar as usual.

The real star of the evening is Glover, who possesses a dynamite voice that rattles the rafters. She's a bit Diana Ross, a bit Tina Turner, and a bit Aretha...."

(Thanks Dented146!)

Theater Mania Review Updated On: 9/7/08 at 10:32 PM

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 9/8/08 at 12:25am

For those of you who asked about Most Wanted, the show is being workshopped (with new revisions) and the prospects for a full staging are looking looking pretty good (knock on good).

While the subject may sound macabre, I'm sure most people thought the same thing about "Assassins" before it came out.

[mlsheehan]

Posted: 9/8/08 at 9:38pm

LA Times - Mostly Positive

"..."Memphis" -- a musical being given an exuberant, high-gloss staging at La Jolla Playhouse -- looks back on this time and finds a message at once chilling and full of hope....

"But this is a story about obstacles overcome, and "Memphis" leaves its audience with a lot to feel good about. In its best moments, America sings a song of inclusion, and as one, we rock 'n' roll."

LA Times Review - 9/8/08

[dented146]

Posted: 9/9/08 at 1:20am

Very nice reviews overall. Can't wait to see this Sat. Thanks for the Times review. They were pretty late. Updated On: 9/9/08 at 01:20 AM

[mlsheehan]

Posted: 9/10/08 at 10:17pm

North County Times (San Diego Regional Paper) - Mixed

"...While the book needs work and the score needs trimming, "Memphis" is not without charm. Directed by Christopher Ashley (the Playhouse's new artistic director), the musical moves like a house afire, with powerhouse singers at every turn, lots of humor, dazzling and innovative choreography by Sergio Trujillo, vibrant lighting and a lively rock 'n' roll score that revels in its gritty roots..."


North County Times - Review 9/10/08

[obsessedjb]

Posted: 2/20/09 at 1:39pm

sorry really old thread but..
rumor has it that this is transferring to Broadway in the fall..anyone know if this is true?
Updated On: 2/20/09 at 01:39 PM