'Memphis' Lives in Us: The Official Love Thread — Page 2

I saw Memphis for the second time last night, and a third time tonight! The first two times I saw it I was in the rear mezz, but tonight I sat in the second row of the orch!!! I just love this show. I enjoy it so much more each time I see it. I was thrilled when the cast recording came out!
Tonight was the first time I saw it performed with an understudy. Dan'yelle Williamson was in for Montego Glover. I liked Dan'yelle's performance, but prefer Montego. :) I wonder if anyone has seen Tracee Beazer perform the role of Felicia?
I have never waited outside of a stage door, but I think I just might do it the next time I see this show.
It's nice to see other Memphis fans! :)

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Updated On: 12/29/09 at 01:20 AM

I wish there was a way to know if/when Tracee will perform the role. I would love to see her Felicia. It would also be fun to see Brad or Bryan as Huey.

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Thanks, Wayman_Wong. I'm new to all of this, so I greatly appreciate the info.

IMO, Dan'yelle has an amazing voice, she just didn't own the role like Montego does. I felt like Dan'yelle was acting like Felicia, where Montego WAS Felicia. If that makes sense. :)

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Sanchez jets backstage & meets the stars of 'Memphis' (photos)
Broadway.com: Mark was walkin' with 'Memphis'

I'm so pleased that this thread exists. I am really confused by the negativity here regarding Memphis. I saw Memphis before reading any of the critical comments here and was absolutely blown away. I was shocked to read so many people are confused or unmoved by Chad Kimbell's performance. I thought he was amazing.

Rather than dwell on the negativity of others, we started this 'love thread' to focus on the positivity of its fans: to share their joy of 'Memphis.'

As for Chad Kimball, John Simon says: 'His summoning up of Huey is so perfect that not for a moment do you believe it is only acting.' What makes Chad's performance stand out for me, is that he's created in Huey an unforgettable and unique character in a new musical. For that reason alone, I hope that Frank Scheck's prediction in the Hollywood Reporter proves right: '[Kimball's] hilarious and ultimately deeply moving performance will be remembered at awards time.'

Also worthy of awards, along with Montego Glover, are David Bryan and Joe Di Pietro's toe-tapping songs. Michael Kuchwara of Associated Press called it 'a dandy original score that is as theatrical as it is tuneful, the very essence of what a Broadway musical should be.' And really underrated is Di Pietro's book, which skillfully blends an interracial romance with the story of how white America co-opted black music. In this tricky tale of boy-meets-girl, Di Pietro came up with an ending that isn't Pollyannish but still bittersweet and believable, and allows Huey and Felicia to reunite in the one world where they fell in love: in music.

Clearly, 'Memphis' really speaks to the 'Music in My Soul.' And based on the rapturous applause at each show I've seen, and the postings on this thread, I know I'm not alone. To everyone at the Shubert, keep 'Tearing Down the House,' and happy new year and hockadoo to all of 'Memphis' ' fantastical fans!

Updated On: 1/3/10 at 02:09 AM

I'm so happy that this thread exists!!

I have literally not been reading much of the chat on Memphis in the last year as things have been operating at full steam ahead in the producers office,so I was thrilled to find this thread over the holidays.

Yup, it's Carolyn from the Blog and the Producer's Office- just wanted to be 100% transparent about that...no shilling from this office!

I wanted to thank all of you who have posted sharing the Memphis Love, whether it is about the cast, the show, the CD, we are glad you are enjoying it.

As we gear up for our 100th performance (Jan 14!), everyone is full of good cheer for the new year.

Fun fact: The character of Ethel, Bobby's girlfriend turned fiancee, played by LaQuet Sharnell, used to be called "Myrna-" so I pay homage to her with my new BroadwayWorld name...

Boy, I guess 'Memphis' really lives in Mark Sanchez. The blog at the show's site reports that the New York Jets quarterback returned to see 'Memphis' - the day after he beat the Bengals (!) on Saturday. The blog even features a backstage copy of the N.Y. Daily News that Sanchez signed. Go Jets! And go 'Memphis'!

'Memphis' blog: I'm a huge fan

Updated On: 1/12/10 at 01:09 AM

It's Jan. 14: Happy 100th performance to 'Memphis'! To celebrate, if you're one of the first 100 people to buy a ticket today at the box office, you get a copy of the cast album. Plus, some lucky audience member and their party will be chosen tonight to join the show's post-performance BBQ party. Hockadoo!
Playbill.com: 'Memphis' CD giveaway for 100th show

I was at the matinee today. It is my first time seeing the show so I can't compare Bryan Fenkart to Chad Kimball. Bryan's acting was excellent, starting as an unsophisticated and slightly goofy "redneck" and becoming a sympathetic character. He didn't show any sign of nerves that I could detect. His singing voice is strong and pleasant, and while he isn't (or maybe isn't allowed to look) handsome, he is tall and lanky and appealing. He definitely has the necessary presence to carry a leading role, and I wasn't at all disappointed that he was there today.

My general reaction to MEMPHIS was that the book is heavy on stereotypes and the dialogue was trite, but the music, the singing and the dancing were first rate, and everyone in the cast was giving it all they had. Montego Glover has an extraordinary voice, and the song "Memphis Lives in Me" was outstanding.

This is one of the cutest videos I've seen on YouTube: Chad Kimball's got a 3-and-a-half-old nephew, William, who's hooked on the music to the show. Here's William singing along to his uncle's recording of 'Memphis Lives in Me,' and the kid even includes puppets. (How long before he tackles 'Avenue Q'?) Too adorable and funny.
'Memphis Lives in William' ... and Puppets

OK, here's the news some of you have been waiting for: The 'Memphis' cast album will be coming out on Rhino Records. Yay!

'Memphis' cast album on Rhino Records

Updated On: 2/13/10 at 11:29 AM