'Memphis' Lives in Us: The Official Love Thread - Page 4

[DRSLOL776]

Posted: 5/5/10 at 5:50pm

05/05 -- Broadway.com just posted this! They did a wonderul job covering Chad Kimball as he went to the 2010 Tony Award “Meet the Nominees” press junket today. I LOVE the pics!

http://www.broadway.com/shows/memphis/buzz/broadwaycom-exclusive-memphis-star-chad-kimballs-whirlwind-new-life-tony-award-nominee/

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 12:38am

For you 'Memphis' fans, I thought you might enjoy checking out this video clip from the L.A. Times' site, Goldderby.com. Tom O'Neil hosts an analysis of the Tony race for Best Musical; both David Sheward of Backstage and Matt Windman of AM New York enjoyed 'Memphis,' but come to different conclusions on whether it'll take the top prize. ... And if you've walked by the Shubert, you'll have seen the new signs that trumpet 'Memphis' ' various awards nominations, and there's a third-of-a-page ad in tomorrow's Sunday's N.Y. Times. Hockadoo!

Tony pundits' slugfest over Best Musical Updated On: 5/9/10 at 12:38 AM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 5:26pm

Justin time to make a movie of 'Memphis'?

Joe DiPietro recently confirmed that there was interest from a few studios into making a film of 'Memphis,' and now the N.Y. Post's Page Six says Justin Timberlake, who just saw the show, was overheard telling David Bryan he'd like to turn it into a movie. Hmmm. Would he produce and play Huey? Who would be Felicia on film? I'd love to see Chad and Montego on-screen, but Broadway actors seldom get to re-create their roles in Hollywood.

N.Y. Post: Timberlake's secret plans for 'Memphis' Updated On: 5/9/10 at 05:26 PM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 5/12/10 at 2:25pm

Meet Charlie Williams, 'Mr. Memphis.' He's the only cast member who's never missed a show on Broadway. He's up for an Astaire Award, and won the title of 'Mr. Broadway' at 'The Broadway Beauty Pageant.' He's also known among the cast as 'Charity Charlie' for all his fund-raising work on Broadway Cares, the AIDS Walk, etc.


AfterElton.com: Meet 'Mr. Broadway': Charlie Williams Updated On: 5/12/10 at 02:25 PM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 5/13/10 at 11:10am

Hey, 'Memphis'-heads! If you wanna sponsor Charlie Williams on this Sunday's AIDS Walk New York, just go to link below. I'm sure Charlie would be thrilled to get more support!

I mistakenly posted the incorrect link earlier. Sorry!

Here's the right one ...


AIDS Walk NY: Charlie Williams Updated On: 5/13/10 at 11:10 AM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 5/17/10 at 7:33am

Congrats to 'Memphis' on winning 4 Outer Critics Circle awards!

* Outstanding New Broadway Musical
* Outstanding New Score
* Outstanding Actress in a Musical: A tie between Montego Glover and Catherine Zeta-Jones ('A Little Night Music')
* Outstanding Choreography: A tie - Sergio Trujillo & Bill T. Jones ('Fela!')

The awards will be given out on May 27 at Sardi's. Hockadoo!

(P.S. Ben Brantley in yesterday's New York Times predicts that 'Memphis' will win Best Musical at the Tonys.)

Talkin' Broadway: Outer Critics Circle winners! Updated On: 5/17/10 at 07:33 AM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 5/22/10 at 3:10am

Broadway.com is featuring an exclusive music video from 'Memphis,' starring Chad Kimball and the ensemble singing 'Radio.' It includes coverage from their show and cast recording session and new footage shot for this feature. Hockadoo!
Broadway.com: 'Music of Memphis' video - 'Radio'

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 5/24/10 at 2:09am

Congrats to Team 'Memphis' at the Drama Desk Awards!

They won 4 Drama Desk Awards, more than any other show.

* Outstanding Musical
* Outstanding Music (David Bryan)
* Outstanding Orchestrations (Daryl Waters & David Bryan)
* Outstanding Actress in a Musical: A tie between Montego Glover and Catherine Zeta-Jones ('A Little Night Music')

Hocka-effing-doo!

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 5/24/10 at 10:34am

I am so pleased that it won the Drama Desk for Outstanding Musical. I have been so turned off by all the negative posts here regarding Memphis. Memphis is a wonderful show.

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 5/25/10 at 4:46pm

TV alert: 'Memphis' will be on the 'Today' show on Thursday, May 27, during the 9-10 a.m. hour. Montego Glover, Chad Kimball and Co. will perform 'Someday,' and 'Memphis' composer David Bryan will chat about his music, too. ... Meantime, today marks the 250th performance of 'Memphis' on Broadway.
Photos of Glover and Kimball getting honored at dinner

[BwayTday]

Posted: 5/25/10 at 5:13pm

Mis-read indeed Wong, I lose. Updated On: 5/25/10 at 05:13 PM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 5/25/10 at 5:31pm

I'm not sure if you're making a joke or misreading the item. The first mention of 'Memphis' is a reference to the show, as it is in the title of the thread. It's mentioned that the cast will perform the song 'Someday.' But thanks for playing.

Meantime, here's a link to the 'Memphis' segment that was on 'Today.' ... Gee, where does David Bryan gets his energy? The night before, he and Bon Jovi were playing before 70,000 as they opened the new Stadium at the Meadowlands. Then he got up early to be on 'Today.' This afternoon (Thurs.), he and Joe DiPietro went to the Outer Critics dinner to pick up their award for Best Score for 'Memphis,' and tonight he's back at the Stadium!



'Memphis' on the 'Today' show (May 27): 'Someday' Updated On: 5/28/10 at 05:31 PM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 5/28/10 at 12:03pm

Chad Kimball's been a Celebrity Blogger all this week for Playbill.com. If you haven't seen his posts, here's a link. He talks about 'Memphis' and what a busy, busy week he's had. ... He and Montego deserve a prize alone for doing 8 shows a week, and still doing a marathon of events during awards season. Luckily, it looks like a labor of love.
Playbil.com: Celeb blogger Chad Kimball

[Freakyfreak]

Posted: 5/28/10 at 12:17pm

"...where does David Bryan gets his energy? The night before, he and Bon Jovi were playing before 70,000 as they opened the new Stadium at the Meadowlands. Then he got up early to be on 'Today.' This afternoon (Thurs.), he and Joe DiPietro went to the Outer Critics dinner to pick up their award for Best Score for 'Memphis,' and tonight he's back at the Stadium!..."

Yes, he's really a hardworking man! And VERY nice and humble!

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 5/30/10 at 12:33pm

FreakyFreak, I've had the opportunity to meet David Bryan a few times during awards season, and he's such a wonderful and friendly guy. Ditto for Joe DiPietro. And though David's a rock star, he comes across as such a regular guy. Here's a video link to an interview he did with Jim Kerr and Shelli Sonstein on Q104.3. David discusses 'Memphis,' plays 'Memphis Lives in Me' and mentions how he'll miss his first Bon Jovi show in 3 decades, so he can attend the Tonys.

Q104.3 Morning Show: David Bryan Updated On: 5/30/10 at 12:33 PM

[Freakyfreak]

Posted: 5/30/10 at 5:56pm

yeah, I met him a couple of times and I know some people who work with him: He really seems to be a very nice guy! And I have to add: I love his passion!
Hopefully skipping the show is worth it for David!

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 6/1/10 at 10:27am

Congrats to Charlie Williams (yellow trunks) for making the cover of Next magazine (May 28th) in a photo spread about the boys of Broadway Bares strutting their stuff in summer swimwear. Broadway Bares, the burlesque benefit for Broadway Cares, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a show called 'Strip-opoly,' on Sunday, June 20, at Roseland in New York City. See www.bcefa.org.


Next magazine: Broadway Bares essentials Updated On: 6/1/10 at 10:27 AM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 6/5/10 at 7:53pm

Congrats to Montego Glover on being chosen to sing 'Colored Woman' from 'Memphis' at the Ford's Theatre Society's annual gala on Sunday, June 6, in Washington D.C. The show is being taped as 'America Celebrates July 4th at Ford's Theatre' and parts of it will air on July 2 on ABC. Michelle Obama is the honorary chair of the gala, and the Obamas have been invited to attend. To do the taping, however, that means that Montego is out of the show this weekend (June 5-6), and Dan'yelle Williamson is going on for her (and she's terrific!).

Meantime, Broadway.com also has released its latest 'Memphis' video, starring Montego singing 'Someday.' Enjoy!

Broadway.com: Montego Glover sings 'Someday' Updated On: 6/5/10 at 07:53 PM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 8:34pm

Brava to Montego, who looked radiant and knocked 'em dead at the Ford's Theatre Gala on Sunday. Alyssa Rosenberg, who writes for the Capital Comment Blog at Washingtonian.com, reports: 'Montego Glover's stirring rendition of 'Colored Woman,' the song from the Broadway show 'Memphis' that helped her win a Tony nomination this year, was particularly powerful and poignant. 'Mama told me there are limits for dark-skinned girls in this light-skinned world,' she sang to the Obamas, who were seated in the front row. And when she was done, she acknowledged the First Couple, her hands over her heart.'
Life.com: Montego Glover in the color purple, on the red carpet

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 6/11/10 at 1:25am

As Broadway heads into Tony weekend, it seemed like a good time to catch up with Chad Kimball and chat briefly about his six-year journey with 'Memphis.'

Chad: 'It's crazy. We always knew we'd be here [on Broadway], and we've been open for 8 months. I'm over the moon.'

WW: When 'Memphis' opened in October, some folks underestimated it.

Chad: 'Completely. But it's built and built and built. I think we're gonna have a good week. We'll see.'

WW: What's it like to originate a role on Broadway?

Chad: 'A dream come true. I've never done so much laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time. It's hard. I literally have bled for the show. The other day, I hit my head on the door.'

WW: What's so special about playing Huey Calhoun?

Chad: 'He comes out of nowhere. Nobody gave me a template. I'm not mimicking anyone. It just came from inside of me. That's my favorite part: He's an original. Except for about 10 minutes, I'm on the stage all the time. I love the challenge.'

WW: What's it like to sing 'Memphis Lives in Me'?

Chad: 'Sometimes, I think of Colm Wilkinson and 'Bring Him Home.' I think, 'Wow, I'm singing a song that's part of musical-theater history and will live on.' It's something to live up to, so it's very exciting every night.'

WW: Got anything to say to the fans of 'Memphis'?

Chad: 'Just a huge thank you, especially to the fans who have come back again and again. I love their passion for us showing our passion. It's the excitement of live theater. And we get to tell a fresh story with an original score, an original everything. It's fun and funny, and we're having a great time!'

Updated On: 6/11/10 at 01:25 AM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 6/13/10 at 2:20pm

I just got back from the rehearsal this morning for tonight's Tonys. WOW! If you want to be totally surprised, stop reading this posting NOW! ...

I won't give away too much, but I'll confine my comments to 'Memphis.' Wait'll you see how they put together 'Steal Your Rock 'n' Roll' for the telecast. Constantine Maroulis, star of 'Rock of Ages,' Twittered: 'Memphis' number crushed it!!' Plus, it's introduced by a celebrity fan of the show who's a Jet-setter. And you'll see another celebrity wish 'Memphis' Bon chance!

During the rehearsal, performers often act as stand-ins for the actual Tony nominees, so the camera knows where to find their seats and shoot them. But when the mock ceremony was held for the category of Best Actor in a Musical, Chad slipped into his real seat, so he appeared on-camera. It was kinda funny.

Wow, what a schedule Chad, Montego and Co. keep today. First, they had to get up early enough for the 9 a.m. rehearsal at Radio City, which lasts until 12:30 or so. Then they race to the Shubert to do a special 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. (Usually, it's at 3 p.m.) After that, they run back to Radio City, where Chad is part of the opening of the Tonys, too. It's a medley of pop music hits from new Broadway musicals. After the cast does their 'Rock 'n' Roll' number, they get bussed back to the Shubert, and then they wait to get bussed to Radio City again, for a possible finale. Hockadoo to the creators, cast and crew!

Whatever wins tonight, it's been a fun and fantastical ride!

Updated On: 6/13/10 at 02:20 PM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 6/14/10 at 8:37am

What a fantastic-al night at the Tonys for 'Memphis'!

It won the first 3 Tonys of the evening and the last one:

Best Orchestrations: Daryl Waters and David Bryan
Best Score: David Bryan and Joe DiPietro
Best Book: Joe DiPietro
Best Musical: Junkyard Dog Productions, etc.

How cool was it to have Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez introduce the 'Memphis' segment; he Twittered that he was 'Pumped up for a great night.' And the number was a terrific combination of 'Steal Your Rock 'n' Roll' with a dance break from 'Radio.' After Bernadette Peters announced that 'Memphis' won Best Musical, lead producer Randy Adams graciously thanked everyone involved, most notably recognizing George W. George (whose idea 'Memphis' was), the writers (Joe DiPietro and David Bryan), the producers and the regional theaters where it tried out: La Jolla Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre, TheatreWorks and the Fifth Avenue. Then the cast got to perform 'Rock 'n' Roll' again, as the camera cut to Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele in the audience clapping along.

As you'd imagine, the post-Tony party for 'Memphis' on the rooftop of the Empire Hotel was packed with happy people and well-wishers (like Matt Morrison). The place exploded with applause when Chad and Montego arrived. Joe said he was just happy to win Score with David, and when he won Book as well, realized, 'Oh, gee. I've gotta give another speech!' When congratulated on his 2 Tonys, David noted that it's actually 3, because he and Joe are producers of the show, too.

If you've got congrats for 'Memphis,' feel free to add on ('cuz I know folks at the Shubert Theatre read this!). And because this is a LOVE thread, let's keep it positive. Thanks to all of you who've believed in this show. Hockadoo!




TheaterMania: Photo of a trio of Tony winners Updated On: 6/14/10 at 08:37 AM

[Elke]

Posted: 6/14/10 at 8:51am

Yay, Memphis! I've been a fan of this show since previews and it's so awesome to see the team being rewarded for all their hard work. Loved their Tony performance (but tsk, tsk to the tech folks) and I truly hope that it will make even more people head over to the Shubert.

By the way, I saw their matinee on Tony day and they were all on fire! It was probably the best performance I've seen so far. Can't wait to see it again on Tuesday... first post-Tony performance! Congrats, Memphis boys & girls!

[DRSLOL776]

Posted: 6/14/10 at 3:55pm

I too would like to add on my congratulations to Memphis for their win!! I was so happy for them when the entire cast was jumping and screaming for joy after Ms. Peters announced “Memphis” for best musical!!! All their hard work has paid off!

CONGRATULATIONS MEMPHIS!!!

And here’s a video showing their BIG WIN!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a43B0sxmcSs

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 6/19/10 at 5:22pm

Lotsa happy news at the Shubert: A few days ago, Gordon Cox in Variety reported that 'Memphis' 'logged the biggest rise on the Main Stem [Broadway] last week - and that was before the B.O. could register any sales spike from Sunday night's award wins. 'Memphis' ($692,982), which picked up 4 kudos, including top tuner, stepped up abaout $160,000 (or 29%) over the prior sesh. Daily advance sales were said to have picked up 400% in the wake of the kudocast.' Meantime, I hear ever show since the Tony telecast has been nearly soldout.

Update: Thanks to the Tony win, 'Memphis' last week cracked the top 10 of highest-grossing shows on Broadway, and its increase ($138,089) was the highest one among them all.

'Memphis' also got a gift the other day: 200 cupcakes and a congratulatory note from Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, the co-producers of 'Fela!' Very classy!

We asked a few cast members about their Tony night:

J. Bernard Calloway (who plays Delray): 'Oh, man. It was out of this world. When we went out on the stage, the nerves went away, and the excitement took over. I looked out at the audience and saw Will and Jada, and whoa, Jay Z and Beyonce. ... And after we won Best Musical, I didn't stop crying until we got back to the theater. I was so full of joy.'

James Monroe Iglehart (who plays Bobby): 'I was so excited when we won Best Musical that I literally ran into Antonio Banderas backstage. I tackled him. And he was like, 'Congratulations on winning the Tony,' and I'm 'Thank you, thank you, I'm so sorry.' And then the audience started clapping along with 'Steal Your Rock 'n' Roll.' It really was a dream come true.'

Chad Kimball (who plays Huey): 'When they announced Douglas Hodge's name (for Best Actor), my heart didn't skip a beat. You know what? It's cliche, but just being nominated, you've already won. But when the category of Best Musical came up, I had butterflies. It was so cool to win. And when the audience clapped along, I couldn't believe that almost everyone was clapping on the 2 and 4. Everyone was so jazzed and you could feel it.'






BroadwayWorld.com: Photos from 'Memphis' post-Tonys party Updated On: 6/21/10 at 05:22 PM