Pros and Cons on Memphis

Originally, I had little interest in seeing this...but Memphis has begun whispering in my ear, taunting me to see it.

I was hoping that those of you that HAVE seen it could give me what you found to be it's strengths and weaknessess...to help me decide if I do want to see the show. That's more important to me than whether you liked/disliked the show. For example: stock characters wouldn't bother me, if the plot is interesting. Bad rhyming in lyrics don't bother me, but insipid lyrics do.

The more specific you are, the more helpful. TIA

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I just thought the character of Dewey was obnoxious, especially his accent. I didn't believe his romance with the leading lady. I couldn't get past that...I liked the music enough, but one song reminded me of a song from The Toxic Avenger Musical and that's all I could think of....also, there was one character who was silent in the 1st act, then conveniently broke his silence then would not shut up the rest of the show. I don't know, the show just annoyed me. I really went in thinking I'd love it. It's all relative I guess sorry lol

Pros: Satisfactory staging and choreography. Montego Glover's voice.

Cons: Lame book. Mediocre score. Montego Glover's acting.

Updated On: 12/30/09 at 10:23 PM

"Chad Kimball's decision to play the lead as a spastic retarded version of George W. Bush, general air of self-importance despite complete lack of anything to back it up"

LOL exactly! I hated that character. I didn't care what happened to him at all. Hated his mother, too.
Another thing that annoyed me...In musicals, I expect the songs to drive the show along and speak for the characters...I don't feel the songs that some characters sang were written for those characters, that annoyed me too

I really disliked it, but there were some strengths. It was aesthetically well done...I loved the sets/costumes and the choreography is really great and energetic. The cast is incredibly talented, and Montego Glover in particular has a fantastic voice. Some of the songs are catchy and enjoyable, though not the most original stuff out there.

Cons...mostly that the story is poorly constructed. I honestly felt nothing for the characters...in fact, I wished Huey would go away for most of the show. The character is truly unlikable, and it hurts the show so much. I felt that it could have been an interesting, moving story, but the book is so elementary and the lyrics are so awful that I couldn't get into it.

perfectly put "perfectlymarvelous"
I was saying Dewey before, not Huey lol

hockadoo! oh, God I think I blocked that out. This show disappointed the hell of me lol

then I wondered if he was supposed to be mentally handicapped (I'm serious)...

No, I thought the exact same thing.

I loved Memphis and am very confused by many of the comments I've read here about the show, but that doesn't address your topic, Pros and Cons on Memphis...

Pros:

1. Spectacular dancing. Not just the choreography - although it is superb - but beautifully executed by an amazing cast.

2. An exciting score. I loved the music and am eagerly awaiting the cast recording to be released on iTunes. Like the dancing above, it's beautifully sung.

3. Here's the part I don't understand... I though the leads gave Tony award-winning performances, especially Chad Kimball. I was captivated by him and until I see Fela, he's my choice for best actor in a musical.

4. The design is strong and the show is visually very stimulating.

5. A good story. It's true that much of it is predictable, but this didn't bother me. The situation is clear and we know how it's going to play out. I don't think the writers intended for anything different. The power is in the knowing. We've lived this history and the experience is more a reflection on where we've been, where we are and where we need to go. (Memphis is to the history of racial tensions in America, as Avatar is a science fictionalized exploration of America's exploitation of American Indians. Similar criticism of Avatar not being original and ladened with an obvious screenplay hasn't stopped it from being an important and extremely enjoyable film.)

(For the record, I'm white and at Memphis I sat next to a very lovely black woman whom I had never met before. As she was slightly large, she spilled over onto my seat creating a sort of intimacy between us. By intermission the two of us were crying and comforting each other. It was an amazing experience. One I will cherish.)

Cons:

1. Broadway is too expensive and therefore shows have to be blockbuster hits, or they won't survive the journey to find their audience. (I have no doubt that the night I saw it, the audience was deeply moved.)

2. I'm honestly at a lost to find cons. I didn't mind that it follows in the footsteps of Dreamgirls and Hairspray, two musicals I love. Perhaps, it's arc isn't the most original: a fictionalized piece of American history dealing with racial tension as it pertained to the evolution of rock and roll. (I believe this story is an important one and a different perspective didn't bother me in the least. How many great WWII movies have we watched - still watch - and the story continues to have relevance?)

I highly recommend Memphis. It moved me deeply.

Updated On: 12/31/09 at 01:04 AM

Fat has a funny way of bringing people closer together.

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I actually didn't think Chad Kimball was all that bad...I saw the show relatively early in previews and I don't plan to return to see what's changed since then but I thought that he was doing all he could with a poorly written, genuinely unlikable character. I think he's a very talented guy in an unfortunate role but I don't think he was as awful as many are making him out to be.

I doubt it either, but I hope Montego will be.

Somehow the above post duplicated itself.


I hold to my feelings about Chad Kimball. I thought he was amazing.

Updated On: 12/31/09 at 01:18 AM