Laura and Samara spend their days as non-profit unicorns and fill every spare minute exploring the world of musical theatre as BFFs (that’s Broadway Friends Forever). Follow @bffs613 on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Welcome to downtown Memphis—where you can find the music of your soul.
The Tony Award-winning Best Musical Memphis graces the stage at Centrepointe Theatre until March 19 with the top-tier community theatre excellence that is Orpheus Musical Theatre. Set in the 1950s, it tells the story of Huey Calhoun, a white radio DJ who wants to bring Black soul music to southern white audiences. As the music explodes through mainstream America, Huey meets up-and-coming Black singer Felicia Farrell. Their love and professional ambitions are put to the test as the world throws challenges their way at every turn.
The Orpheus cast knocked it out of the park with powerful singers and performers right from the opening song. It was great to see some new faces on the Orpheus stage and those of you who have been to many of their shows will love the newcomers along with the stellar veteran performers. Making his Orpheus debut, Jack Ettlinger brought heart, laughter and soul to his role as Huey Calhoun and gave a beautiful and show-stopping performance of “Memphis Lives in Me.” Joy Mwandemange (Felicia Farrell) consistently wowed the audience with her powerful vocals and emotional performance.
Photo provided by Orpheus Musical Theatre
Since returning from the pandemic, Orpheus has renewed its focus on its programming with things like improved tech, and we noticed a difference with this production in its use of live video and microphone quality. The sets and lighting were simple but impactful, and changed and adjusted with the mood and scenes of the story. Of course, opening night always has little hiccups, but these will surely get worked out as the run continues. It’s incredible to think how many folks are working backstage in addition to onstage to bring this fantastic show to audiences.
This moving and socially impactful story is one you won’t want to miss, and with such a stellar cast to bring this music to life with such powerful performances, you’ll want to grab your tickets now before they’re gone!
Memphis continues at Centrepointe Theatres until Sunday, March 19. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Tickets cost $32-$57. The show runs for about two and a half hours with intermission.
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