Memphis is a musical based on the book written by Joe DiPietro.. The setting in the 1950s in Tennessee city where rock and roll was born. The story is based on Dew Phillips, a Memphis DJ who was the first to play black music. In 2009, the show opened on Broadway and has won the Tony Award for Best Musical, along with earning three other Tony Awards in 2010.
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The fictional story is about Huey Calhoun a DJ who has a passion for R&B Music who has a dangerous affair with Felicia Farrell, an upcoming black singer. Along the way as their careers rise, their relationship is challenged by personal ambition and pressures of the outside who cannot accept their love for one another.
In the beginning, Huey is about to be fired from his stocking job at a local department store. In order to keep his job, he makes a deal with the owner of the store. He asks the owner if he can sell five records by playing them over the speakers, can he have a sales job instead. He quickly sells 29 records, but unfortunately the store owner fires him anyway because of the type of music Huey played.
Huey returns to the club where he had a passion for music called Delray’s club where he begins to flirt with Felicia, an upcoming singer. Huey begins applying for DJ jobs at various local white radio stations. One of the station owners, Mr. Simmons invites him in; Huey takes the mic and plays an African-American rock song called “Everybody Wants to be Black on Saturday Night.”
The owner was not pleased with the song choice and about throws Huey out. Before he could do it, dozens of teens start calling the station and demanding more of the music Huey played. The owner gives Huey a chance with a two week trial, and if he is successful he will be hired for a full-time job.
What becomes funny is when Huey is asked to read an advertisement for beer, and the owner realizes he cannot read. The owner again wants to fire Huey after he finishes the phrase “Hockadoo.” The manager of the store calls into the station saying that he wants Huey to do all of his advertisements from now on.
As time goes on, Huey gains popularity with his new catchy “Hockadoo” phrase. While he is on the radio, he encourages white people to go to black churches, which they end up doing. He continues to do great things at the radio station and his love affair with Felicia continues to blossom.
The Memphis musical delivers one energetic song after another, which rollicking new musical is like a non-stop ball of energy. The songs have some of the best singing and dancing compared to other musicals on Broadway. You can be assured you will be lifted by the high-octane entertaining show.
