Memphis

By Lou Fancher

​It’s the music that makes this four-time Tony- and two-time Olivier-winning story worthy of a look-see-and-listen. When a white DJ in 1950s Memphis falls for a black singer and her golden crooning — a tale loosely based on real-life Memphis DJ Dewey Phillips — there’s a mess of trouble for the mixed race couple. But as the black music catches on, the radio station’s ratings soar an escape hatch opens … or does it? The production showcases book and lyrics by David Bryan of Bon Jovi and is directed by Brendam Simon, with the always sizzling, charismatic choreography of Christina Lazo. Reflecting a long overdue sensibility indicative of contemporary times, the show comes with a warning that violence against a woman and racial slurs are included.