The Fox Theatre’s 2011-2012 U.S. Bank Broadway Series has taken St. Louis audiences on an incredible journey. We fell in love with West Side Story, cheered with Bring It On: The Musical, laughed with The Addams Family, La Cage Aux Folles inspired us, Christmas with the Rat Pack – Live at the Sands brought us back in time, and the final show in our series does all this and more. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Memphis has been thrilling audiences on Broadway and will make its St. Louis debut on the Fox stage May 1-13. Here’s a guide to help you get to know Memphis and what makes it fabulous!
A Story of Fame and Forbidden Love
Inspired by actual events, Memphis tells the story of Huey Calhoun, a white radio DJ who wants to change the world, and Felicia Farrell, a black nightclub singer who is ready for her big break. Huey dreams of sharing the music he loves with the world, and of a world where he can live happily with the woman he loves. Through Huey’s radio show, Felicia is able to launch her career and share her music with an audience much bigger than the customers at her brother’s Beale Street club where she sings. Together, they fight for success and fame and against the prejudice that threatens to keep them apart.
Where all the Streets are Paved with Soul
Get ready to go back in time to 1950s Memphis where the birth of rock ‘n’ roll is about to shake things up for the city. As the power of music helps change, unite, and inspire a racially divided Memphis, we’ll visit the underground blues clubs of Beale Street, the humble radio studios where Huey first introduces a white audience to black music, and the homes and churches where Huey and Felicia’s family and friends begin to let down their guard and let go of their prejudices.
Fantastical Roof-Raising Rock 'n' Roll
Music plays an incredibly important role in Memphis, and it’s no surprise then that the show features some very catchy, powerful songs. The impressive Tony Award®-winning original score was written by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan with lyrics by Bryan and Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change). Each and every song beautifully captures the rhythm, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll sound of the 1950s. Don’t be surprised if during the show you find yourself tapping your toes, clapping along and resisting the urge to dance in the aisles. In addition to the fantastical music, renowned choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) breathes new life into the 1950s with some of the most dazzling dance on stage today.
Your Ticket to Memphis
Catch Memphis at the Fabulous Fox Theatre May 1-13. Performances are Tuesday-Saturday evenings at 8pm; Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2pm; and Sunday, May 6 at 7:30pm. There is also a weekday matinee on Thursday, May 10 at 1pm. Prices start at just $15, $25, and $30 depending on date and time. Tickets are available in person at the Fox Theatre box office, by phone through MetroTix at 314-534-1111 or online at www.metrotix.com. Hockadoo!