Memphis – Gateway Playhouse

Moeisha McGill as Felicia, Josh Canfield as Huey, with the ensemble members, Alexa Jane Lowis, Justin William Schaffner, Rashad Naylor, Shaun Avery Williams and Zach Eisenberg Photo: Jeff Bellante.
By Jessica Kennedy.

Powerful, emotional, awe-inspiring.  These are just a few of the reactions my fellow theater guests and I had after witnessing the magic of Memphis at The Gateway Playhouse this past Friday evening.  As part of its 69th season lineup, this breathtaking show, directed by David Ruttura, uses brilliant characterization and stunning vocal performances to tackle challenging themes about love and relationships and the outside forces which threaten them.

This 2010 Tony Award winning show follows the protagonist, Huey Calhoun, embodied impressively by Josh Canfield, as he explores his passion for the music of his soul (“The Music of my Soul”) and finds himself at an underground black Rock and Roll bar in 1950’s Memphis.  There he meets the owner of the bar, Delray Jones (the amazing Melvin Abston) and his talented, passionate younger sister Felicia Farrell (the show-stopping Moeisha McGill).  This chance meeting begins an exciting, inspiring, and even treacherous journey as Huey becomes the first white DJ to play black music in Memphis.  His budding romantic relationship with Felicia, much to the chagrin of her overprotective brother, and a ground swell of individuals not ready to understand or condone Calhoun’s choices (both on the air and off) makes for a plot full of scenes so touching and profound, that there were moments during the show where the audience refrained from applause- so unwilling were we to miss a single word.

This show was not only impressively directed and produced, but all aspects seemed to harmonize effortlessly, allowing the show’s true themes to shine bright.  Just as Polonius warns his son Laertes in Shakespeare’s Hamlet that clothing makes the man, we see how clothing is used symbolically in Memphis as well.  The Costume Design, which was based on the original designs by Paul Tazewell, really brought characters like Calhoun to life, as well as Bobby (the entertaining Demone) and Gator (the talented Horace. V. Rogers).  There is one scene in Act II, in which Huey literally disrobes  in order to illustrate the metaphorical attempts to strip away his identity.  Powerful moments like these are found frequently throughout the play,  and are further strengthened by the actors who take the play’s emotional themes and breath life into them.  The vocal performances, directed by the talented and genial Jeffrey Hoffman, likewise transcend the sphere of entertainment only, and make the show a spellbinding and cathartic experience.  There were so many remarkable moments that I could not bring to list them all, but I promise that even one song from Canfield or McGill is worth the price of admission!

I recommend that everyone see this show.  Both Abston and Rogers characters’ had me in tears at different points in the show, and even the actors themselves felt the impact of such a performance.   Not only will you be thoroughly entertained by the talents of the entire cast (there is not a weak link on that stage), but you will be witnessing a play which leading actress Moeisha McGill calls timely, as it draws attention to important messages about love, relationships, and tolerance.  So if you need to “Scratch [that] Itch” for excellent theater and want to see a performance which will make you want to “Stand Up” while the amazing performances “Tear Down the House,” then head to The Gateway and enjoy the talent explosion that is Memphis.  After such a show you will be singing along with Huey Calhoun as he proclaims that “Memphis Lives in Me”!

 

Running Time: Approximately 2 1/2 hours with one 15 intermission.
Memphis will be playing at The Gateway Playhouse until July 21st, 2018.  The theater is located at 215 South Country Rd., Bellport NY.  For tickets call the box office at (631) 286-1133 or click here.