By The Raleigh Telegram
DURHAM – To quote a phrase from one of the characters in the show, the touring version of the hit Broadway series “Memphis” is simply “fantastical.” The popular show is being hosted in the Triangle by the Durham Performing Arts Center, located in downtown Durham and runs through Sunday night.
“Memphis” tells the story of a radio disc jockey in 1950′s in Memphis, Tennessee who dares to start playing real blues and rhythm music on the radio. However, “Memphis” is not just about music, as it delves into broader issues of the era including race relations and social taboos. In the musical, with the rise of rock and roll, the white establishment doesn’t seem to know how to handle “crossover” music that appeals to both blacks and whites in the younger generation.
The “Memphis” cast are simply amazing in terms of their singing and dancing talents. Bryan Fenkhart, who played the part of the main character, Huey, was an effective voice in which to tell the story of his trials and tribulations of being a white man who has fallen in love with black music. Simply, put his tale is expertly portrayed on stage without being too preachy. The musical explains that he simply loves rhythm and blues, which he says is “music for his soul.”
However, the big scene stealer, with her amazing voice that soars to the top of the rafters, is Felicia Boswell who played the role of Felicia on stage. In the play, she is discovered by Huey, but is later torn between her loyaties to him and her desire to further her career . On stage, Ms. Boswell gives one of the best performances we have seen in a long time in terms of simply powerful singing talent.
While the singing is great, the set is not exactly one of the most elaborate we have seen in a while, but the production uses that to its advantage. ”Memphis” doesn’t use a lot of special effects gimmickry that you see with some other traveling musicals. The music is the main focus in “Memphis” and the show is entertaining from beginning to end.
With a unique love story built around the birth of rock and roll, the show has an emotional hook that grabs you and draws you in, as you can’t wait to see what happens to the characters and their love of music. During some other musicals, we sometimes find ourselves looking at our watch to see when the intermission will begin, but that is most certainly not the case here.
For lovers of music and musicals, “Memphis” is a tour de force that will leave you wanting more. With a live band on stage for “Memphis” numbers and such talented singers playing the roles, you are treated not only to a great story, but great music as well. Just like the town by the same name, “Memphis” has real soul that appeals to everyone who loves music.
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