Review of musical, MEMPHIS by Porchlight Theater, Chicago, IL, USA
May 4, 2018
by Maja Rios
Memphis poster at the Porchlight Theater
It was great! Acting, singing, dancing, topnotch! The script, both sung and spoken, also great! Costumes, wonderful. Beautiful Theater and seats.
The story centers around true story White radio DJ, Dewey Phillips in Memphis in the 1950,s. Issues of racism during that era are central to the musical play. Humor is mixed with sad history of racism, which makes for both and informative and entertaining play.” and Dewey faces much challenges both personally and professionally as he attempts to integrate Black, Soul and Rock and Roll music into mainstream and falls in love with Black singer, “Felicia” based on his real girlfriend, who both faced family and societal racism., at that time.
Parallels can still be drawn to current Chicago and American prejudices which unfortunately still exist today. The director of Memphis, Darryl Brooks states in playbill, “We will always have a big battle to fight for equality and justice but day I pray, that we are getting closer and closer and maybe one day my four year daughter will be able to love who she wants, without any requisitions, limitation or judgement”, Kudos also for casting all body types and ethnicities.
Great live musical backup band is directed by pianist, Jermaine Hill. A MUST SEE. Memphis is playing through June 3rd
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