Memphis Broadway Show Review

Show Summary
Inspired by the real-life story of a 1950s rock 'n' roll deejay, Memphis is about the man who brought black music to white listeners in the segregated South.

Broadway Review
Chad Kimball finally gets the breakout role he deserves as Huey Calhoun, a guy who is going nowhere until his love of "race music" - combined with his brash style and quick wit - makes him the most popular radio personality in town. Both his ego and his refusal to acknowledge the barriers of a racist society threaten his relationship with a black singer (Montego Glover). Though David Bryan's score is not nearly as strong as the real rock 'n' roll and blues music of that era, it is enjoyable and includes some standout songs; Joe DiPietro's book, with the exception of a few predictably cheesy moments, is generally smart, funny, and well-constructed; Christopher Ashley's direction is superb. Overall this is a great new Broadway musical with a good look, a hot band, an engaging story, and an excellent cast of performers to bring it to life.