By Kathy Carpenter
Moonlight Amphitheater opens first five play season with Broadway’s Tony Award – Winning “Best Musical,”Memphis” The Musical with Book & Lyrics by Joe Dipietro and David Bryan. Based on a concept by George W. George, and loosely based on the Memphis Disc jockey Dewey Phillips, it is directed and choreographed by Jeffrey Polk, Musical director, and conductor Lyndon Pugeda. Come for the music – Reflect on the Journey.
This is a romance story between two people who were probably better off not winding up together. It was Memphis, the south, in the fifties. Black and white did not mix. Not even the music. This story is about crazy white Huey. Thus far in his life he hasn’t done much. Huey’s drawn to Delray’s night club, by the sweet music that touches his soul. He ventures into the club to find out who the voice belongs to, and his heart is won over by a beautiful person of color, Felicia. Delray. Her brother dislikes Huey from the start. Huey is trouble.
Huey promises Felicia to get her music on the radio. He goes to every station in town and finally one lets him in. Before the station can blink Huey is taking over the main disc jockey role. After that, it’s history. He gets Felicia her chance to be a star in New York, but Huey won’t leave Memphis to be with her.
The soulful score is a blend of 50’s rock ‘n’ roll, soul, gospel and country music. Something for everyone to enjoy, performed flawlessly in the background. My favorites, “Someday,” sung by Feliciaas her first record, and “The Music of My Soul,” by Felicia and Huey.
Two main characters carry the story. Bryan Banville as Huey Calhoun is crazy with passion for music he believed people would love. Banville was outrageously spot on, lovable. Female lead, Janaya Mahealani Jones, brings the soul music as Felicia. Playing Delray her brother, Shaun T. Evans, demonstrated the family strength and protection. Morgan Carbarry, played Huey’s mom. The minor characters sparkle as they shine the light on the story. The ensemble is split between the people of color group, and a white group. Without them dancing, singing, and playing walk through characters, the show would not be a grand production. It is a Broadway quality musical in Vista.
The setting is Delray’s club, with Huey’s home kitchen, up front when needed, a radio station disc jockey booth, and other miscellaneous sets, moving in and around as needed. The costumes were 1950’s both regular and glam wear.
Memphis is an insightful look back into a tempestuous time. Powerful entertainment setting the tone for the season.
In addition to the five play season, Moonlighter’s is doing a Summer Jam of Concerts:
The Official Blues Brother’s Revue – Tuesday, June 28
Abba – Mania – Wednesday, June 29
Queen Nation – Friday, July 1
Summer of Soul – Saturday, July 2
Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd – Dark Side Of The Moon – Wednesday, July 6
Classic Albums Live: Eagle Greatest Hits – Thursday July 7th
Yachley Crew – Friday July 8
British Invasion Years – Saturday July 9
Two main characters carry the story. Bryan Banville as Huey Calhoun. Crazy with passion for music he believed people would love. Banville was outrageously spot on lovable. Female lead, Janaya Mahealani Jones,brings the soul as Felicia. Playing Delray her brother, Shaun T. Evans, brought us the family strength and protection. Morgan Carbarry, played Huey’s mom. The minor characters shine as they help shine the light on the story. The ensemble is two fold, people of color group, and a white group. Without them dancing, singing, and playing walk through characters, the show would not be a grand production. A Broadway quality musical in Vista.
Memphis
May 11 -28
Moonlight Amphitheater Vista
760.724.2110
Coming in June
Cinderella
June 8 – 25, 2022
Splash Magazines
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