Memphis in the UK

It’s no secret that Memphis is a hub of arts and entertainment. Teeming with recording studios, art galleries, and theatres, Memphis has always been alive with music and art, but in 2009, Memphis moved to the theatre hub of the United States: Broadway. Memphis landed at the Shubert Theatre on October 19th in the form of a hit musical by Joe DiPietro and David Bryan. The musical highlights the sounds of soul, rock and roll, and jazz music that fill the Memphis streets.

Memphis hit critical acclaim at the 2010 Tony Awards where the show took home four awards including Best Musical. The show boasted a successful three year run before closing. After taking the show on a national tour, it seemed like Memphis would be moving to regional productions. However Memphis hopped the pond and opened in London’s theatre district otherwise known as the West End.

Now, 8 times a week, Memphis lights up the Shaftesbury Theatre. Beyond highlighting the music of Memphis in the 1950’s, it also highlights the racial conflict. Huey, a white DJ in the city meets Felicia, a black singer. The two have to overcome racial prejudices to do what’s most important to them, make music.

The story emphasized the importance of music for people.

“There’s no surprise that the whole civil rights movement and grassroots change movements started at the same time that Rock ‘n’ Roll exploded. Music always speaks before what politicians or anybody else has to say. It’s always in the zeitgeist, always.” said Beverley Knight who plays Felicia on the West End. Music was a way of expression during some of the hardest time for african americans. Memphis the Musical puts this music directly on stage for black youth now to enjoy in a whole new way.

Beyond bringing important music to the stage, it also takes Memphis to not only a national, but an international stage. The show has brought more and more attention to Memphis, which is considered a secondary American city. Now the sounds, sights, and history of Memphis are being shared with people of all different backgrounds. With productions in London, the US tour circuit, Tokyo, and more set to open soon, its anyone’s guess how far Memphis could go on stage.