Most Spartans are familiar with choir director Nikisha Williams, but another side of her will soon make an appearance on the Playhouse on the Square stage: Williams as the bombshell nightclub singer, Felicia Farrell, in “Memphis the Musical.”

The show explores the history of music in 1950s Memphis, as well as the racial tensions that surrounded the scene. The story is told through white disc jockey Huey Calhoun, who plans to put Black music “at the center of the dial” by featuring Felicia. The two fall for one another, but prejudices of the time lead to problems for the pair.

“The show really parallels things that are going on now with the Black Lives Matter campaign and people just trying to work together for a common goal,” Williams said.

The Playhouse production features talented actors from all over the Memphis community, including big names like Nathan McHenry who plays Huey, and Lorraine Cotten who plays Huey’s mother, Gladys. With Ostrander Award winning choreographer Jordan Nichols directing and choreographing, Williams is confident the show will be a success.

“There are so many great people working on the show. I can’t wait to share the stage with them,” Williams said.

Williams is not new to the Playhouse stage. She previously played a Dynamite in their 2014 production of “Hairspray.” Before working with the company, she performed at the University of Southern Mississippi, appearing in their productions of “Ragtime,” “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” and “Sweeney Todd,” as well as many others. She hopes to continue her work with Playhouse in their upcoming season.

“They have some really amazing shows in the next season, like “Company” and “Mamma Mia.” It should be a great year,” Williams said.

For now, Williams will focus her energy into the rehearsal process, which began March 29. The show will open May 6 and run the entire month with performances Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Williams encourages everyone to see the show.

“[Memphis] just has amazing musical numbers, amazing dancing and an amazing message,” Williams said, “It makes you feel really great in the end, no spoilers though.”