Memphis Doesn't Live In Broadway, But Will Live In The West End

[Phantom of London]

Memphis, the Tony Award-winning musical about a soulful, white radio DJ and his love for a black singer at the dawn of the Civil Rights movement, will end its run on Broadway Aug. 5 after 1,166 regular performances at the Shubert Theatre.

Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu, Leap of Faith) directed the musical that has a Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro (Nice Work If You Can Get It; I Love You, You're Perfect...) and Tony-winning music and lyrics by David Bryan of Bon Jovi fame. The two also collaborated on the musical The Toxic Avenger.

Memphis began previews Sept. 23, 2009, and officially opened on Broadway Oct. 19, 2009. When it closes Aug. 5, it will have played 30 previews and 1,166 performances. A London production is anticipated, but official dates have not been announced.

[Jonwo]

It'll be interesting how it fares in London, it could have a decent run if it goes into a midsized theatre like The Savoy or the Aldwych.

It's had a great run on Broadway although I do wonder had it not won the Tony, would it have run as long?

[Mark_E]

Oh the Tony win is no doubt what has allowed them to run for such a long time. I personally love the show and hope to see it in the West End.

[bob8rich]

A brilliant show with a selection of quite amazing songs and I see no reason why it would not do well in London. When I saw it on Broadway it was one of those wonderful surprises - I did not think I would like it and I absolutely loved it.

[AnythingGoes23]

Memphis is trying to come in Spring now after the Palladium limited season fell apart.

They are talking to ATG to put it in the Savoy. But Kenwright is hoping Cabaret takes off once again and can persuade Will Young to extend further in the year allowing the show to run past it's current January date.

Memphis also have an eye on The Shaftesbury for next Spring.

[yankeefan7]

Lots of people on the Broadway board really disliked the show but I enjoyed it. Montego Glover's performance was worth the price of admission. I saw it with Chad Kimball as "Huey" and thought he played this eccentric charachter perfectly. Adam Pascal took over the role of "Huey" and while I did not see him in the show have heard him sing "Memphis Lives In Me" and he is terrific. If you like a fun show that brings you back to the birth of rock and roll in US, you should enjoy this show. Sad to hear it is closing on Broadway.

[mallardo]

Agreed, it's a terrific show in the theatre. The OBCR, sadly, was badly recorded and does not represent the show well.

[Princeton Returns]

Only seen the DVD and it bored me I have to say, nt helped by the lead guy being so damn annoying. If he came over with it I'd definitely skip it. Otherwise I might give it a shot live

[yankeefan7]

Princeton Returns- IMO - I just think watching a DVD is so different from seeing it live. Chad Kimball originated the role of "Huey" and was nominated for Tony. While I found him quirky in the role, you found him annoying. Either way, doubt he will come to London with the show. I believe he left "Memphis" due to physical issues and Adam Pascal (Rent) replaced him. Like I said in previous post, it is not the greatest musical ever but think most people will find it fun and entertaining. It did win Tony for best musical and critical reviews in US for the most part rated the show as "Fair" to "Good".

[Princeton Returns]

I completely agree, live theatre is not the same when recorded and often doesn't work which is why (if I can) i will always try and see the show live. However, seeing everything that opens isn't really an option so I have to make decisions on what to see based on something. If it opens and I can get some cheap tickets (and Chad is NOT in the cast) then I would definitely give the actual show a shot

[yankeefan7]

Princeton Returns - Chad Kimball has been "bashed" on the Broadway board and you did not like his performance either (DVD) in "Memphis". I saw him and thought he was pretty good so it got me wondering if I missed something or it is just a difference in taste. Kimball received Tony nomination for best actor in a musical for "Memphis". OK, maybe it was a weak year for this award. I went online and looked up and read 4-5 reviews of "Memphis" which included the NY Times. The reviews of the show were mixed and ranging from fair to good. All the reviews I read, they all seem to enjoy Chad Kimball and Montego Glover and some reviews stated they were the best thing about the show. I saw "Memphis" with my daughter who was then doing a summer internship with Broadway Dance Center in NYC. She is a Broadway "geek" and is very critical of shows/actors she sees on Broadway. She was like the reviews I read and enjoyed the show but did not love it and thought Kimball and Glover were very good. I came to the conclusion that I did not miss something and it is just people have different opinions. Finally, I understand money is tight for everyone around the world and you need to be careful on what you spend your money on for entertainment. I hope you give "Memphis" a chance because I think you will like it.

[rjm516]

I thought this show was very mediocre but inoffensive, so I think it might do well here.

[Phantom of London]

One of the best Broadway shows at the moment.

I spoke to Adam Pascal, last time I was in New York and asked if he would like to work in the West End again and he looked at me seriously and said "are you joking".

As for the Memphis actors: Chad kimball was very good, Adam Pascal is excellent but Montego Glover is simplyout of this world and deserved the Tony hands down.

[Sean2]

What do you suppose he meant by that? "Joking" good or "joking" bad?

[Phantom of London]

He meant he would love to come over to the West End again, as he loved it first time round and when Adam said to 'me 'are you joking' he looked at me as I was mad and he was affronted that I asked the questions, I think if offered he be over like a shot.

The role of Huey would require someone with a great voice and presents to win over the critics firstly and word of mouth secondly.

[Jimbob2]

I think it would take a star name to make this take off in the UK. If Robbie Williams was on a career low then it would be good for him, but he's not. I saw it in the cinema in the UK, and I just don't think it's 'enough' in its own right without something else as a draw. I love anything around the history of pop music, but the issue of 'race music' on the radio was not a big thing here. Indeed many black stars got mainstream acceptance here first - championed by people like Dusty Springfield. Maybe that musical would have more of a chance.