Memphis to Play Broadway in Fall 2009
(© Joseph Marzullo/WENN)
The new musical Memphis aims to arrive on Broadway in the Fall of 2009, at a theater to be announced. Casting will be announced at a later date.
The musical is based on a concept by George W. George and features book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro, with music and lyrics by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan, who will be making his Broadway debut. DiPietro and Bryan also collaborated on the musical The Toxic Avenger, which begins performances this month at New World Stages. Tony nominee Christopher Ashley will direct Memphis, with choreography by Sergio Trujillo.
Set in the segregated South of the 1950s, Memphis follows the fictionalized life story of white radio disc jockey Huey Calhoon, who first shocks a city by playing black music on mainstream radio, and later publicly proclaims his love for the beautiful black singer who inspires him. The musical was developed in previous engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre.
The creative team will include David Gallo (set), Paul Tazewell (costumes), and Howell Binkley (lighting).
