By Chelsea Bohannon | Jive along to the brassy beats of Beale Street in 1950s Memphis, where the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll reels in an aspiring R&B DJ, who just happens to be white, to spark change in the deep South. Bringing powerhouse numbers to the Lawrenceville stage, Aurora Theatre debuts its 20th Anniversary Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series with the regional premiere of the hit-musical sensation Memphis, playing July 23- August 30, 2015. A co-production with Theatrical Outfit, this tuneful tale is sure to strike a chord with music lovers of all ages!
Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez says: “When you take a mega musical like Memphis and produce it in Aurora’s intimate theatre setting, what you get is an unparalleled experience of fierce emotion, dynamic theatrics and the ability for audiences to immerse themselves in the story and characters. All of these elements combined are what make this an unforgettable season debut!”
Loosely based on real-life rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Dewey Phillips, Memphis follows the story of quirky and irreverent DJ Huey Calhoun and his transformation of the iconic sound from the radio to the television. Breaking racial barriers along his journey, he falls in love with a soulful black singer and a cultural revolution is ignited. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical, this story of passion, determination and sacrifice presents a moving musical for all to cheer for.
Memphis boasts an original score by Bon Jovi’s founding member and keyboardist David Bryan with book and lyrics by three-time Tony Award-winner Joe DiPietro. At the helm of this production are three of the region’s top arts leaders; directed by Theatrical Outfit Artistic Director Tom Key, musical direction by Aurora Theatre Co-Founder and Associate Producer Ann-Carol Pence and choreography by Ballethnic Dance Company Artistic Director Waverly Lucas. Leading a 25-member company of Atlanta’s best performers, this is a spectacle of powerful, roaring rock ‘n’ roll melodies, exuberant dance sequences and not-to-be-missed production values.
Memphis is presented at Aurora Theatre, July 23- August 30, 2015. Two discount weekday matinees will be offered on Wednesday, August 12 and 19 at 10 a.m. for $20-$30 per person. Regular show time tickets can be purchased starting July 1 for $30-$65 per person online at tickets.auroratheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 678-226-6222. Season tickets and group tickets are currently on sale.
Show times are as follows:
- Wednesday – Friday: 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 2:30 p.m.
The co-production of Memphis will continue September 10-20, 2015 at The Rialto Center for the Arts (80 Forsyth St., Atlanta) with tickets available from Theatrical Outfit online at www.theatricaloutfit.org/shows/memphis or by phone at 678-528-1500.
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