"Memphis" absolutely lives in me

I hate to drop the phrase "Tony prediction" because my track record isn't great (I think I was one of one person who truly believed in Brooklyn: The Musical circa 2004), but I need to when it comes to Broadway's newest hit Memphis. Having officially opened only a month and a half ago, this rock and roll musical is already developing a strong following despite less than stellar ticket sales.

Two things convinced me that I absolutely needed to see Memphis: 1) Chad Kimball's spectacular raw performance at this year's Broadway on Broadway, and 2) The overwhelmingly powerful and passionate bursts of music that could be heard through the wall that Memphis shares with Hamlet's theatre while I viewed that performance in the back of the theatre in standing room (btw, just don't).

Memphis takes place in Charleston (kidding) and tells the semi-true story of a white DJ who is among the first in the nation to broadcast "race music" on a popular radio station. He becomes immersed in the culture and stirs much controversy, especially after he (shocker) falls in love with a young talented black singer. There are obvious similarities to former Broadway hit Hairspray in plot and certain musical selections, but don't expect bubblegum and swooning teenage girls (though there is something irresistible and untraditionally sexy about Kimball). Memphis has a definite dark side which saves it from slipping into obscurity as just another 50's/60's musical. The score is both danceable and soulful, and the music strikes the right balance between cheesy Broadway predictability and elitist inaccessibility.

Memphis is a feel-good musical that still creates an emotional connection and will tug on your heartstrings, unlike some of the crap that's unfortunately currently running on the Great White Way. I'm talking to you, Shrek.