Memphis the Musical – Steal Your Rock and Roll

Memphis the Musical is a 2010 Tony Award-winning musical. It is a fictionalized account of the rise of rock and roll in the city of Memphis, Tennessee.

What is Memphis the Musical?

Memphis the Musical is a Broadway musical with music and lyrics by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro and a book by DiPietro. The musical is loosely based on the story of DJ Dewey Phillips, one of the first white DJs to play black music on the radio in the 1950s. The musical had its world premiere at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2009, its off-Broadway premiere in 2010, and its Broadway premiere in 2013.

The Characters of Memphis the Musical

Memphis, the Musical is a musical with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by David Bryan. It is loosely based on the story of DJ Dewey Phillips, one of the first white DJs to play black music on Memphis radio in the 1950s. The plot centers around Huey Calhoun, a white man who falls in love with black music and starts a radio station to play it. He meets and falls in love with a black singer named Felicia Farrell, and they must fight to keep their relationship alive against the racism of the time.

The musical premiered on Broadway in 2009, and won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It has since been performed all over the world.

The characters of Memphis the Musical are:
-Huey Calhoun: A white man who falls in love with black music and starts a radio station to play it.
-Felicia Farrell: A black singer Huey falls in love with.
-Dewey Phillips: A DJ who helps Huey start his radio station. Based on the real-life DJ Dewey Phillips.
-Gladys Calhoun: Huey’s mother, who does not approve of his relationship with Felicia.
-Mama: Felicia’s grandmother, who also does not approve of her relationship with Huey.

The Plot of Memphis the Musical

Memphis is based on the story of DJ Dewey Phillips, one of the first white DJs to play black music on the radio in the 1950s. The show is set in the early days of rock and roll in Memphis, Tennessee.

Huey Calhoun is a white man with a passion for black music. He starts working at Hock’s Joint, a black nightclub, where he meets Felicia Farrell, a talented black singer. Despite the objections of her father, Huey starts to promote Felicia’s career and they eventually fall in love.

As Felicia’s career takes off, Huey is recruited by Gladys Presley, Elvis’s mother, to help her son become a star. Memphis follows Huey and Felicia’s story as they navigate the world of racial segregation and fight for their place in rock and roll history.

The Songs of Memphis the Musical

“Steal Your Rock and Roll” is a song from the musical Memphis, with music and lyrics by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro. The song is sung by the character Huey Calhoun, a white man who falls in love with black music during the early days of rock and roll in the 1950s.

The song reflects Huey’s excitement and passion for rock and roll, as well as his determination to spread the new genre of music to a wider audience. In the song, Huey proclaims that rock and roll is “gonna change the world” and urges people to “steal” it for themselves if they don’t yet know about it.

Despite being a white man in a mostly black musical genre, Huey’s love for rock and roll is genuine and earnest. He is not trying to appropriate black culture or steal anything from black musicians – he simply wants everyone to enjoy the new music he has fallen in love with.

The song is an uptempo number with a classic rock and roll sound, featuring electric guitars, pounding drums, and energetic vocals. It is one of the most popular songs from Memphis, and has been covered by several artists including Brian Setzer and Carrie Underwood.

The Setting of Memphis the Musical

The story of Memphis the Musical begins in the city of Memphis, Tennessee in the year 1951. The city is home to a vibrant and growing African American community, which is largely centered around the music scene on Beale Street. The music of Memphis is a mix of blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues, and it is this unique sound that forms the backbone of the show.

The action of Memphis takes place against the backdrop of racial tension and social change in the United States. The country is in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, and African Americans are fighting for their right to equality. This struggle is mirrored in the relationship between Huey Calhoun, a white man who falls in love with black music, and Felicia Farrell, a black singer who wants to cross over into the mainstream white market. Their story is one of forbidden love, passion, and struggle against adversity.

Memphis draws from many different musical styles to create its unique sound. The songs range from upbeat anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, all of which contribute to the ultimately uplifting message of the show. If you’re looking for a feel-good musical with an important message, Memphis is definitely the show for you!

The History of Memphis the Musical

The History of Memphis the Musical

For anyone who loves music, Memphis the Musical is a must-see. The story revolves around the rise of rock and roll in the 1950s, and the integral role that Memphis played in its development. The music is catchy and upbeat, and the performers are all incredibly talented. But what many people don’t realize is that the story behind Memphis the Musical is just as fascinating as the show itself.

The original idea for Memphis the Musical came from co-writers David Bryan and Joe DiPietro. Bryan is best known as the keyboardist for Bon Jovi, while DiPietro is a Tony Award-winning playwright. The two men had been working on another project together when they began talking about Bryan’s hometown of Memphis and its unique place in music history. They decided to focus their energies on creating a musical about rock and roll’s beginnings, with Memphis serving as the perfect setting.

Bryan and DiPietro spent months researching the city’s musical past, listening to old records and interviewing musicians who had been part of the scene. They also visited Memphis to get a feel for the city itself. All of this research paid off, and in October 2009, Memphis the Musical made its debut on Broadway. It was an instant hit, winning four Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Since then, Memphis has been performed all over the world, including in London’s West End, Australia, South Korea, and Japan. It continues to be one of Broadway’s most popular shows, with fans clamoring to see it again and again. If you’re lucky enough to get tickets, you’re in for a treat – both musically and historically!

The Reception of Memphis the Musical

The Reception of Memphis the Musical

Memphis the Musical enjoyed a positive reception from critics and audiences alike. The show was praised for its energy, catchy tunes, and entertaining story. Many theatergoers said that Memphis the Musical was a fun, feel-good production that left them wanting more.

Despite its success, some audience members felt that Memphis the Musical was too light-hearted and predictable. Critics also noted that the show’s cast was predominantly white, which some felt was not an accurate reflection of the city of Memphis itself.

The Awards of Memphis the Musical

Since its inception, Memphis the Musical has won a multitude of awards, both nationally and internationally. These awards are a testament to the hard work of the cast and crew, as well as the popularity of the show. Some of the most notable awards that Memphis the Musical has won include:

-The Tony Award for Best Musical
-The Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical
-The Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album

These are just a few of the many awards that Memphis the Musical has won. If you’re a fan of the show, be sure to check out some of these award-winning performances!

The Future of Memphis the Musical

With the recent announcement that Memphis the Musical will be closing on Broadway, fans of the Tony-winning show are wondering what the future holds for the popular musical.

Although Memphis will no longer be running on Broadway, the show will continue to touring across America. The producers of Memphis are also working on bringing the musical to London’s West End. In addition, a film adaptation of Memphis is currently in development.

Whether you’re a diehard fan of Memphis the Musical or you’ve never seen the show, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy this cherished piece of American theater.

Why You Should See Memphis the Musical

Are you a fan of the iconic music that came out of Memphis in the 1950s? Do you love toe-tapping, soulful tunes? If so, then you should definitely consider seeing Memphis the Musical.

This Tony Award-winning show tells the story of DJ Dewey Phillips, who was one of the first white DJs to play black music on the radio. At a time when race relations were strained, Phillips’ music helped to bring people together.

The show features classic songs like “Hound Dog,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “Steal Your Rock and Roll.” It’s an upbeat and feel-good musical that is perfect for a night out with family or friends.

So why not give Memphis the Musical a try? You’re sure to enjoy its catchy tunes and inspiring message.