Memphis, with book by Joe DiPietro, lyrics by DiPietro and David Bryan and music by Bryan, is a cookin' rock-n'-roll show with a splattering of gospel. The story about getting into the music business is simplistic, but the singing is terrific and the music will get you. Also, since I was a very early -- maybe premature -- Civil Rights campaigner in Georgia, the story of forbidden love in the `60's (black and white) has special resonance for me.
The entire cast is adept and exciting, and the two leads, Chad Kimball and Montego Glover are powerful charismatic singers; the dancers are as flexible as Slinkies. Directed with zip and flair by Christopher Ashley, excitingly choreographed by Sergio Trujillo on David Gallo's active, multi-level set, Memphis is good, toe-tapping entertainment.
