From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee,MEMPHIS is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs, and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. A crowd-pleaser that brings audiences to their feet with an "only in America" message that speaks to all generations, MEMPHIS sets a story of tolerance and the pursuit of happiness to a classic rock beat. Cabrillo Music Theatre's brand-new production of MEMPHIS, the first in this part of the country, opens on Friday, November 14th, 2014, playing until Sunday, November 23rd, at the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks. Take Cabrillo to MEMPHIS for a rockin' 'n' rollin' feel-good time!
MEMPHIS tells the story of a radio DJ who wants to change the world, and a club singer who is ready for her big break. Based on actual events, the soul of a new era is dawning as the first incredible sounds of rock 'n' roll, blues, and gospel are emerging into the mainstream. Falling in love with a beautiful club singer, one young man's vision to bring her voice and her music out of the clubs and onto the airwaves of America, will fly in the face of cultural divides, and spark a music revolution that will shake the world. The Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning Best Musical, MEMPHIS, was called by the Associated Press, "The very essence of what a Broadway Musical should be!"
"I've had my eye on MEMPHIS ever since I saw it on Broadway, just a couple of years ago," says Cabrillo Music Theatre's Artistic Director,
Lewis Wilkenfeld. "I had not seen a show have such an amazing effect on an audience in years! Here was a musical that wasn't afraid to have a great time, even while telling an important story about America and American music." Adds Wilkenfeld, "I couldn't wait to bring this to our Cabrillo family! And it's a real honor to be the first regional production in this area. Our audiences are going to love MEMPHIS!"
Auditions for Cabrillo's production, not surprisingly, brought out a dazzling array of young talent, many of whom considerMEMPHIS a dream show to perform.
Todd Adamson, fresh off the national tour of WE WILL ROCK YOU, makes his Cabrillo debut as "Huey," joined by Lakeisha Renee Houston as "Felicia." The cast also features Keith Jefferson (
Quentin Tarantino's"Django Unchained") as "Delray," and
Linda Kerns (Director of Cabrillo's MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, Broadway's BIG RIVER and NINE -original cast) as "Gladys." Robert W. Schneider directs, with choreography by Kenna Morris Garcia (Dance Captain of MEMPHIS' Broadway's 1st National Tour), and Musical Direction by Cassie Nickols. Darrell Alston, who serves as Musical Director for
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., conducts the Cabrillo Music Theatre Band.
Cabrillo Music Theatre continues its nationally recognized "Beyond the Footlights" Educational Outreach Program duringMEMPHIS. Study guides have been distributed to schools throughout the region, encouraging student participation and cultural education. Teachers and educators can use the study guides in their classrooms, plus encourage extra credit and outside studies. This is Cabrillo's third season providing enrichment through education with 1776, KISS ME, KATE, IN THE HEIGHTS, and now MEMPHIS! MEMPHIS delves into the subjects of diversity, history, and socio-political issues, and through the study guide, students learn to apply these issues of diversity and US history to their modern society and relationships, in a fun and musical way. Cabrillo's study guide meets California State Content Standards in Social Studies and US History for grades 6-12. It also addresses the Visual and Performing Arts Framework in Musical Theatre. The study guide is available and accessible for teachers at public schools, private schools, and home school parent/teachers, and any parent or individual interested.
MEMPHIS has electrified audiences in New York and across the country - now it's Thousand Oaks' turn! MEMPHIS combines dance, history, blues, and rock'n'roll music, and, although it is recommended for audiences age 13 and up, due to mature language and racial subject matter, its' warmth, humor and powerful message will resonate with all ages. Start Cabrillo's 2014-2015 season with the electric beat of the music and dance sensation of the year! Turn up that radio dial and tune in toMEMPHIS at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza!
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