Review: MEMPHIS at the Engeman

The Spring season is officially underway with the start of Memphis at the John W. Engeman Theatre of Northport, Long Island. The multi Tony award winner, directed excellently by Igor Goldin, runs at the gorgeous venue through May 8th and I cannot say enough about this brilliant production. The cast, the passion, the creative team... everything is just top-notch.

The musical by Joe Dipietro and Bon Jovi musician David Bryan is certainly a roller coaster of emotions. Set in the 1950's, heartache, failure, success, and overcoming obstacles abound. It is loosely based on the life of pioneering radio personality Dewey Phillips - called Huey in this tale - who was among the first "white" DJs to play - what they called at that time - "black music".

Huey, portrayed superbly by Carson Higgins, is a rebel. He is one who follows his heart and sticks to his guns for the greater good; this especially since he's trying to promote tolerance in mainstream pop culture. He bursts in on a live radio broadcast and immediately has an impact with the listeners (much to the dismay of the station's boss). Additionally, he ends up falling for an African-American woman named Felicia, portrayed exquisitely by Breanna Bartley, who is an up-and-coming singer and they have to sneak around for years due to unfortunate laws.

Mr. Higgins is stellar as Huey. A boyish charm and terrific voice make him a natural in the role. And Ms. Bartley is exceptional as Felicia. Among the audience favorites, Mr. Higgins' inspiring "Memphis Lives In Me" and Ms. Barley's emotional "Colored Woman" were well received as was their duets. Be prepared for a dance party at the end with "Steal Your Rock And Roll", too.

I really could go on and on as everyone in the cast is beyond talented and gives a great performance.

Not only is the cast simply dazzling, the set, designed by DT Willis, is outstanding as well. It consists of a bi-level stage and moving pieces are interchanged to represent the club that is owned by Felicia's brother, Delray (C. Mingo Long), Huey's apartment, and various other locations. This is excellently enhanced by Cory Pattak's stunning lighting and Tristan Raines' beautiful costumes.

And so, Memphis is certainly a must see for this season. Truly one of the top productions I've seen at the Engeman. The extraordinary cast and a heart-tugging story make for a thrilling night of theatre.

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Created by JOE DIPIETRO (Book and Lyrics) and DAVID BRYAN (Music and Lyrics), Directed by IGOR GOLDIN, Choreography by ANTOINETTE DIPIETROPOLO, Musical Direction by JAMES OLMSTEAD, Scenic Design by DT WILLIS, Costume Design by TRISTAN RAINES, Lighting Design by CORY PATTAK, Sound Design by LAURA SHUBERT, Hair & Wig Design by LEAH LOUKAS, Casting by GAYLE SEAY & SCOTT WOJCIK of WOJCIK/SEAY CASTING, Props Design by KRISTIE MOSCHETTA, Fight Choreography by TREY COMPTON, Stage Management by DENISE WILCOX,

Starring CARSON HIGGINS as Huey Calhoun and BREANNA BARTLEY as Felicia Farrell with JARED BEDGOOD, C. MINGO LONG, KATHRYN MARKEY, DAVID McDONALD, ARTHUR L. ROSS, TONY CHIOFALO, JESSICA CRILLEY, MARISSA GIRGUS, TATIANA GREEN, CHAVON HAMPTON, JENNY L. HARVEY, BRANDON HEYWARD, MICHAEL KOLACZKOWSKI, KATIE LOMBARDO, SUZANNE MASON, IVORY MCKAY, CHRIS MEDLIN, BRANDON RIDDLE, ALEC VARCAS, and BOBBY PETERSON

For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Photo by Michael DeCristofaro