Photo Flash: MEMPHIS Begins Tonight at Ivoryton Playhouse

The Ivoryton Playhouse leaves the sunny tropical shores of the South Pacific in August and travels to the sizzling backstreets of '50s MEMPHIS. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the cast in rehearsal below!

MEMPHIS is set in the places where rock and roll was born - the seedy, underground dance clubs, radio stations and recording studios in 1950s Memphis, Tennessee. Inspired by true events, this high energy musical tells the story of DJ Huey Calhoun who falls in love with a beautiful singer and battles cultural divides as he tries to bring her voice to the airwaves of America. As their careers rise, a revolution erupts when his vision meets her voice and the music changed forever. With an original score, this musical is filled with heart, soul and energy to burn! Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards,MEMPHIS was written by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, All Shook Up) with electrifying blues, rock, ballads and gospel music created by Bon Jovi's David Bryan.

The Playhouse production of MEMPHIS is directed and choreographed by Todd Underwood, whose last work at the Ivoryton Playhouse was as choreographer for La Cage aux Folles and Dreamgirls. The show features Carson Higgins* as Huey, Rénee Jackson* as Felicia Farrell, Teren Carter* as Delray, Jamal Shuriah* as Gator. Musical directed by Michael Morris, the set is designed by Martin Scott Marchitto, lighting by Doug Harry and costumes by Elizabeth Cipollina. *denotes member of Actors Equity

MEMPHIS begins at the Ivoryton Playhouse tonight, August 5th and runs through August 30th, 2015. Writer Joe DiPietro will be joining the cast on stage after the performance on opening night, Friday August 7th followed by a reception with the cast and crew. Limited tickets are still available for this performance.

Tickets are $42 for adults, $37 for seniors, $20 for students and $15 for children and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860.767.7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org (Group rates are available by calling the box office for information.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.

Rehearsal photos courtesy of Ivoryton Playhouse