'Memphis' New Musical by DiPietro & Bryan Opens August 19 at La Jolla

La Jolla Playhouse is delighted to announce the final slot in the 2008/2009 subscription season has been filled with the new musical Memphis. Written by Joe DiPietro, composed by David Bryan (Bon Jovi keyboardist and founding member) and directed by Christopher Ashley, Memphis is a story about the passion and roots of rock 'n' roll featuring an original gospel, rhythm & blues, and early rock score fused with a contemporary sensibility. Memphis will open August 19 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre at La Jolla Playhouse and continue through September 28, 2008.

"Memphis follows the fictionalized life story of a white disc jockey in the segregated south, who started playing black music on the radio. Set in the 1950's, Memphis explores interracial relationships, the power of radio and how music broke down racial barriers," describe press notes.

With musical numbers like "The Birth of Rock 'n Roll", "The Music of My Soul", "Scratch My Itch", "I Don't Make the Rules", "Stand Up", "Memphis Lives in Me" and "Steal Your Rock 'n Roll" the show also features the choreography of Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys).

Memphis' lyrics are by DiPietro and Bryan, and set design is by David Gallo. Produced in conjunction with The 5th Avenue Theatre (Seattle, WA).

Single tickets for Memphis go on sale March 9 and prices range from $42 to $100. Performance times are Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:30pm; Thursday through Saturday, 8:00pm; and Sundays 7:00pm. Matinees are held on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm. To purchase, call (858) 550-1010 or online at www.lajollaplayhouse.org.

Joe DiPietro