Memphis Theatre Newsroom Page 3

The word crucible is not a term often used in everyday language. In fact, it seems to only be used when referencing Arthur Miller’s classic 1953 play, THE CRUCIBLE. But, for those not familiar with the story itself, the term means “a severe test.”

Noël Coward’s farcical and outrageous Blithe Spirit takes center stage in the Lohrey Theatre at Theatre Memphis October 13 - 29, 2023. Learn more about the production and how to get tickets here!

 Returning for its seventh annual Free Shout-Out Shakespeare Series, Tennessee Shakespeare Company (TSC) steps onto a mystical isle with The Tempest in ten different outdoor venues throughout the Shelby County area for free October 5-22.  Learn more about the production here!

It's the most magical time of the year… 'Tis the season for The Illusionists – Magic Of The Holidays (www.theillusionistslive.com), an all-new installment of the world-famous, blockbuster touring magic spectacular The Illusionists, from Producers Simon Painter, Cirque du Soleil and MagicSpace Entertainment. The new U.S. tour based off the smash-hit Broadway production is headed to more than 20 cities this holiday season and will bring the mind-blowing, family friendly show to the Orpheum Theatre December 28-29, 2023 for two performances. Tickets are on sale Friday, September 15 at 10am.

Playhouse on the Square has introduced the distinguished finalists of the 2023 NewWorks@TheWorks Playwriting Competition. Learn more about the finalists here!

 The Roxy Regional Theatre, Clarksville's oldest professional theatre, is celebrating 41 years of live entertainment with Gala 41, an evening of fine food, art, music, dancing and revelry on Saturday, September 30.  

Sleigh what? The critically acclaimed live stage show Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical returns this fall to entertain families at theatres across North America. The national tour featuring the “most famous reindeer of all” and his friends from the longest running and highest rated holiday television special will soar into Memphis at the Orpheum Theatre on Tuesday, December 19 for three performances at 11:00am, 3:30pm, and 7:00pm.  

What did our critic think of THE PROM at Playhouse On The Square? Trying to find a vehicle to infuse comic relief into a story about bigotry and homophobia is no small task, so the creators chose to bring in the least self-aware thespians to save the day for the most self-aware lesbian.

The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, will open the Next Stage season at Theatre Memphis and run September 15 – October 1, 2023.

What did our critic think of SISTER ACT at Theatre Memphis? For those of an older generation, did you ever look back at sitcoms from the 1970’s and wish they were set to music? Did you ever wish Fred Sanford (from “Sanford and Son”) or Squiggy (from “Laverne and Shirley) broke out into song to better share their deeper wants and desires?

Collage Dance has announced its 2023-2024 season of performances. With choreography as rich and diverse as Memphis itself, Collage Dance Collective’s fourteenth season reflects the professional company’s classical sensibility coupled with its desire to push the boundaries of ballet.

The Orpheum Theatre Group has announced that tickets for the Tony Award-Winning electrifying new musical phenomenon SIX by Tony Award-winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss will go on sale Friday, August 25 at 10am for eight performances from November 21 to November 26, 2023.

Emerald Theatre Company created the premise of the 10 Minute Play Festival eight years ago. Each year (2 were curtailed due to Covid) the company, who will open their 27th season of residency at THEATREWORKS, 2085 Monroe Ave, in the heart of mid-town Memphis with their sixth outing.

Broadway star Katie Boeck will be paying homage to the iconic album 'Blue' by Joni Mitchell in a special performance at The Franklin Theatre on August 18th. 

Beginning August 18, Cumberland County Playhouse presents The Play That Goes Wrong, written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields.

Sister Act will takes to the Lohrey Theatre stage at Theatre Memphis August 18 – September 10, 2023, and offer madcap entertainment … bar “nun”.

It's showtime! The Orpheum Theatre Group has announced that single tickets for the North American Tour of BEETLEJUICE, the edgy and irreverent Broadway smash hit musical comedy, will go on sale Friday, August 4 at 10am.

Playhouse on the Square, in partnership with Circuit Playhouse, Inc. Super Sponsor Dr. Thomas Ratliff and Show Sponsor Karen McCarthy, presents Fat Ham by: James Ijames, running September 15th – October 8th.

Urevbu Contemporary presents “Elikia: Echoes of Ebony Hope,” a captivating solo exhibition showcasing thirteen medium and large-scale paintings by acclaimed Congolese artist, Doudou Mbemba. Inspired by the Lingala word for hope, (elikia) this exhibition explores the fusion of optimism, promise, and the rich tapestry of Congolese culture. Visitors to ELIKIA: Echoes of Ebony Hope will have the unique opportunity to meet the artist in person. 

FAT HAM by James Ijames comes to The Circuit Playhouse in September. This marks the regional premiere of the play.

FUNNY GIRL, the sensational musical comedy revival, is coming to the Orpheum Theatre for a limited one-week engagement from October 10 to 15. Tickets will be available starting on Friday, July, 14 at 10am.

Playhouse on the Square, in partnership with Circuit Playhouse, Inc. Super Sponsor Dr. Thomas Ratliff and Playhouse on the Square Season Sponsor Dorothy O. Kirsch, presents The Prom.

The Memphian Theatre, home of The Circuit Playhouse, will present A Special Elvis Tribute Concert by The Brad Birkedahl Band on August 9th at 7pm at The Circuit Playhouse.

​​​​​​​Playhouse on the Square, in partnership with Special Events Super Sponsor Dorothy O. Kirsch, Event Sponsors Mike McLaren and Diane Vescovo, and Wine Station Sponsors Tina and Bob Fockler, Daphne Jarvis, and Kelly Phillips, will present The Great Wine Performances August 22nd from 5:30pm to 8pm at Playhouse on the Square.

Beginning July 14, Cumberland County Playhouse presents All Shook Up, written by Tony-Award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro and featuring the music of Elvis Presley!