Connecticut Theater Presents “Memphis”

The Connecticut Theater Company is bringing its audience back the birth of Rock-n-Roll music in its performance of the musical play, “Memphis”.

The play has music and lyrics by Joe Dipietro and music and lyrics by David Bryan, and is based on a concept by George W. George.

The Theater says that the play

is set in the places where rock and roll was born in the 1950s: the seedy nightclubs, radio stations and recording studios of the musically-rich Tennessee city. With an original score, it tells the fictional story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ole’ local boy with a passion for R&B music and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer that he meets one fateful night on Beale Street. Despite the objections of their loved ones (Huey’s close-minded mama and Felicia’s cautious brother, a club owner), they embark on a dangerous affair. As their careers rise, the relationship is challenged by personal ambition and the pressures of an outside world unable to accept their love

“Huey Calhoun” is played by Michael King and Tiffany Vinters is in the role of “Felicia Farrell”. Omar Walters performs as “Delray Farrell, “Gladys Calhounr” is played by Susan Smith, Duane Campbell performs the part of “Mr. Simmons”, “Gator” is played by Dallas Swain and “Bobby” is performed by Eric Clinton.

Playing supporting roles in the play are Zoe Dominy-Nguyen, Galen Donovan, Stephanie Kull, Izzie Lewis, Becca Martowski, Shanice Parish, Sabrina Reed, Jennifer Roberts, Robert J. Williams, Autumn Reed, Jim Ryan, Kelsey Campbell, Erin Frechette and Ellie Maillet.

The Connecticut Theater Company production of the play is Directed by Erin Campbell. Shelby Davis is the Assistant Director and CJ Janis is the Musical Director. Rose Masseli Morse is the Costume Designer, Kristen Norris is the Choreographer and Set/Lighting Design is by Michael J. Bane.

The play opened on July 26, 2019 and will continue through August 18th.

Future performances of "Memphis"

Tickets for the performances are available online at the Theater’s Box Office website. The Theater’s website is connecticuttheatrecompany.org.

The Connecticut Theater Company is located at the historic Repertory Theatre of New Britain, which is at 23 Norden Street.

In describing its mission, the Connecticut Theatre Company has said that,

Our goal is to stimulate, promote, teach and develop interest in the dramatic arts; to educate the general public in the dramatic arts; to advance the general level of culture in the field of dramatic arts by the production of plays, musicals, readings, dramas, comedies, shows, and dramatic arts in all forms and of the highest standards. Connecticut Theatre Company is a performing arts group that is dedicated to entertaining, educating and supporting our community. Our focus is on providing great, year-round performances and entertainment events for central Connecticut and the surrounding areas.

Connecticut Theatre Company is a 100% volunteer-based organization with a team of dedicated individuals who firmly believe that performing arts can provide a number of benefits to individuals, families, businesses, communities and the state of Connecticut. While all theatres are based around performing arts, Connecticut Theatre Company is dedicated to finding and pursuing opportunities to partner with other entities for the betterment of the community.