The musical “Memphis” is set to hit the stage at the Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at The J, opening Saturday, Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m. and running Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 20.
The musical is co-produced with the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City (BRTKC) and sponsored by Theater League.
Tickets start at $14 and are available at the box office and online at thewhitetheatre.org.
The historic partnership between The J and BRTKC has expanded the opportunities and awareness efforts of “Memphis.” The musical will be directed by the executive artistic director of BRTKC, Damron Russel Armstrong. The Kansas City native and Ruskin High School graduate is an experienced producer, director and actor and performed on stages across the country before returning to Kansas City.
Armstrong, who has previously acted on The White Theatre stage, will now bring his directing knowledge and experience to this project.
“We have enjoyed the opportunity to work with Damron through our partnership with the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City,” said Keith Wiedenkeller, director of Arts + Culture at The J and managing artistic director. “We are always looking for ways to reach new audiences and collaborate with new partners in the Kansas City area, and this felt like a perfect opportunity to do so.”
In another first, Theater League, a civic performing arts organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the communities it serves through the thrill of live theater, stepped in as the title sponsor of “Memphis,” by underwriting this first-ever partnership between The White Theatre and BRTKC.
The Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical “Memphis” bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, “Memphis” is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break.
“Memphis” brings a diverse cast together, some of whom are new to The White Theatre stage. Tyler Rowe is making his BRTKC and White Theatre debut in the lead male role, Huey. Professional singer Valerie Chamberlain, who plays Felicia, is also new to The White Theatre stage.
Kansas City native Douglass Walker plays Delray, and Robert Vardiman returns to the BRTKC stage as Bobby. Meanwhile, Marshall Rimann is reprising his role as Mr. Simmons, which he first performed in the original BRTKC production several years ago. This is also Rimann’s third show at The White Theatre. Joy Richardson as Gladys and Trevor French in the role of Gordon are also returning to The White Theatre stage once again.
The audience may also recognize some faces from The White Theatre’s most recent performance, “Something Rotten.” Hewleek McKoy, Matt Fowler, and Terrace Wyatt Jr. return to The White Theatre to play Gator, Mr. Collins, and Radio DJ/Trio, respectively.
Others are excited to be part of the performance’s ensemble, including Kyle Anderson, Pancha Brown – who was in The White Theatre’s production of Cabaret – Kameron Cole, Jenny Hines, Sharon Johnson, Gracie King, Timothy Lawson, Lucas Lowry, Kathleen Marx, Reed Pearman, Mycah Williams and Miles Wirth.
In addition to Armstrong, Pamela Watson joined the team as the musical director while Christopher Barksdale brings “Memphis” to life as the choreographer.
Tickets for the remaining performances of the 2021-2022 season are on sale now. Guests can enjoy “The Odd Couple: The Female Version,” which hits the stage March 26 through April 3, and “Matilda,” coming this July 2 through 24.
As part of The White Theatre’s COVID-19 vaccination policy for the 2021-2022 season, all guests must wear masks, and either be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. For more information, visit thewhitetheatre.org.