Memphis: A New Musical to play at Broadway's Shubert Theatre

Memphis: A New Musical about the birth of rock 'n' roll in the turbulent 50's which recently played a critically acclaimed and sold-out engagement at Seattle�s 5th Avenue Theatre, will open at Broadway's Shubert Theatre on 19 Oct 2009, following previews from 23 Sep 2009.

There has been no information released about casting or when tickets will go on sale to the general public.

Based on a concept by George W. George (producer of the Tony nominated 'Bedroom Farce' & film: 'My Dinner With Andre'), Memphis features a book & lyrics by Joe DiPietro ('I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change'), and music & lyrics by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan, in his Broadway debut. The new musical is directed by Tony nominee Christopher Ashley ('Xanadu') and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo ('Jersey Boys' & 'Guys and Dolls').

�Our audience went crazy for Memphis. Not since 'Hairspray' had we seen this kind of response to a brand new musical. Memphis: A New Musical�s combination of dynamic music, exciting staging, and moving story really got Seattle buzzing about the show -- and they haven�t stopped yet,� said David Armstrong, Producing Artistic Director of Seattle�s 5th Avenue Theatre.

Featuring an original score with gospel, rhythm & blues, and early rock 'n' roll fused with Byran�s own contemporary sensibility, Memphis follows the fictionalized life story of young, white radio disc jockey Huey Calhoon growing up in Memphis, Tennessee in the 1950�s. An unlikely hero with a great love of the music he hears in the black bars on Beale Street, Huey�s on-air antics and unstoppable enthusiasm for "race records" creates a new white audience for African-American music. His personal life transcends the race line as well, when he falls in love with a beautiful black singer - with dramatic consequences.

Memphis played a limited, sold-out engagement at La Jolla Playhouse from 19 Aug � 28 Sep 2008 and received San Diego�s Craig Noel Awards for Excellence in Theatre for both Outstanding New Musical of 2008 and for its star Chad Kimball, in the role of DJ Huey Calhoun.

The show then went on to another critically acclaimed engagement at Seattle�s 5th Avenue Theatre from 27 Jan - 15 Feb 2009. This production was co-produced by La Jolla Playhouse (Christopher Ashley, Artistic Director) and 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, WA, (David Armstrong, Producing Artistic Director/ Marilynn Sheldon, Managing Director).

Scenic Design for Memphis is by Tony Award winner David Gallo ('The Drowsy Chaperone,' 'reasons to Be pretty'), Costume Design is by Tony nominee Paul Tazewell ('In The Heights') and lighting design is by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley ('Jersey Boys').

Memphis will be produced on Broadway by Junkyard Dog Productions and Barbara and Buddy Freitag in association with Marleen and Kenny Alhadeff, Demos Bizar Entertainment and Dancap Productions.

For further information please click here.