Memphis

By Elizabeth Rodriguez

EXHILARATING!!!!! Memphis is a must-see musical. I had the privilege of seeing this exuberant musical in July with my LHU303-Race, Class, Gender and Sexuality in American Film and Theater class with Professor Howle, and I was left speechless.

From the moment the curtains rise, you are transported into a world of spectacular singing, electrifying dancing, and phenomenal costumes. Memphis has soul, comedy, and romance. Every scene captivates you with the same energy and creativity as the last. The production design and staging superbly reflect the emotions of each scene. Every color “pops” at you, and the lighting is set at just the right intensity to reflect the mood.

As I sat there mesmerized by the vocals, the extreme colors, and the authenticity of the costumes, I was taken back to the 1950s.  Montego Glover’s rendition of “Colored Women” was sublime. The intensity of her voice penetrates your very soul, and if only for a brief moment, I was “Felicia.”  There was not a moment when you were not in tune with the characters and their emotions.

Memphis was also brilliantly directed. It gives us a glimpse of life in the 1950s and how difficult it was to be in an interracial relationship. It also speaks to us about choices we must make in our lives. Both protagonists had choices to make that would affect their lives forever. A woman’s role in society is an issue that I believe is also addressed in this musical. This musical was based in the 1950s, yet it deviated from the Classical Hollywood style of the 1950s. In the 1950s, women were second and the men came first; however, in Memphis, aside from the leading lady being black, she is a liberated, strong woman who does not depend on a man. Instead, she believes in herself and takes a chance on herself. Montego Glover’s character “Felicia” had to make a choice between her boyfriend and her career.  Women for many years were expected to “stand by their man.”  

This is not just about her being an African-American woman, but about what is a woman’s role in society. Today, women make their own choices between careers and family; however, in the 1950s, there were no choices for women. Furthermore, the leading man may have been white, but his character was the opposite of the characteristics of the Classical Hollywood style. In Memphis, the leading man, “Huey,” does not win his love interest in the end nor does he possess the rugged, virile and dominant qualities of the Classical Hollywood style.  The blend of “yesterday” and “today” gave me food for thought; have we really overcome the barriers to interracial relationships, and have women really overcome the stereotype of the “good little woman” who knows her place?

I walked out of the theater snapping my fingers to the music that was still pulsating through my body and for days I could still hear the words “Huckadoo” echoing in my head!!!