Midlands and Shropshire am dram round-up
Back in 2015, I was treated to tickets to the West End hit musical Memphis for my birthday. Starring our very own Beverley Knight in the leading role, it fast became one of my favourite shows and I was so disappointed that it didn’t go on tour.
That said, we now have the chance to see it again and this time much closer to home, when Wolverhampton Youth Music Theatre present the show from September 5-9 at the Arena Theatre in the city.
Spokesperson for the group, Ben Cole tells me: “We are very proud to present the UK amateur premier of Memphis. We have had just two weeks to rehearse this moving piece.”
Goodness me! That is a fast turnaround but these talented young performers will have no problem in nailing it.
Ben adds: “WYMT boast an impressive reputation, with many former members now enjoying West End success in Les Miserables, Wicked and The Book of Mormon to name but a few.
“We also strive to support young people to gain vital experience in the aspects of technical theatre and we see many former members working professionally in these fields as well. This year, current member Tammy Mann got her own experience of ‘making a record’ as she was invited to perform on a charity single for local Youth Mental Health charity, Bedazzle.”
With a book by Joe DiPietro and music and lyrics by David Bryan, the story of Memphis is loosely based on Memphis DJ Dewey Phillips, who was one of the first white DJs to play black music in the underground dance clubs in Tennessee in the 1950s.
Huey Clahoun wants to change the world and his love of what is perceived to be ‘black’ music leads him to meet and fall in love with nightclub singer Felicia who is waiting for her big break.
The couple are all too aware of being different races and from different backgrounds, but love knows no bounds. Despite the misgivings of Felicia’s brother, Delray, together they face the prejudices that come their way within this explosive new musical, filled with irresistible songs, and a witty script inspired by actual events.
In WYMT’s production, Huey is played by Aidan Cutler; Felicia by Brittany Jarman-Watson, and Delray by Jacob Kohli. They are all superbly talented young performers. You may not have heard of the songs; I hadn’t before I saw the show, but I went straight home and downloaded the whole playlist, such is the appeal. With everything from heart-wrenching ballads to superb rock and roll to incredible gospel, Memphis delivers on every level.
The score includes The Music of My Soul, Underground, Everybody Wants to be Black on a Saturday Night, Someday and Steal your Rock ‘n’ Roll as well as a host of other show stoppers.
l So, if you fancy Tearing the House Down, visit the group’s Facebook page, visit http://www.wlv.ac.uk/arena-theatre or call 01902 321321 for tickets.
Hobson’s Choice is a wonderful tale which over the years has been a movie, a play and even a ballet.
The latest amateur version of Harold Brighouse’s classic play is presented by the resident group at Highbury Theatre from September 12-16 and September 19-23.
It is the perfect British romantic comedy, the title of which literally means ‘take it or leave it’.
Widower Henry Hobson is the overbearing owner of a shoe shop and because of his difficult ways, his three daughters, Alice, Vicky and Maggie, who also work for him, are all eager to gain their freedom.
When the headstrong Maggie announces she intends to marry will Mossop, Henry’s hardest working employee, father and daughter engage in an intense showdown. As Maggie works on launching a competing business, she also helps her sisters to escape their domineering father.
l Every scene and in fact every line is an absolute delight. For tickets, visit www.highburytheatre.co.uk or call 0121 373 2761.
It’s all about the drama this week and at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham the resident group will be presenting F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, adapted for the stage by Stephen Sharkey, from September 9-16.
Self-made millionaire, Jay Gatsby has a destructive passion for Daisy Buchanan and their unhealthy relationship is played out against the backdrop of Long Island society. Viewed through the eyes of outsider, Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s life is the story of a generation – glitz and glamour which unfortunately turns sour.
Set in America’s Jazz Age of the roaring 1920s, this is must for fans of that era and the 1974 movie version which starred Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. Or maybe you are more familiar with the 2013 Baz Lurhmann version? Either way you will love it.
l For tickets priced at £16-£9, visit www.crescent-theatre.co.uk or call 0121 643 5858.
News of a dance audition now. Mary Stevens Hospice is presenting The Wizard of Oz pantomime in January with proceeds going directly to their cause.
The group performing will be auditioning dancers of both sexes, aged 16 or over on September 11 at Power League, Halesowen Harriers Football Club.
The star of this show is set to be X Factor’s Wagner.
l The Wizard of Oz is a wonderful story to be transformed into a pantomime though, so for more information, email totney44@hotmail.com
Finally this week, there is just about time to audition to be part of Pink Productions next production which is entitled Showsicals which the group will perform in December.
l Auditions are being held on September 3 at Holy Trinity Church, Ettinghsall Park Estate from 1pm for the under 13-year olds and from 2.30pm for the 13 years and over. Contact Jodie Richards on 01902 682087 or 077663847811 for more information.
l Well that’s all for this week. Keep those emails and good quality colour photos coming to a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk Or call me on 01902 319662.
