On October 1st, I, along with Rosie and Shane, went to see, Memphis, winner of the 2010 Best Musical Tony Award, on Broadway. We originally did not have any idea what Broadway show we wanted to see. We just wanted to see one!

After much deliberation, we decided to head to Memphis to see if they had student rush tickets. They didn’t have them, but they did have relatively cheap tickets available. Once we bought our tickets, we all got really excited- I had seen the show once before and absolutely loved it and wanted to see it a second time, Shane had heard great things about the show (a lot from me) and really wanted to see it, and Rosie had never seen a Broadway show!

After killing some time at Times Square’s famous ToysRUs and buying over-priced candy in order to avoid buying some at the theater, we walked back to the theater. Once we were seated, we started analyzing the theater’s ornate decorations. The consistent gold paint and grandiose chandeliers were the characteristics that gave the theater its old and beautiful charm.

The show began about 30 minutes after we were seated and it started with a rush of amazing choreography and music. Although I knew how the show would end the entire time, I was still completely entranced in what I was seeing and listening to. It was hilarious and I found myself still chuckling minutes after a joke. The music was so catchy that I found myself singing the songs during intermission and after the show. The leads were absolutely amazing and I was in awe of their talent.

When I saw the show the first time, an understudy was playing the part of the male lead, Huey. He was good, but I found his acting abilities better than his vocal ones. And again, the second time I saw the show, an understudy played the role of Huey. However, this understudy was different and had an extraordinary voice. So, I was pleasantly surprised and found this experience to be better than my last (there were also technical difficulties that caused the show to be stopped when I saw it the first time).

I don’t like to give summaries of plots because I, myself, prefer not to know the plot of a broadway show before I see one. But, let’s just say that it’s set in the 50s in Memphis, Tennessee where there before segregation was abolished. The two main characters, Huey and Felicia, who are white and black, respectively, fall in love as they struggle to make their way to success while dealing with social pressures and conflicting dreams and aspirations. Most people would assume that by the end they both become super famous and live “happily ever after.” In fact, it doesn’t end that way which is sort of depressing and refreshing at the same time; you want it to be sappy and predictable, but end up being intrigued when it doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would. That’s all I’m willing to expose.

While watching Memphis!, I couldn’t help but think about the present and how there still is racism and prejudice against races. It was sad to think about, but hopeful too. I think about how far we’ve come since then and I can feel a bit of pride. I can’t even imagine what my life would be like if their still was segregation or if my parents would not have been able to in an interracial marriage (my mother is Dominican, and my stepfather is Polish and Swedish). I don’t want to imagine it, actually.

On a good note, I LOVED Memphis! I recommend it to everyone! The characters are interestingly complex, especially my favorite character, Huey. Shane didn’t like the character so much, so I guess you either love him or hate him. 😀 Either way, the show was great, it’s a must-see, and… HONKEY DO (Huey’s signature saying which had no actual meaning)!!