Musical 'Memphis' Revival Opens in June... Starring Park Kang-hyun, Go Eun-sung, and More

At Chungmu Art Center Grand Theater Until September 21

Actors Park Kang-hyun, Go Eun-sung, Jung Taek-woon, and Lee Chang-sub will appear as the protagonist 'Huey' in the revival stage of the musical Memphis. Compared to the 2023 premiere, Jung Taek-woon newly joined, while the other three also played the role of Huey in the premiere.

The production company Show Note announced that Memphis will be performed at the Chungmu Art Center Grand Theater from June 17 to September 21.

The musical Memphis is set in the southern American city of Memphis in the 1950s and is based on the true story of legendary DJ Dewey Philips, who introduced Black music to white society. It depicts the dreams and love of radio DJ 'Huey,' who wants to spread rock and roll and change the world, and 'Felicia,' a talented singer performing in a Black club.

Dewey was the only white host in Memphis at the time who played music from both Black and white artists. He is also famous as the first DJ to broadcast Elvis Presley’s songs. He played a major role in popularizing Black music and is regarded as a DJ who laid the foundation for the rock and roll revolution of the 1950s. Memphis is set in an era when white radio stations banned Black music. Huey breaks this taboo, resisting unjust discrimination and ultimately showing the power and greatness of music.

The music of Memphis was composed by David Bryan, the founding member and keyboardist of the legendary rock band Bon Jovi. Bryan adds charm to the production with music that pays homage to 1950s rock and roll, as well as melodies of rhythm and blues and gospel. The script was written by Joe DiPietro, the author of I Love You, Toxic Hero, All Shook Up, and Falling for Eve. DiPietro thoroughly researched the era, which was sharply divided by racial segregation policies. While depicting the racial hate crimes and conflicts of white supremacists in the play, he does not lose his characteristic humor and wit.

The two collaborated not only on Memphis but also on The Toxic Avenger (2008), Chasing the Song (2014), and Diana (2019). The Toxic Avenger won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical in 2009.

Memphis also premiered Off-Broadway in 2003 and made its Broadway debut in September 2009, receiving critical and public acclaim. At the 2010 Tony Awards, it won four categories including Best Musical and Best Score. Additionally, it swept the Drama Desk Awards with Best Musical, Best Actress, Best Music, and Best Orchestration. In 2014, it premiered in London’s West End and the following year won Best Choreography and Sound Design at the Laurence Olivier Awards.

Memphis subsequently toured Japan, Australia, and Germany before premiering in Korea in 2023. In January last year, it was nominated in 10 categories at the 8th Korean Musical Awards and won five awards including Best Musical (for theaters with over 400 seats), Producer Award, Director Award, Stage Art Award (Sound), and Ensemble Award.

In Memphis, the role of 'Felicia,' the Black singer who moves onto a bigger stage, will be reprised by Jung Sun-ah, Yuria, and Son Seung-yeon, who appeared in the premiere. The role of 'Delray,' Felicia’s brother and owner of the Memphis underground club, will also be reprised by Choi Min-chul and Shim Jae-hyun.

Choi Jung-won will return as 'Gladys,' Huey’s devout Christian mother, and Ha Eun-seom, who appeared in the musical Mrs. Doubtfire and the drama OK Kwang Sisters, will newly join the cast.

The roles of 'Mr. Simons,' the radio station president where Huey works, and 'Gator,' the bartender at Delray’s underground club, will be reprised by Lee Jong-moon and Jo Sung-rin from the premiere. The radio station janitor 'Bobby' will be played by Jeon Jae-hyun and Park Kwang-sun.