Memphis: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical

by Joe DiPietro, David Bryan

Set in the turbulent South in the 1950s, Memphis is the story of Huey Calhoun, a white radio DJ whose love of good music transcends race lines and airwaves. Thanks in part to his passionate persistence, “race” music reaches the center of the radio dial, quickly exploding throughout mainstream America. But when Huey falls for a beautiful black singer he has set on the path to stardom, whether the world is really ready for this music, and their love, is put to the test.

Genres: Plays

174 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2010

Reviews

[Javier Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the music, the dancing, and the realistic storyline that shows that an interracial fairy tale ending in the Deep South 1950's was an impossibility.

[Anjum Choudhury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I threw this book. As soon as I was done reading it, I threw it on the ground in the middle of my English class. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love this show. I saw it on Broadway last March and it was a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, the ending kills it. It is so sudden, so inconclusive, and that last song is just an attempt at saying that everything is okay, even though Huey's life is even worse than at the start of the show. It's a great show, powerful and funny, but incredibly frustrating as well. I recommend this to those who have seen the show, but if you don't have the glory of live theater to please you, I feel that the ending is just going to let you down.

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the original Broadway cast recording with Montego Glover. She has an amazing voice. Great 50s rock n' roll sound.