Main and Beale

Million Dollar Quartet Cast Shout Out to Memphis

2012-02-11T15:26:00.001-06:00

Tickets are still available for the week of February 14-19, 2012

CLICK TO GET YOURS NOW

Million Dollar Quartet Giveaway

2012-02-04T12:49:00.006-06:00

Enter below for your chance to win a Million Dollar Quartet prize pack containing a hat, magnet/bottle opener and a set of four shot glasses. The hit Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet will be at The Orpheum Theatre February 14-19 and great seats are still available!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Three winners will be selected at random by Rafflecopter. Prizes can only be claimed at The Orpheum Theatre box office at 203 S. Main in Memphis, TN.

Locomotion: Dealing with Life's Challenges

2012-02-03T10:30:00.007-06:00

Meet Lonnie Collins Motion,

poet.

Meet all the people he cares about

even those just passing through.

Meet them in his words.

Meet them in his rhythm.

Meet them all in Locomotion.

Based on the award-winning verse novel by Jacqueline Woodson, Locomotion is a journey through one boy’s heartbreak and the healing power of poetry. Lonnie is eleven and alone. His parents died unexpectedly and his sister was placed in a different foster home. He misses them all and a teacher encourages Lonnie to express his feelings on paper. As he revisits the past and explores the present, Lonnie discovers a newfound hope for the future. Locomotion is a dance of perfect moments in an imperfect world. It is both happy and sad but ultimately inspiring.

Watch the story come to life on The Orpheum Theatre stage Tuesday, February 7 at 6 pm, as part of the Theatre’s 2011-2012 Family Series.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (901) 525-3000 or visit www.orpheum-memphis.com .

How The Magic School Bus Books Come Alive

2012-01-25T16:01:00.003-06:00

Based on the best-selling Scholastic book series written by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Degen, The Magic School Bus is an Emmy Award-winning animated television series that is seen in more than 39 countries and 16 languages. Now it's coming to life and zooming to The Orpheum stage this Saturday, January 28, as part of the Theatre's 2011-2012 Family Series.

This musical interpretation of the beloved book series focuses on one of the most important environmental issues facing the Earth today: climate change. However, how does a children's book address such a series issue like climate change with humor, fun, and even magic? To find out, read the article below which is an in depth look from writer Joanna Cole and illustrator Bruce Degen, the creative forces behind The Magic School Bus.

Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen have collaborated for twenty years, bringing humor and true kidlike curiosity to science and learning. Booklist heralded Ms. Frizzle as “the wackiest, wisest teacher in picture books.” Two Magic School Bus titles have been named School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, and they have won countless state book awards, from New York to Nebraska.

Each The Magic School Bus book begins with in-depth research. Cole does extensive reading, visits museums, and talks with experts. Once she's collected enough information, the author synthesizes the facts into a dummy book with sketch ideas and text for the story, speech balloons, and school reports "written" by Ms. Frizzle's students. Cole also writes the jokes found in every book. Sometimes, a page in the dummy will have a layer of jokes, all on different colored Post-it™ notes. "Eventually when I go see my editor, if he doesn't laugh at the joke on top, I say, 'Let's see what else there is, and we peel them away until we find one that he laughs at," says Cole.

Once Cole has finished her dummy and it has been reviewed by a specialist, it's time for Degen to work on the illustrations. "I take out the dummy Joanna has prepared, I look at all the research books, I look at all the notes, and then I have a cup of coffee," jokes Degen. Next, Degen prepares series of sketches showing how every page of the book will look. The collaborative process really takes off when Degen meets Cole to discuss the sketches. They talk about the story line and decide whether the art works with the action and science in the story, all the while playing off of each other's imagination.

To continue reading, please click here.

Magic School Bus Live! The Climate Challenge is an official 2011-2012 Family Series Show. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (901) 525-3000 or go online at www.orpheum-memphis.com.

Have you ever cried at a museum before? If you visit the National Civil Rights Museum you just might.

2012-01-17T14:40:00.001-06:00

Almost 44 years ago, a man named Martin Luther King Jr. was shot on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in downtown Memphis, less than a mile from where I'm sitting at the Orpheum right now. Today, his memory is kept alive in the amazing institution that is the Civil Rights Museum, which includes the Lorraine Motel and several adjoining building. I had been to the museum many years earlier for a school field trip, but had almost no memory of it. I figured, what better time to revisit than so close King's birthday?

I went to the museum over the weekend (with my trusty Passport, of course) and was completely blown away by the exhibits. It's a shame photography isn't allowed inside the museum, because words really can't do justice to how moving and well done they are. Photos, printed ephemera, personal letters, and posters are blown up to larger-than-life sizes and collaged together to create a giant timeline, flowing across several intimate rooms. The timeline is punctuated by special exhibits including a reproduction of the bus Rosa Parks sat on, a video wall showing the violence of the Birmingham riots, and a set up of King's "I Have A Dream" speech complete with protestors holding signs. Although I had read many of the stories of the Civil Rights Movement in history class, hearing their voices and seeing the exhibits about lesser-known players was a completely different, much more emotional experience (James Meredith's story in particular made me tear up).

The end of the museum is dedicated to King, his work, and the events that led up to his death. Across the street there is another exhibit exclusively about James Earl Ray and the investigation that eventually brought him to justice (although the exhibit also details the many loose ends that cast doubt on this neat ending). I left the museum with a much better understanding of King's impact on our city, and his struggles that we continue to face even now.

The Civil Rights Museum is open Monday, Wednesday -Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $13, but with your passport you can buy one get one free. I would definitely recommend ponying up the extra $2 for the audio tour, it's worth every penny.

The National Civil Rights Museum
450 Mulberry Street Memphis, TN 38103-4214
(901) 521-9699

Win 2 Tickets to Million Dollar Quartet Via Memphis Music Passport

2012-01-10T14:49:00.001-06:00

Great balls of fire! The Orpheum is giving away tickets to Million Dollar Quartet.

How do you get these tickets you ask? It's easy.

The Orpheum’s Memphis Music Passport is your chance to see the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet live on The Orpheum stage next month. In celebration this much anticipated Broadway sensation, The Orpheum is encouraging everyone to experience Memphis music history while also competing for the opportunity to relive rock 'n' roll's greatest jam session.

This is how it works.

1. To qualify, you must present your passport with at least one stamp from any of the participating attractions including: Graceland, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studio, the Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum, Beale Street, The National Civil Rights Museum, Backbeat Tours and The Orpheum Theatre.

2. Submit a photo of yourself holding your stamped passport page to socialmedia@orpheum-memphis.com with "Passport to MDQ" in the subject line (limit one entry per person).

The contest ends January 30th, 2012 at noon. The winner will be selected at random and announced on the official Orpheum Theatre website and Facebook page and will receive the following:

• 2 Tickets to opening night of Million Dollar Quartet February 14th
• 2 Tickets to the VIP cast party following the show

Don't forget that the passports are free and may be picked up at The Orpheum Theatre, the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Booksellers at Laurelwood, and any of the participating attractions. So put on your blue suede shoes and walk the line through Memphis' very own rich musical heritage.

2011-2012 Broadway Shows On Sale Now

2012-01-06T11:02:00.001-06:00

2012 is finally here and with that you can expect to see some great things from The Orpheum Theatre. Let’s start with today.

Going on now at The Booksellers of Laurelwood is the on sale event for the rest of the shows in the 2011-2012 Orpheum Broadway Season including the ultimate jam session with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis in the Tony Award-winnning production Million Dollar Quartet (Feb 14-19).

Get on over to the Booksellers at Laurelwood so you can also purchase your ticket to the French Riviera with George Hamilton in the hilarious La Cage Aux Folles (March 20-25), discover the weird and wonderful world of The Addams Family (April 24-29), or have the time of your life at Mamma Mia (June 5-10).

Can’t make it to the event? You’re in luck as tickets for these Broadway sensations are also available online at the official Orpheum website http://www.orpheum-memphis.com/, The Orpheum Box Office (901-525-3000), the ticket counter at The Booksellers at Laurelwood and at all Ticketmaster centers (901-743-ARTS).

So what else can you expect to see from The Orpheum Theatre this year? Well, let me tell you. This year will be flooded with everything from great show announcements, concerts, movies, ticket contests and giveaways to stellar reviews, Memphis history, family fun, and community involvement you had no idea we did.

There's a lot of fun in store in this year (granted the world doesn't end) so stay tuned…

Happy New Year!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

2011-11-22T15:17:00.008-06:00

Don't let the rain and near 70 degree weather fool you--it's the most wonderful time of the year as the Broadway sensation Irving Berlin’s White Christmas opens tonight, November 22, at The Orpheum Theatre.

Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family and a great way to spend the Thanksgiving season! To celebrate the occasion, we’re bringing to you all things White Christmas this week including this behind-the-scenes look at the stage adaptation of the beloved classic film.

Also, Wednesday morning, November 23, the stars of Irving Berlin's White Christmas are coming to YOUR home! Well, not really, but the White Christmas cast will be visiting Fox 13's Good Morning Memphis, News Channel 3's Live at 9, and ABC 24's Midday News Program where they will talk exclusively about this exciting new production and even perform! Don't forget to tune in and watch.

Oh and did you know that Kid's Night for White Christmas is Wednesday, too? We pull out all the stops for Kids' Night! Children who attend Kids' Night participate in special activities related to the show currently playing at The Orpheum. Receive one child's ticket (ages 8-18) free with the purchase of an adult ticket at regular price. Special events begin at 6:40 pm in the Grand Lobby. For more information, click here.

In case you missed it, you can check out last Friday's Go Memphis story with White Christmas actress Ruth Williamson by clicking here. Irving Berlin's White Christmas will play The Orpheum stage from November 22-27 (no performances held on Thanksgiving.

For more information , please visit the OFFICIAL Orpheum Theatre website at www.oprheum-memphis.com.

Go Memphis Q & A with The Screwtape Letters' Max McLean

2011-11-04T13:42:00.000-05:00

Stage Review: Devil in the details for 'Screwtape' actor

By Christopher Blank

Max McLean laughs diabolically when a reporter tells him of a recent quest to find a copy of C.S. Lewis' popular novel "The Screwtape Letters" in Memphis. Every copy had been checked out at every library branch. At the bookstore, the clerk shook her head: "Oh, I'm sorry, but we've had kids buying up all the books. Must be for some class."

"That is really interesting!" McLean says. "I recently spoke to a publisher with Harper Collins and I was told that for the first time in years, 'Screwtape' is outselling Lewis' second best-selling book, 'Mere Christianity' (after 'The Chronicles of Narnia'). I'd like to think we have something to do with that."

The "we" in that sentence includes director and co-writer Jeffrey Fiske, whose recent stage adaptation of "The Screwtape Letters" -- in which McLean stars -- found favorable audiences in New York, Chicago and Washington and is now touring the country. Two performances are scheduled at the Orpheum theater on Saturday.

In "The Screwtape Letters," a devil in the lower reaches of hell counsels his nephew, Wormwood, on ways to tempt a human soul. "The safest path to hell is a gradual one," counsels Screwtape on the slow-and-steady method of spiritual warfare. I spoke with McLean about bringing Lewis' novel to the stage.

Q: What was the impetus for adapting "The Screwtape Letters"?

A: Jeff saw me in a play and said, "I think you'd make a really good Screwtape." I wasn't sure if that was a compliment. I had read the book in my 20s, and was really challenged by it. What I took away from it was the banality of evil, how it numbs you and flattens you out so that you never become the person you once wished you could be.

Q: Lewis got the idea for "The Screwtape Letters" shortly after hearing Adolph Hitler deliver a fiery speech on the radio. Where did you get your inspiration for playing a devil?

A: I had a memory of playing "honest" Iago (the villain from "Othello") in drama school. His appeal is to draw you into his confidence and then ruin you. The Bible speaks of Satan as someone who masquerades as the Master of Light. I also thought about Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Hannibal Lecter. As far as the smoothness of the language, I thought of Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward. More recently, I really started watching (the comedian) Lewis Black and I really like his complete vocal commitment on the verge of madness.

To continue reading the Q & A with Max Mclean, please visit the official Go Memphis homepage or click here

Performances for "The Screwtape Letters"are at 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, November 5th.

There's Something About Mary (And It's Not Scary)

2011-10-31T15:47:00.001-05:00

The Grand Opera House burned down and was rebuilt as The Orpheum in 1928

With Halloween upon us, our thoughts turn to the spookier side of life. Here at The Orpheum, some creepy history lives close to the surface year round. Like most old buildings, The Orpheum has a long memory, and not all of it is pleasant.

A spritely man sporting a bow tie, glasses, and curled mustache, Vincent Astor has a long history with The Orpheum. Since the late 1960s he has worn many hats here, from serving popcorn when The Orpheum was a Malco movie theatre, to manager, to organist. The last role remains his favorite. When asked if he'd be interested in talking to us about The Orpheum's spookier side for this blog post, his first question was if the organ would be available. Sadly, it had been put away in the basement for Tosca's performances over the weekend, but Vincent was still willing to talk ghosts.

When people think of Orpheum ghosts, Mary is often the first one to come to mind. But according to a team of parapsychologists from the University of Memphis who performed an investigation at The Orpheum several years ago, Mary is only one of several Orpheum spirits. This is backed up by accounts from many employees over the years. One of these other spirits is said to dwell in the Upper Gallery. House manager Stanley Hightower once bolted from that area after seeing a luminous figure making its way down the aisle. Current building manager Richard Reinach spoke of a particularly creepy encounter several years ago during a bomb sweep of the building prior to a visit from Anwar Saddat's wife. "It was just me, a cop, and the bomb sniffing dog, everyone else was cleared out of the building. We go up to the Upper Gallery, and the dog just lays down and won't move. We're trying to drag him, get him up the stairs, but he's not having it. This is a trained dog. We all just left, we didn't want to be there anymore." Others spoke of feelings of sadness and discomfort in the women's bathroom on the gallery level. "I've heard people call her Eleanor, but I don't have anything to back up that name. She's just very unhappy." When asked for details, Vincent is reluctant to talk about her. "Once I was changing a light bulb in that room, and I just had this feeling, like sticking your hand in cold liver. It was awful."

But when it comes to discussing The Orpheum's most famous ghost, Mary, all of his reluctance vanishes.

"Her story isn't a gory one. It's very sweet."

Stories about Mary first began to circulate years ago. Workers heard a high, girlish voice in empty hallways. Tools were moved when backs were turned. A little girl in a white dress and braids was spotted in the lower gallery box, third row, which is now known as her favorite seat. Although "C5" is what her favorite seat is called most often, it hasn't actually been C5 since the Malco folding seats were removed during the first major renovation in 1986. "It's not a good seat for watching" says Vincent. "You see everything at a slant. But it is a great seat for being seen, and I think that's why she likes it."

Vincent and Mary have known each other for years. He and some friends performed a seance on The Orpheum stage in April 1979, using a Ouija board and some atmospheric blue light. Her name and the date "1921" appeared over and over. Vincent decided to play the organ. What happened next was frightening. From The Orpheum History:

Teresa Spoone was with a small group of people. They were in the theatre late, and they also were listening to Vincent Astor play the organ. Each time he played Never Never Land, the theatre became ‘deathly cold,’ as Spoone describes it. A couple of people in the group noticed a faint light dart in from the lobby and jump down behind some seats in the back. Spoone admits that she was ‘scared to go into the lobby, because I knew something was out there. It was just on overpowering feeling.’ Upon looking in the lobby Spoone and two others saw a little girl with brownish hair dancing in the distance.

Against her will, Spoone felt compelled to go to the little girl. This was ‘ extremely frightening,’ she said ‘ because while my mind was telling me there’s no such thing as a ghost, something was drawing me to this particular spot. You just see this form of a little girl and you have to go to her.’ Spoone made it halfway up the center aisle before she caught herself’ It was like she was calling me. That really scared me, because I felt if I went near her, I’d never come back the same.”

Two members of the party did, however venture into the lobby. When they got there, the apparition disappeared. At this point a furious rattling and rumbling began in the broom closet just off the lobby. Neither of the two could muster the gumption to open the door and look into the closet. They quickly returned to the others. The rattling stopped. But the little girl returned. All in all, the appearance lasted for over 45 minutes. The intense feeling of being watched, and the cold, persisted for the remainder of their stay in the theatre.

Although the experience was startling, Vincent doesn't think Mary is dangerous or scary. "We think she died outside the theatre, wandered in, and decided to stay. She doesn't mean any harm."

When asked about why spirits find the Orpheum so attractive, Vincent smiled.

"When actors get on the stage here, they're spending a lot of energy to make you, the audience, believe something that isn't really happening. When the audience comes inside The Orpheum, they suspend their belief at the door. And when those two energies meet at the floor lights, anything can happen."

Some believe The Orpheum rests on powerful ley lines, making it an attractive place for lonely spirits. But as Vincent explains, the source for some of the spooky occurrences may be a bit more mundane.

"I used to see this flash of light fly through the theatre, and could never explain it. Until one day, a bus drove by the front of the building and I saw how its windows caught the light, beamed it through the glass, and finally came in the theatre through a cracked door. I was pretty excited when I figured that out." Later, he takes us to the Upper Gallery, where several staff members have reported uneasy feelings and negative experiences "If you stand here and lean back and forth, you can tell that the floor on this level is actually tilted. If you're not aware of it, it can really make you feel off."

Vincent Astor playing "Never Never Land"

Of course, not everything that happens here can be so easily explained. And although Vincent tells me that during the last ghost investigation he was involved with here an investigator claimed that they had helped Mary "move on", he thinks she's very much still present. "She likes it here. It's a place for magic and make believe, and she chooses to be here. It's a good place." Before we go, he plays "Never Never Land" on the piano (a poor substitute for his beloved Wurlitzer organ, sadly). Still, as the last bars drift away into the silence, he smiles. "She was listening, I could tell."

PASSPORT: A Celebration of Memphis’ Music History

2011-10-26T10:10:00.005-05:00

As part of The Theatre’s Positive Memphis campaign, The Orpheum is pleased to announce the unveiling of The Memphis Music Passport Program, an interactive guide to the many area attractions that celebrate the history of Memphis music. The program encourages native Memphians and visitors alike to discover the magic of the many historical and musical treasures the city has to offer.

These special limited edition keepsake passports contain information about eight of Memphis’ most renowned musical attractions along with special offers, such as buy one get one free admission. Participating attractions in the Passport Program include Graceland, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studio, Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum, Beale Street, The National Civil Rights Museum, Backbeat Tours, and The Orpheum Theatre.

“The Orpheum’s Positive Memphis campaign began back in 2006”, said Kanette Rodgers, Vice President of Marketing.“Our president, Pat Halloran, along with our board of directors, felt The Orpheum should take a leadership role by allocating time and resources to help focus attention on all the positive things about our great city.”

Since 2006, The Theatre has identified and recognized community leaders through The Orpheum’s Memphis Hero’s program. This project has promoted area museums, restaurants, and attractions through paid media and The Orpheum’s website, social media channels and weekly e-blasts.

“With shows like MEMPHIS and Million Dollar Quartet both gracing The Orpheum’s 2011-2012 Broadway lineup, it seemed natural to focus this year’s Positive Memphis campaign on our rich musical heritage.”, said Rodgers. “After all, the international tours of MEMPHIS and Million Dollar Quartet will spotlight Memphis, Tennessee as an exciting, vibrant travel destination, resulting in future tourism revenue for years to come.”

Memphis Music Passport may be picked up at The Orpheum Theatre Box Office, The Orpheum Theatre Box Office inside The Booksellers at Laurelwood, The Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, or at the concierge desk during any performance at The Theatre. Passport holders are encouraged to have their Passports stamped at each attraction. In addition to a sense of civic pride, those who visit all of the attractions and receive their stamp may bring their completed passport to The Orpheum Box Office to receive their limited edition Passport Program t-shirt.

Participating Attractions & Passport Discounts:

Graceland - 50% off the Graceland Platinum Tour
Stax Museum of American Soul Music - Buy one, get one free admission
Sun Studio - Buy one, get one free admission
Memphis Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum - Buy one, get one free admission
The National Civil Rights Museum - Buy one, get one free admission
B. B. King’s - One free cover and half price appetizer
Backbeat Tours - Buy one, get one free Memphis Mojo Tour
The Orpheum Theatre -Buy 1, get 1 free ticket to any Family Series show

Stop by The Orpheum Theatre box office (9am - 5pm) at 203 S. Main to pick up your FREE passport and after you've collected all your stamps, bring it back and you'll receive a free commemorative t-shirt!

email: info@orpheum-memphis.com with questions or for more details.

MEMPHIS: Composer David Bryan and Writer Joe DiPietro visit Stax

2011-10-20T15:46:00.000-05:00

The creative team behind MEMPHIS the musical visited the Stax academy and museum during the tour launch at The Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, TN.

MEMPHIS in Go Memphis!

2011-10-19T15:56:00.000-05:00

Stage Review: 'Memphis' is rocking, footapping entertainment

by Christopher Blank

Sunday night's official opening of "Memphis" at the Orpheum theater, where the Tony-winning Broadway musical has been newly staged for the launch of its national tour, finally brings locals face-to-face with the cartoon-colored confabulation of history built upon the sexy premise that rock and roll music was, at the onset of the civil rights movement in the 1950s, a bridge between the races.

The silhouette of the old Memphis & Arkansas Bridge that hovers over the stage is both a fitting symbol and also one of the few real-life landmarks referenced in a show that is, to borrow an expression used by the lead character, a "fantastical" representation of the city and its past.

No doubt, the production opens to the most critical audience of its tour -- a theater full of strong, and well-informed opinions on the subject of Memphis.

Judging by the enthusiasm of Sunday's audience, most will agree that "Memphis" is genuinely entertaining. David Bryan's Tony-winning score, played by an onstage band, has catchy, hummable hooks and a pop sensibility that draws liberally from gospel, R&B and rock genres. The music practically compels listeners to clap along, shout "Amen!," and even join along in the singing. If the anthemic tune "Memphis Lives in Me" doesn't make you feel like you're on the front row of a Lee Greenwood concert while he's singing "I'm proud to be an American" as the fireworks go off, then someone should probably check your pulse.

It's also easy to find consensus on the show's moral lesson: racism does indeed suck. And with racist attitudes of the 1950s serving as the primary antagonist in "Memphis," the characters are so sympathetic simply because their struggle is axiomatic to us in more enlightened times.

The show opens in an "underground" all-black nightclub on Beale Street. "Ain't no white folks here, 'cause they're too damned scared," says one patron just before a young white man named Huey Calhoun comes slinking down the stairs. Grabbing the microphone, he makes a case for why he should be allowed to stay. Black music is the "music of my soul," he avows.

He's attracted to more than just the music, however. The club owner's sister, Felicia, captures his heart through her singing voice.

To continue reading, please visit the official Go Memphis homepage or click here

MEMPHIS Bridges Flash Mob

2011-10-18T13:38:00.001-05:00

Performances of Memphis the Musical are leaving audiences cheering and asking for an encore, but Saturday night's performance had a different twist. Thanks to some Memphis teens from the Bridges group, it was the stars who were left amazed. FOX13's Mearl Purvis was there for their flash-mob performance.

MEMPHIS: Creative Duo Lead March at Peabody Hotel

2011-10-17T16:41:00.001-05:00

Joe DiPietro and David Bryan can write and compose a Tony Award-winning musical but do they have what it takes to be Duckmasters? www.orpheum-memphis.com

MEMPHIS: Cast at Graceland

2011-10-17T10:30:00.005-05:00

The Cast and Crew of MEMPHIS, the musical, went to Graceland on their day off from rehearsals. Thank you to the staff at Graceland and Big Jim Sykes at Elvis Radio. The MEMPHIS tour launches October 14-23, 2011 at The Orpheum Theatre! www.orpheum-memphis.com

A Sneak Peek at MEMPHIS

2011-09-22T10:05:00.005-05:00

From the Beale Street clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical - inspired by actual events - with heart, soul and energy to burn. He's a young, white radio DJ named Huey Calhoun whose love of music transcends race lines and airwaves. She's a black singer named Felicia Farrell, whose career is on the rise, but who can't break out of segregated clubs. When the two collaborate, her soulful music reaches radio audiences everywhere, and the Golden Era of early rock 'n' roll takes flight. But as things start to heat up, whether the world is really ready for their music - or their love - is put to the test.

A thrilling theatrical event that combines Broadway splendor with the roots of rock, MEMPHIS features an original story by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change) and a brand-new score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Directing is Tony® nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu) and choreography is by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys). The cast also features Derrick Baskin, J. Bernard Calloway, James Monroe Iglehart, Tony nominee Michael McGrath and Cass Morgan.

Get ready to experience all the exuberance and the emotion...the beauty and the controversy...of a wondrous, defining time in our history. You're tuning in to MEMPHIS at The Orpheum Theatre October 14-23.

Get your tickets NOW!

Orpheum STAR Reporter Les Mis Review

2011-09-16T17:22:00.002-05:00

By Lesley Stevenson - St. Mary's Episcopal School

9/15/11

Les Misérables, playing at the Orpheum Theatre September 13-18, fundamentally alters the traditional view of musicals. The show could almost qualify as an opera – dialogue is limited to rare emotional outbursts – and its multiple themes explode from rich lyrics that narrate not just the life of main character Jean Valjean but the human experience as a whole. One walks away from Les Mis feeling not merely the contentment that comes from witnessing an escapist or reflective musical but the deep emotional fulfillment arising from a work of pure beauty.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time,” penned Catholic writer Thomas Merton. On the grand scale of art on the grand scale of time, our minds easily forget that art does not limit itself to frame-able objects and sculpture. By definition, art is personal and valued chiefly in the beauty and emotional response an audience finds in it. With this view in mind, it is unquestionable that Les Mis is anything but art. The production is so overwhelmingly, achingly beautiful that one must simultaneously experience the pangs of heart wrenching grief combined with the ecstasy of glorious song.

Truly this has been Les Mis’s mission for the twenty-five years of its record-setting run. The show ultimately describes life, its joys and its tragedies. In the end circumstance, though not resolved, is alleviated by remembrance of happiness and the small moments that propel one through the daily drudge.

The story is not particularly fantastic: Jean Valjean is released from a 19^th century French prison where he served time for stealing bread, evades parole, and lives his life both paying for and escaping his previous wrongs and examining how his actions affected those nearest to him. But its lack of fantastical plot is what drives the relatable experience that makes Les Mis incredibly universal.

Mirroring the extremities of life, Les Mis engrains its vision in the audience with show-stopping songs that honestly take one’s breath away. During the final notes of “Bring Him Home,” a song revered for its challengingly high-pitched melody, Valjean’s final highest notes unassumingly soar from the stage in a lyrical wonder too inspiring to describe. The audience could not even begin to applaud actor J. Mark McVey as they breathlessly waited for the song’s completion. Betsy Morgan as Fantine and Chasten Harmon as Éponine outshine almost everyone else, executing such stunners as “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “A Little Fall of Rain” precisely and boldly with almost no props to assist in the telling of their stories. Their glorious vocals perfectly complete Les Mis in the finale song, reviving the tune heard during Fantine’s death and in “On My Own” with a grippingly delicate harmony that seals the loose ends created in Valjean’s life story. I myself could not help tearing up – not because the story depressed me, solely because the music was beyond the beauty of anything I had witnessed before.

So too does the show abound in seemingly minor moments that haunt the audience for the duration of the show: melody lines and even lyrics repeat, images define the tone for several scenes, and simple glances permanently disrupt characters’ interactions. The redesigned set of this 25^th anniversary production both contributes to the show’s humble story and its spectacular new vision. Ordinary designs of houses, battlements, and carts take on new qualities when stylistically created to enhance the rustic beauty that now serves as the show’s guiding theme.

Inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, author of the original book Les Misérables, the backdrops are a visionary sequence of watercolor creations that seamlessly tie all props together and blend from one scene to the next. Certain moments, cleverly and artfully crafted, extend the idea of paintings to the entire stage; dramatic lights illuminate silhouettes just so, rich colors of backdrops and costumes saturate the image, and characters conform to their scenery as if it were real. Taken out of context, short snapshots could serve as paintings themselves like tableaux to tell the story of Jean Valjean.

Truly it is most difficult to convey the entire sense of splendor that Les Misérables imparts. Everyone with whom I have spoken since attending opening night has agreed that it is art beyond the sense of a straightforward musical. Though it is an emotionally draining three-hour performance, the length packs in moments too precious to forget. Do not miss this chance to witness an assuredly thought-provoking – if not life-changing – work of astounding beauty.

More Information on The Orpheum STAR Council

Les Miserables in Go Memphis!

2011-09-12T15:05:00.002-05:00

An excerpt from Friday's cover story in Go Memphis.

'Les Miserables' gets new look for 25th anniversary
By Christopher Blank
9/9/11

If you had butterflies in your stomach while opening this section of the newspaper today (or while clicking the above headline on our website), it's likely that you have some interest in musical theater.

Enough interest, at least, that you'll probably ace the following quiz.
Name the musicals associated with the following images:
1. Old feline on a flying tire.
2. Masked man in a gondola on an underground lake.
3. Helicopter.
4. French revolutionaries waving a flag.

If there's one thing you can say about the genius of British theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh, besides the fact that he's a very rich man, it's that each of his most commercially successful musicals has etched images into our collective unconscious that, more than 20 years later, are still remarkably easy to spot when they're spoofed on "The Simpsons," "Family Guy" or "South Park."

But none of the aforementioned highlights from "Cats," "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Miss Saigon" has raked in more comic residuals than the flag-waving scene from "Les Miserables." It has become such a trope of valor and heroic optimism that other musicals regularly borrow it for a visual joke, a joke that isn't any less stale in the recent "Shrek the Musical" (2008) than it was in "Spamalot" (2005) or "Urinetown" (2001).

In 2008, on the eve of the presidential election, a parody YouTube video called "Les Misbarack" depicted campaign staffers for Barack Obama lip-synching to the epic Act I closing song "One Day More." As expected, the office workers gradually organize themselves into the song's classic "V" formation finale, defiantly raise their fists toward heaven and wave an Obama campaign poster instead of a flag. The low-budget video got more than a million views.

Countless international tours of "Les Miserables," along with several concerts and revivals, have burned the show's iconic imagery into the minds of generations of theater-goers. So when Mackintosh decided to scrap the famous old set design for the 25th anniversary tour of "Les Miserables," which arrives in Memphis on Tuesday at the Orpheum, the new set designer faced a heap of scrutiny.

Matt Kinley, who had worked as an associate designer on Mackintosh's West End shows "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "Mary Poppins," would have to figure out a new way to reframe the dramatic life story of Jean Valjean, the heroic petty criminal relentlessly pursed by an obsessive policeman, Javert.

"You have to be mindful of what you're doing," Kinley said from Mackintosh's London office. "This isn't the kind of show where people want to see the avant-garde version. There was never any dictation that certain things were sacrosanct, but you also don't want to infringe on people's claim to the old show. The classic "V" formation is ingrained, and those ingrained images become difficult for a team rolling out a new version of a landmark production."

To continue reading, please visit the Go Memphis homepage or click here

Pat Halloran on Les Miserables

2011-09-09T13:20:00.001-05:00

Les Miserables is playing September 13-18, 2011 at The Orpheum Theatre. Orpheum President, Pat Halloran, shares his thoughts on this legendary musical and the new 25th anniversary production.

MEMPHIS: Knox and Dewey Phillips

2011-09-06T14:19:00.000-05:00

The revolutionary actions of Memphis, TN DJ, Dewey Phillips, helped to inspire the story behind MEMPHIS, the musical. Close friend Knox Phillips, son of Sun Studio founder, Sam Phillips shares his memories of Dewey.

Great Scott! Rocky Horror Is Back

2011-08-31T11:15:00.001-05:00

"I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey.”

How long has it been since you had an ULTIMATE movie going experience? Maybe it’s time you turned back to a classic if you need something a little more...tantalizing. The Rocky Horror Picture Show will conclude the Summer Movie Series this Friday, September 2nd at 8:00 PM and The Orpheum invites everyone to do the time warp again and take part in a tradition that only gets better, and even younger, with age.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the 1975 film adaptation of the British rock musical stageplay. Directed by Jim Sharman, this cult classic is a fast-paced potpourri of camp, sci-fi and rock 'n' roll, among other things that tracks the exploits of naïve couple Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) after they stumble upon the lair of transvestite Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).

Cast members also include Richard O'Brien (one of the film's writers) and rock-n-roller Meat Loaf.

"I'm just a sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania"

This year’s screening will come complete with the famous prop bags for only $5 and, of course, the fabulous on-stage costume contests before the show. Guest judges from Mid-South Pride for The Orpheum's RHPS costume contest include

Stephanie Wilbanks-Manager, Club Spectrum
Kamaya Inma-Miss Mid-South Pride Emeritus
Bill Zachary-Promoter, Miss Gay Tennessee USA
Mystie Watson-Magenta and Cast Director for the Memphis Rocky Horror Shadowcast, Absent Friend

Movie starts at 8 and doors open at 7:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to snap on their rubber gloves, toss up toilet paper, and not to be late—“the master doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

Don’t forget to bring your sense of humor. And some tights. For more information, visit The Orpheum Theatre's website at http://www.orpheum-memphis.com/.

"It's not easy having a good time! Even smiling makes my face ache!"

Orpheum's 17th Annual Art Auction: Spotlighting Memphis Artists

2011-08-18T17:21:00.000-05:00

Looking for something to do this weekend? Let us make a suggestion. Come downtown for a fun-filled afternoon of art perusing and purchasing at The Orpheum Theatre's 17th Annual Art Auction this Sunday, August 21st. This event is free admission.

The Orpheum Theatre’s Annual Art Auction celebrates and promotes local Memphis artists who, each year, contribute a wide variety of media and an even broader array of styles.

75% of each sale goes directly to the artists while the remaining 25% fund The Orpheum’s Education programs. This year’s selection numbers over 150 pieces of art from local artists in the community.

This year’s featured lineup of artists includes

Donna Blackard
Michael P. Maness
Betsy Bird
and more!

The event will begin at 2:00 p.m. with a viewing of the art and a silent auction. The live auction will begin at 3:00 p.m.

Visit The Orpheum Theatre's Facebook page for a sneak peek of year's collection.

Orpheum Pays Tribute to Elizabeth Taylor: Hollywood’s Last Major Movie Star

2011-08-16T13:49:00.001-05:00

On Thursday evening, August 18th The Orpheum’s Summer Movie Series will pay tribute to Elizabeth Taylor by screening Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, the 1958 American drama directed by Richard Brooks based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams.

Even with a stellar cast of Hollywood legends including Burl Ives and Paul Newman, it is Elizabeth Taylor who smokes up the big screen with her unforgettable and sultry portrayal of the desirable “Maggie the Cat."

To many, Elizabeth Taylor is considered one of the last, if not the last major movie star, to have come out of old Hollywood. Even at a young age and as a rising young actress in a not-so friendly studio controlled film industry, Elizabeth commanded the screen in family favorites such as National Velvet with fellow child actor Mickey Rooney and Father of the Bride with Hollywood heavy-hitter, Spencer Tracy.

Of course, Elizabeth’s star would continue to shine as she transitioned into more mature roles. With a name synonymous with beauty and a résumé nearly unparalleled by her contemporaries, Elizabeth cemented her iconic status by starring in films like Giant alongside James Dean, Cat on Hot Tin Roof with Paul Newman, and A Place in the Sun. Both Butterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe won her an Oscar. The 1963 mega drama Cleopatra would even pair Taylor with future husband and fellow screen legend, Richard Burton.

All husbands aside, Elizabeth Taylor was and will always be the matriarch of Hollywood.

So join The Orpheum Theatre in celebrating the illustrious Liz Taylor. Wear your White Diamonds, purchase a Maggie the Cat (our vodka and Lemonade drink special), and toast to the mesmerizing woman with violet eyes whose life story often mirrored the passionate and compelling nature of her on screen personas.

Cat on Hot Tin Roof starts at 7:15. Doors open at 6:15 for pre-movie fun.

MEMPHIS and Dewey Phillips

2011-08-15T17:23:00.003-05:00

MEMPHIS, the musical, is launching its international tour on The Orpheum stage in October 2011. The inspiration for this 2010 "Best Musical" Tony award-winner is local Memphis, Tennessee DJ and rock 'n' roll pioneer, Dewey Phillips. This video tells his story and offers a sneak peek at scenes from MEMPHIS, the musical, performed by the original Broadway cast.

Tickets for Troops Teams Up With the Orpheum!

2011-04-06T11:54:00.004-05:00

I’m especially excited to show you this video today, because we are doing a great promotion for Barrio Grrrl with Tickets for Troops, which is an organization that puts together special outings for military families when they are in town together. Because the troops spend holidays, birthdays and other important dates in Afghanistan and Iraq, Tickets for Troops has the special mission of organizing an opportunity for those families to celebrate together when they are available.

Suzy Benedetti and her husband Tony operate this organization from Memphis in their spare time, God bless them. They take the families to places like Grizzlies games, concerts, plays, museum tours, restaurants, the Memphis Zoo, and really anywhere else in the city willing to donate a pass to their venue. So, in exchange for a ticket donation from us to Barrio Grrrl for a military family, they were gracious enough to help us out with a Tickets for Troops promotion in conjunction with the show.

The main character, Ana, has a parent in Iraq, so we thought this would be the perfect time to raise awareness of all of the military families in the Memphis area (there are 75 just in the city limits) and give a ticket discount for those who either have a military ID, or who bring in an item for us to send to the troops overseas. Regular tickets are $12.50, but with our Tickets for Troops discount, you can get up to 4 tickets for $10.00 per donated item or ID.

The list of items you can bring in to donate is:

120 MIN Phone Cards
Beef Jerky
Trail Mix
Baby Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Nutter Butters
Now & Laters or Skittles
Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Thank You Post Card
Letters from School Children

For more information, check out their website here:
www.supportticketsfortroops.com

And don’t forget to see Barrio Grrrl this Thursday night at 6:00PM! Tickets are still available – call our Box Office at 525-3000, www.orpheum-memphis.com or come in to purchase tickets. Our promotion is running in 2 locations:

At the Theatre
203 South Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103

In Davis Kidd Booksellers
387 Perkins Ext
Memphis, TN 38117-3801
(901) 683-9801

Thanks for your support, and we’ll see you there!

Madagascar and the Memphis Zoo

2011-03-16T13:49:00.007-05:00

Isn’t the Memphis Zoo great? If you can’t tell by now, I LOVE animals. When the Opera told us they would be using live animals during their performance of AIDA, you better believe I was backstage! I loved bonding with Ernie & Bert, the camels, and even enjoyed meeting one of the snakes in the show, Julius Squeezer!

Once I knew we were partnering with the Memphis Zoo for Madagascar Live at the Orpheum, I couldn’t WAIT to get over there. Since I knew I would be doing a video for the promotion, I thought it would be fun to wear one of my favorite dresses and some cute high heeled boots. Ladies, this was a mistake. As you can see, the only outfit piece that is featured here is my coat, and I was forced to explore the vast territories of the Memphis wild in 3 extra inches of pain every time I took a step. Oh well, live and learn I suppose. But this did not detract from the zoo experience overall. We came in time to see both the giraffe and the penguin zookeepers, which is always exciting for me. Did you know that each penguin gets a colored bracelet (winglet?) once they arrive at the zoo? The females wear it on the left and the males wear it on their right wing. The zookeeper knows all of their names by the color of the band. I found this fascinating.

We also learned that there are seven giraffes at the zoo – 5 females and a father and a son. Unfortunately, the son was given a strict time-out. Apparently he and Dad got into a fight over the ladies. I felt bad for the kid, but I suppose that’s just how you learn to find your place in the circle of zoo life.

Filming the actual video was fun too – I think the people around me thought I was from a news station! We actually did the scavenger hunt ourselves while we were there – we retrieved the questionnaire from the lobby and found each of the animals for footage in the video. Unfortunately, most animals were inside because it was so cold out, but today the weather is GREAT so I bet they are out playing as we speak. In addition to the Madagascar exhibits (Lion, Lemur, Giraffe, Hippo, Zebra, and Penguin), I also visited the pandas, the ostriches (those things follow you around!), and about 8 different kinds of African antelopes. I started to think I really was in Madagascar! I even learned that the Egyptology department of the University of Memphis helped in the original design of the hieroglyphics on the zoo’s exterior – how cool is that? The zoo has always been one of my favorite Memphis haunts, and it was so fun to be able to work with them for this promotion. What is this promotion, you may ask? If you aren’t able to watch the video, I will tell you! At the end of each day this week a drawing will be made for every completed Scavenger Hunt Questionnaire, and the winner will get 2 free tickets to Madagascar LIVE! at the Orpheum! In addition to this, every participant will get a special gift upon turning in the questionnaire.

And in a very Madagascar-esque manner, the lion decided to give us an extremely vociferous ROAR as we were leaving the zoo. I took it to mean he endorsed the promotion and would like for each and every one of you to visit him at his exhibit on the scavenger hunt. Hope to see you out there!

Review - Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein

2011-03-11T08:51:00.006-06:00

Greetings, Memphians! Young Frankenstein is well underway here on the Orpheum stage and we are loving it! The illustrious Dr. Frankenstein (Fronk-en-steen?) played by Christopher Ryan and the hilarious Igor played by Cory English were kind enough to do a master class for any student who wanted to sign up. The picture above is from last night's class, and the actors even incorporated some of the material discussed in the class in the actual performance!

And speaking of our students, Lesley Stevenson, one of our fabulous STAR reporters, has sent us her review of the show, copied below! She attends St. Mary’s Episcopal School and this is her second year as a STAR reporter. You may remember her from her Dreamgirls review previously. Thanks Lesley!

"For those in the mood to laugh, Young Frankenstein provides a riot. Playing at the Orpheum from March 8 – March 14, Mel Brooks’ second comedic musical foray offers a whole spectrum of witty wonders. Cap that with rich costumes, catchy tunes, and seamless choreography, and the audience is ultimately afforded a night of eye-pleasing and lighthearted ridiculousness.

"Of course, ridiculousness is not meant with a negative connotation. Rather, Young Frankenstein does not take itself too seriously- and neither should the audience. Characters laugh at each other and even at the audience; the audience reciprocates. Theatregoers should be expecting little emphasis on plots, morals, and themes but rather an open invitation to witness life’s absurdities in a context that seems too absurd to believe.

"As always, probing enough will yield a deeper meaning, and this holds true for Young Frankenstein. Here we find a life created by a renowned neurologist-turned-madman who seems to be concerned solely with women and “joining the family business”- that is, creating monsters. When Dr. Frankenstein’s creature is not the refined, gentlemanly genius he intends, the fickle doctor abandons his creation, allows him to be chased and later captured, and finally tries to mold him into an intelligent brute for the sake of his reputation.

"This blatant disregard for responsibility and the preciousness of life creates dark undertones of grotesque irony in a musical that on the surface seems to celebrate a cavalier lifestyle of chipper, youthful individuals. Frankenstein’s eventual sacrifice, made in a last-resort effort to save his own life from the death penalty, does suggest some ulterior motives, but the audience can also choose to believe instead that perhaps Frankenstein wanted to prevent his creation from destruction too. In a final stroke of irony, it is the creature who, upon gaining Frankenstein’s level of intelligence, turns the tables of authority and revives Frankenstein from apparent death. Interestingly enough, similar themes of rejection and disregard arise in the original Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, albeit not to song and dance.

"In truth, however, one could witness the spectacle of Young Frankenstein without ever pondering the significance of its subtle messages. Every speaking role is filled by a comedian, or at least an actor who has enough knowledge of timing to fit the role perfectly. The leads, particularly Christopher Ryan as Frederick Frankenstein and Cory English as his hunchback sidekick Igor, command the stage at all times with choreographed movements that extend beyond the dance sequences. These seasoned veterans know which gestures, vocal emphases, and tones yield maximum laughter and take advantage of these facts at every opportunity. Their stage presence attracts audience attention at all times, and so at all times are they perfectly in character.

"Young Frankenstein would not be complete, however, without its women. Frankenstein’s fiancée (Elizabeth, played by Janine DiVita) and his fair-weather fling (his assistant Inga, played by Synthia Link) provide attractive foils to the stereotypical witch-like housekeeper Frau Blucher (played by Joanna Glushak). The women represent three very different personality types, but each offers a unique brand of comedy based on archetypal assumptions of spoiled city women, pleasant peasants, and solemn spinsters, respectively.

"A standout number in this comedic landscape is “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” the extended showcase of the creature’s supposed acquired gentility and worldliness. With a fluid dance routine performed more by Frankenstein than his creation, a tap sequence performed by the creature and ensemble- all of whom wear significantly tall lifts- dramatic light changes, a segment of quartet harmony, and clever use of color and shadow, the piece is beyond a doubt the flashiest, gaudiest, and indeed most spectacular number. It represents the low point in Frankenstein’s journey, but as such it must contain more glamour than ever before. The song delivers.

"Young Frankenstein’s costumes must also be praised. From Transylvanian folk attire to scientific garb and tuxedoes for “Ritz”, the costumes are clean-cut, elegant, and appropriately vibrant or stark. This attention to detail is noticeable throughout the show. Even the ensemble members have small bits of storylines or humorous moments that lend the show a broader feel.

"Detail overload is also employed to make the audience feel just as insane as those in the story. In one scene, “Join the Family Business,” so much happens onstage among the dancers and actors that a complete set change is barely noticeable; caught up in the movements and craziness of what seems to be dozens of Einstein-esque scientists, a spectator cannot notice backdrop and scenery changes. As a side, the same number later produces a giant Frankenstein monster puppet that allows for even more distraction.

"In the moment, this production is witty and enjoyable. Deeper meanings persist, but in the end the show serves to offer laughs, and laughs it gets. Caution must be advised to parents of school-age children. Innuendo is undeniably and at times noticeably present, although other references are much more sly. For teenagers and adults, however, the show is sure to provide a night full of fun, laughter, and of course ridiculousness. "

Shrek Backstage

2011-02-02T10:18:00.008-06:00

Happy Thursday, Memphis! Today we have a special treat for you. Our lovely intern Angela was able to watch Shrek the Musical from backstage during its run here at the Orpheum, and she was kind enough to share her experiences with us! Check out her guest post below:

Hey Everyone, my name is Angela, and I am originally from the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Currently I am a third- year Stage Management student at Webster University in St Louis, MO; and as part of our SM program, each student does a semester Internship with a professional theatre company. Last year, I started working with the Marketing Department of the Professional Theatre Awards Council in St Louis. So as I was applying to different companies for an internship, I also looked into different marketing internships available. The Orpheum Theatre is a nationally well-known theatre, and they happened to have an intern opening for Marketing. Which is how I made it all the way down south to Memphis!

The first thing most people do the moment they get their marquee is they sit down and look at the cast list. As someone who has been involved in theatre for many years I always scan the first few pages looking for that magical list of names, which is almost always in the same order. Director, choreographer, which is then followed by a series of designers, and then my favorite name, is the very last one listed, the Stage Manager.

For anyone who is a little fuzzy on what exactly a Stage Manager does, it’s this; every single thing you see happen on the stage during the production is monitored and controlled by a single person. Every change of light, every movement of scenery, and the entrances of actors happens because that one person says “go.”

The Stage Management team is responsible for making sure that every member of the company, including actors and every member of the crew has arrived on time and is ready to work when that magic curtain rises. They are responsible for making sure that the work environment for the performers is safe, and that everything in the show runs smoothly to allow for the actors to work. Finally they are the people making sure that the performance seen on opening night is exactly the same as their 200th performance, which is the same as the shows closing performance.

Stage Management is one of those jobs that you pick up primarily by gaining experience through working under another person or watching someone with experience. No two Stage Managers work in exactly the same way, the key is to find out how you can operate to ensure that the show runs as close to perfect as it can. One of the ways that a younger stage manager learns is through watching or shadowing a member of the Stage Management team during a performance, which is exactly what I got the privilege of doing during one of the performances of Shrek the Musical.

Just before the show was about to start, one of the Assistant Stage Managers lead me up to backstage and briefly let me look at the SM desk. Often Stage Managers will call the cues of a show from backstage, instead of a typical lighting booth. This allows a stage manager to have direct contact with anyone backstage in the event of an emergency. In a traveling show, like Shrek, this also gives the stage manager much more consistency between shows as they move from venue to venue.

However, in order for the Stage Manager to be able to accurately call a show, they will have a desk, which is also equipped with a series of broadcast monitors. This not only allows them to view the show from the audience’s perspective, but the SM will generally also have one or two live feeds showing the stage from above with infrared cameras so they can watch any scenic movements that happen without lights.

As the other two members of the Stage Management team joined us backstage, they informed me that I would be following one of the Assistant Stage Managers during their track. I followed her to the opposite side of the stage and wound up in a tiny alcove just off Stage Left where I would not be in the way of anyone, but would still be able to see most everything as it happened.
As the curtain speech started up, I was introduced to a few of the tech guys who primarily stay SL, and amidst their regular duties they were jokingly assigned to be in charge of making sure that I didn’t get run over by any of the automations as they moved on and offstage. I know how funny it sounds, but even the most diligent person can get caught off guard simply from not knowing exactly what is going to be moving and when. There are some productions that do not allow non-employees to be backstage during the run of a show because of lack of space and the fact that it can be dangerous.

For the rest of the show I alternated between standing in my tiny alcove just watching the show and getting to experience the atmosphere of backstage and following two steps behind the ASM, asking any and all questions that pop into my head. Before each new element went onstage the ASM brought me to it and showed me how it worked. *Note: If you want pieces of the show to remain a surprise, this is my spoiler alert. I won’t be revealing all of their secrets, but I will try and explain a couple of them. *

For those of you that saw the show, you most likely noticed the backdrops moving. Normal drops are large pieces of canvas (or other materials) that have been painted to represent a specific location within the story. But unlike drops that you may have seen in other shows which most of the time don’t move, after these drops were painted a photo was taken. Then a series of single images of the drop were slightly altered and projected in a sequence on top of the still drop during the show to create the movement. A few examples of this are the torches in Farquaad’s dungeon the clouds over Duloc as Shrek and Donkey, as well as the flames just before and within the dragon’s castle.

One of my favorite reveals from that evening was Lord Farquaad and how they made the actor appear short, but still give his movements a realistic quality. When he was not onstage, he walks around on his real feet and you can see that there is a connection between the heels of his fake boots and his kneecaps so that his legs bend naturally as the actor moves.

Towards the end of the show, Fiona undergoes her transformation and levitates for a few moments. During this part, they were letting me watch and showing me how it was happening. One of the tech guys made a comment about how they were ruining the magic of the show, by letting me observe. My reply was that seeing the completed show from the audience perspective is like Christmas Eve, you have all these shiny packages and you don’t know really what is in them, you can guess and if you are really good, maybe even figure one or two of them out. But being able to watch from backstage, is Christmas morning, you get to slowly unwrap each of the presents and understand how they are done. For me, getting to appreciate the work and the creativity that goes into designing each of the small little tricks, the ones that capture the audience and keep them enthralled, that is what makes the magic of the theatre real.

The Reviews Are in—Dreamgirls “Shines” in Memphis!

2010-12-10T13:14:00.004-06:00

Friends, Memphians, countrymen—my name is Carolyn Fly and I’m the Press Coordinator at The Orpheum. Amy is temporarily away in the Big Apple for Pat Halloran’s Annual New York Trip so I’ve been given the privilege of letting you all know what’s been taking place at Memphis’ finest Theatre.

As most of you know, last week the Broadway sensation, Dreamgirls, made its Memphis premiere at The Orpheum. Rather than giving you an avalanche of commercial reviews, I’m giving you the scoop straight from The Orpheum’s favorite patrons, the students.

As part of the Education & Community Programs, The Orpheum’s STAR (Students Take A Role) reporters are a group of students selected from alumni of education programs—they help promote, produce, and report on events geared toward their generation. Below are excerpts from two Dreamgirls’ reviews written by Orpheum STAR reporters.

Lesley Stevenson is a student at St. Mary’s Episcopal School. This is her second year as a STAR reporter.

“Dreamgirls’ costumes glitter. Dreamgirls’ set sparkles. But it is Dreamgirls’ cast that truly shines.

Taken collectively, the costumes, set, songs, choreography, and individual performances maintain the eye-catching, awe-inspiring spectacle. Set in the 1960s and focusing on a singing trio of strong African-American women, Dreamgirls never stops. Though the production includes some actual show (or rather, concert)-within-a-show moments, the characters’ lives are comedic and dramatic enough to be the bulk of the production.

That’s really Dreamgirls’ point. Past the glitz and glam of the showbusiness life, the characters slowly but steadily expose the audience to the secret opportunistic and merciless world that produces the music we crave. Effie White, Deena Jones, and Lorrelle Robinson begin their journeys as the naïve Dreamettes, a soft-singing trio with aspirations of stardom, and they end as the mature Dreams, having been backup singers for James “Thunder” Early, replaced Effie with Michelle Morris, and reunited for a final farewell performance.”

“The show was wholly impressive. Its plot is simpler than others, but a straightforward plot allows for the extravagance of the songs, costumes, and lights. All of the elements come together to contribute to the overall theme of the production- a theme that pushes through the sequins and secrecy to comment on a basic idea: friendship. The Dreamettes formed a friendship with Curtis Taylor, Jr., and too slowly they realized its toxic, unstable nature. Deena and Lorrelle forsake their friendship with Effie, but realizing their wrongs, they reunite with a better understanding of themselves and of the world. A non-stop show filled with comedy, drama, and plenty of glitter, Dreamgirls is, without a doubt, a stunning performance.”

by Lesley Stevenson

Kevin Do is a student at Arlington High School. This is his second year as a STAR Reporter.

“Hello Everybody! I just saw the recent revival of the six-time Tony Award-winning musical Dreamgirls at the Orpheum, and this production is stellar. For just over two and half hours I was transported to the music scene of the sixties and seventies, a story about family told through a Behind the Music-esque plotline. Here’s my critique of the show based on Aristotle's Six Elements of Theatre on a scale of 1 – 10 (1 being the worst, 10 being the best) and my comments."

“Character: 9. Everybody remembers Jennifer Hudson’s performance in the Dreamgirls movie, and Moya Angela (the Effie on tour) is just as spectacular. Her energy is matched only by the other Dreams Syesha Mercado (in the Beyonce role Deena Jones) & Adrienne Warren as Lorrell and Chester Gregory as the electric Jimmy Early. One criticism would be that the ensemble was too comfortable in the show often showing on stage. But as the show progressed, the company began to gain energy and focus."

“Music: 10. Obviously, Henry Kieger’s music is the strongest component of Dreamgirls. With its soaring ballads and groovy dance songs, there isn’t much room for improvement in the show’s music. Dreamgirls and its amazing music is an iconic piece of musical theatre!”

“Spectacle: 9. Robin Wagner’s series five of LED panels make up Dreamgirls’s minimalistic set, but they definitely aren’t minimal on wow factor! Within seconds the audience is moved around the nation simply by having transforming images projected on the screens, and by shifting the location of the panels on the stage, new settings are created instantly. Although very successful, there were moments in the show where the bright panels upstaged the performers and their gorgeous William Ivey Long costumes. The dance numbers choreographed by director-choreographer Robert Longbottom were true to the time and yet accessible and modern in form.”

by Kevin Do

The Orpheum Theatre impacts the lives of over 40,000 children and families each year with our Education & Community Programs. Learn more about our programs here: http://www.orpheum-memphis.com/index.cfm?section=famed

No One Mourns the Wicked

2010-10-14T08:52:00.000-05:00

Here at the Orpheum, we actually celebrate the Wicked. The cast and crew of the Broadway Musical, anyway. If you are reading this blog, I doubt I have to tell you about the phenomenon that is Wicked. On Facebook all I had to do was mention "ticket contest" and I had over 100 comments within an hour! I loved seeing everyone's enthusiasm and reading stories about the different experiences you all have had with the show. So, since we are all fairly educated on the story, I thought I would take you behind the scenes a bit and share with you some of the things that go on specifically in Memphis with this touring group.

On Tuesday the gigantic semi-trucks carrying all of the set pieces arrived and the crew wasted no time getting to work on the stage. I went downstairs with our Marketing team to greet some of the press who came to interview the company members and watch the set being built. I first spoke with the company manager Erica, who has been travelling with Wicked for five years, about how they get started in a new city. She said they employ 75 crew members, which is pretty large for a travelling show and really demonstrated just how big this production is. What I didn't realize was that bringing in a musical of this scale actually creates jobs in our community. Wicked hires local stagehands and dressers to help bring the production to life in addition to their regular crew members. On the first day when the set is being built, 100 Memphians are hired to work with the crew and 50 of them stay on throughout the run of the show for daily work. What a great way to get involved!

After speaking with Erica I proceeded into the auditorium where I was excited to find that the great dragon, who watches the story unfold from above the proscenium, had already been raised to his overhead perch. This guy's red eyes light up and his wings and talons flap and grab throughout the show.

He's a little intimidating. Did you know that there are two crew members who actually operate the dragon from inside of him throughout the entire show? They spend over three hours 55 feet above the base of the stage. I learned this from my interview with Justin, the head carpenter of the show. He was kind enough to let me do a backstage interview with him! Check out the video below.

This is my debut as a vlogger. If I was a better one I would figure out how to edit out my voice so you could only hear Justin talking about the show, but alas, you have to put up with my silly comments this time.

You can see a crew member working on Glinda's bubble here.

And we have lift off! It was really amazing to peek in on the stage and see how quickly the set came together. The lighting tests were especially cool to watch.

I have to say though, after all of the interviews and backstage tours, my favorite part of the day was listening to the Orchestra practice. I would sneak out onto the Mezzanine above the lobby, sit in one of the benches, and listen to them rehearse while I checked over everyone's contest responses on my phone. The acoustics out there were much better than I thought they would be, and the songs sounded gorgeous. I was amazed at how much I enjoyed listening to them even though I have them all memorized from the soundtrack. There was just something extra organic about hearing it live without the singing that I really enjoyed, like a personal karaoke session just for me with a full orchestra. Of course I couldn't do too much actual singing or I would give away my position :)

What is your favorite part of Wicked? What night are y'all coming to see the show??

For more behind the scenes information, click here to visit Wicked's official site.

Camels and Horses and Snakes, OH MY

2010-10-11T15:18:00.012-05:00

Happy Monday and Columbus Day, friends! As a holiday treat I have some fun backstage photos for you. This is definitely my favorite entry thus far. I am a HUGE animal fan - I never got over my love for ponies as a little girl and currently claim Daisy the dog and Mabel the cat as my animal family. I haven't had the chance to own a horse yet, but someday readers, someday.

However we are going to go a little more exotic than cats and dogs. Today we venture to ancient Egypt('s stage set on the load-in dock and backstage...) to meet camels, pythons and horses! Opera Memphis' production of Aida by Giuseppe Verdi was playing this weekend, replete with its own collection of creatures. So you better believe I was backstage in a flash as soon as I heard they were bringing some friends with them. The animals are from a local petting zoo and their handlers were required to be in full-on costume as they walked the animals across the stage for their cameos as you can see above. This is Ernie with his handler donning the Egyptian garb. The larger camel behind him is, of course, Bert.

This is Abner and he was my absolute favorite! Don't you just want to take him home?? He was such a sweetheart!

This is Abner again with his similarly-sized owner, pre costume change :) The picture is a little fuzzy - I took them with my cell phone because flash photography isn't allowed around the animals.

And here we have a lovely shot of Travis and Big Red Ted, the majestic horses presented to the Pharaoh. They weren't extremely interested in me interrupting their meal.

Travis did end up saying hello.

This is an 8 ft albino python named Eddie Munster. He is gorgeous and even more intimidating in person than he looks in his cage. They do not even sedate these things before they take them on stage. I hope they have been fed recently...

This is Machale, also known as Shell. She is also an albino python like Eddie but she is "only" 6 feet long. During the show a ballerina performs an entire dance with this enormous snake draped across her body. She might be the bravest person with whom I have ever come into contact.

And this little guy has my favorite name! He is another smaller python who goes by Julius Squeezer. He only had a brief appearance in the production but compared to the other giant snakes he is downright adorable. You can see him peeking out from his bundle to check out the camera.

The Opera's production of Aida was gorgeous - the sets were truly breathtaking. Luckily they had screens that projected the words to the music, since I do not speak Italian and wasn't familiar with the story. Having the animals there really added to the scale of the show - it was so impressive! I felt very lucky to have had some backstage time with them :)

Did y'all see Aida? What did you think?

Introducing: Our New Marquee!

2010-10-05T14:40:00.016-05:00

Greetings blogisphere, and apologies for my long hiatus! I have a fun behind-the-scenes post for you today. Here you see me pictured in front of our old marquee. If any of you have been driving or walking down South Main recently and are particularly observant, you may have noticed a small architectural change and significant wattage increase above your head. Yes, we have installed a new marquee! No more dead light bulbs or Chicago - era antique displays. We have entered the 21st century, complete with LED screens! Outside anyway.

In the office we had been discussing getting the marquee for a while, but I had pushed it to the back of my head until last week when I saw three large looking men walking through our upstairs windows onto the ledge above the lobby. Most of the work for the project had to be done at night after the Trolley stops running so it was a surprise to see them during the day. Our building manager amazingly showed up for work every day after working long through the night to get the display up and running.

Hope y'all enjoy the pictures! Has anyone noticed the difference??

2010-08-31T11:36:00.005-05:00

Train

NeedToBreathe

Before I get ahead of myself, I should let you know that I in no way claim to be a "music person." I know what I like and have a reasonable amount of (legally! of course...) downloaded music in my iTunes, but Rolling Stone isn't looking to hire me any time soon. Which is good, because I personally prefer the perks I have here.

For instance, the ability to hop over to the Train concert last night here at the Orpheum. I wouldn't describe myself as a die-hard Train groupie, but hearing their staples I grew up with was a great experience. The second song they played was "Meet Virginia" and once the baseline started I was sold. Front man Pat Monahan's antics onstage are highly entertaining as well - he brings so much adorable, happy energy to his songs that I couldn't help but grin at him through the whole concert. The band picture above does nothing to illustrate his giddy stage presence. During "Drops of Jupiter" in the encore he literally sailed across the sun, arms waving in the air and all. I also have to say that when he covered Aerosmith's "Dream On" he killed it. To be able to hit those high notes after hours of singing onstage with his energy is no small feat, and he gave a great performance. Lead guitarist Jimmy Stafford was also given some pretty sweet solo riffing spotlight time. But I have to say, my favorite part was when Monahan decided to test out the indoor acoustics and chuck the microphone for a song. I expected to have a good time, but I didn't know how much I would be singing along and waving my cell phone in the air like the 16 year olds sitting next to me. And since I listened to Train when I was 16, it made me feel like I'm still relevant.

I saved the opening band for last because they ended up making the biggest impression on me even though they only had about 30 minutes on stage. I knew they were a group started by two brothers (Bear and Bo Rinehart - how great are those names?) from South Carolina and that's about it. What I didn't know is that their music has been featured on The Hills and the feature P.S. I Love You, that they also have 2 other band mates (Seth Bolt and Joe Stillwell) that are childhood friends, and that they all have really really great hair. And then there's the music. I LOVED their sound. My initial impression was that they are to the left of the middle of the Avett Brothers and Sister Hazel, with splashes of The Hold Steady and Nickel Creek. They claim U2, Wilco, Tom Petty, and Pearl Jam as official influences so apparently they don't quite agree with me, but you do hear those bands speak through their music. Like Train, they stated their excitement to be playing indoors after weeks of outdoor concerts and wanted to go unplugged. I could not have been more impressed - they had such an organic, perfectly blended southern grassroots sound that I got goosebumps, and everyone in the theater started circulating outbursts of "SHHH!" when the song started so they wouldn't miss a single note. It was one of those moments of pure musical joy that you can only get live. I think I need to learn how to play the banjo.

Whether you work for Rolling Stone or Cold Stone, if you're in Memphis, music becomes a part of your chemical make-up. Thanks for allowing me to indulge in my first Orpheum concert with you here on the interwebs. Perhaps one day I won't be so star-struck by the things I get to see and do here, but for now I'm perfectly content in allowing myself the excitement that comes with the job. And being able to see all of your great feedback on Facebook, Twitter and the comments section here only fans the flames. So I'll see y'all around!

For more info and touring details for Train and NeedToBreathe, please click the links posted under their pictures for the official websites.

Downtown Lunching

2010-08-24T13:52:00.007-05:00

Greetings, blogisphere! And allow me to introduce myself. I am the most recent heir of the Orpheum's blog and one of the newer members of the Orpheum team. I was born and raised in Memphis, left to attend Auburn University, spent 2 years working in New York City, and have returned to my hometown where I belong. I couldn't have survived another New York winter - my body was just not built to trudge through the snow.

Memphis is my home and my comfort zone, but downtown is still fairly unmapped territory for me. So my current mission is to check out all of the lovely places to eat lunch. These are my recent discoveries.

Alcenia's was introduced to me by a friend and is perfect for when you need comfort food. The atmosphere is bright and intimate and you can bet on being treated like you're one of the family. I highly recommend the catfish and the spicy corn. There's something about being close to the Mississippi River and eating catfish that just makes me happy. The Little Tea Shop is actually closer to me and has a similar atmosphere. I've been going here for years so I can't call it a new discovery, but it will always be a favorite. Sometimes I just crave that Lacy special, and they have my favorite chicken salad so far. This is where I almost always take old high school friends. Going a little higher up on the price range, Flight is a new favorite. It's also around the corner from the theater and has a crab cake sandwich that I could probably eat every day for the rest of my life. The Majestic Grille is another great restaurant of similar caliber and has been my go-to more than once a week because it's so close and they're all so friendly there. I love the atmosphere of the old movie palace. And while they have a whole menu filled with delicious options, I can't seem to get away from that grilled cheese. The Flying Saucer is also just a block away and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they have a great lunch menu! I had only ever been for the plethora of amazing beer options. And if I'm up for a drive, the Trolley Stop Market is pretty unbeatable. I am not an eat-your-veggies kind of girl (it took me until last year to eat a whole salad), but I went there today and ordered a veggie plate because they have the ability to get me to eat those greens with all of their amazing options. If they ever have the spinach pastry, drop what you are doing and go order one. The pizzas are also delicious and creative if you aren't into the vegetables.

That's what I've discovered so far and I'm pretty happy with what I've found. But here's the thing - I can't have a fancy lunch where I meet my lovely friends every day. My goal is to find a few quiet and cheap places with tables where I can sit down and read during my break. Lenny's right across Beale is actually excellent for this, but I think they're getting sick of me over there. They already know my order. So, Memphis, my question to you is, where can I find such a place? I would like for it to be within walking distance (but as a New York veteran my walking range is fairly broad), to be reasonably priced, and to be a place I could go by myself without making a waitress sad that she's only getting a tip from one person. Where do y'all go?

Memphis is coming to Memphis

2010-03-30T10:25:00.010-05:00

It is official: the new musical Memphis will launch its national tour at The Orpheum Theatre! This is exciting news for both The Orpheum and the city of Memphis!

The producers of the hit Broadway Musical Memphis announced today that the critically acclaimed production will launch its U.S. national tour in Memphis in October of 2011.

"On behalf of my producing partners, I am thrilled to announce that the national tour of Memphis will begin at the Orpheum. We couldn't be more excited to be kicking off the tour with our friends at the Orpheum," said Sue Frost, a producer of the show.

"This is a huge coup for Memphis!" said Pat Halloran, President and CEO of the Orpheum Theatre. "This is the first time a national tour or a Broadway show has been mounted in Memphis. In addition to the enormous economic impact, this project will provide our community yet another opportunity to take pride in our rich heritage and significant place in American music history."

Memphis takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 50's, a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun fell in love with everything he shouldn't: rock and roll and an electrifying black singer. Memphis is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever. For more information visit http://www.memphisthemusical.com/

A message from Neighborhood School

2010-03-29T15:22:00.005-05:00

The Neighborhood School is a kindergarten through eighth grade Christian School for children who had no hope. Most students come from Binghampton with the largest number coming from Walnut Park, the housing project adjacent to the school. The goal of this school is to have children appreciate who they are while they succeed academically in school and live a meaningful life.

A few of the eighth graders were given tickets to come and see Alvin Ailey: American Dance Theatre here at the Orpheum. Here is a thank you note their teacher wrote us.

"Your generosity is humbling. I have been working with the children at the Neighborhood School since 2006 when they were bright eyed fourth graders. They are now eighth graders and are about to part ways and determine what impact they will have on our world. My goal has always been to help expand their horizons and help them dream big. Thanks to the Orpheum Theatre, the girls can now dream in vibrant and living color. They loved it! We loved it! And we love you! God bless."

The Orpheum Theatre impacts the lives of over 40,000 children and families each year with our seventeen Education Programs. Learn more about our programs here:

http://www.orpheum-memphis.com/index.cfm?section=famed

A Year of Broadway

2010-03-18T10:57:00.016-05:00

So our new Broadway Season was announced and includes a lot of really great and highly diverse Broadway shows. We have shows that range from huge Broadway hits (Wicked), to witty, sarcastic shows (Spamalot, Young Frankenstein) to family shows great for kids and adults alike (Shrek, Beauty and the Beast), as well as brand new shows that just left the big ole city of New York (9 to 5).

The 2010-2011 Broadway Season Line Up includes:

The Color Purple - August 24-29, 2010

An inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who-through love-finds strength to triumph over adversity

WICKED - October 13-31, 2010

The story of how two unlikely friends end up as the Wicked Witch of the West and the other as the Good Witch - the untold story.

9 to 5 - November 2-7, 2010

A hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winning songwriter Dolly Parton.

Dream Girls - November 30-December 5, 2010

The musical that shows what comes with the dream of making it big in show business-heartache, triumphs, breakups and love.

Shrek - January 18-23, 2011

Based on the Oscar winning Dream Works film that started it all, Shrek brings the hilarious story of every one's favorite ogre to dazzling new life on stage.

Young Frankenstein - March 8-13, 2011

A wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend based on Mel Brooks' classic comedy masterpiece.

Spamalot - May 6-8, 2011

Taken from the classic film comedy of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table.

Beauty and the Beast - June 14-19, 2011

Tony Award winner for Best Musical, it tells the story of Belle and the Beast based off of Disney's animated feature.

This next season is going to be great. Visit our website for more information and about Season Tickets http://www.orpheum-memphis.com/

Last Chance

2010-02-09T10:21:00.004-06:00

Jersey Boys is coming to an end here at the Orpheum.

The past two weeks have been great and the show has received rave reviews! But no worries because you have one more week to squeeze in a performance of this wonderful, award winning show.

Jersey Boys has caused audiences to literally get up out of their seats and dance. Do not miss your chance because, trust me, you will regret it.

Jersey Boys farewell performance is on February 14th. What better way to say I Love You than two tickets to the Orpheum for a hit Broadway Show on Valentine's Day?

For more information about Jersey Boys visit our website http://www.orpheum-memphis.com/index.cfm?section=comattrac&page=details&showid=646

The Story Behind the Four Seasons

2009-12-17T16:24:00.006-06:00

Many of you may know their songs and have heard the name, but do you really know everything there is to know about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons? Well, I do not have enough time to tell you everything but here are some talking points - some great party facts if you will.

With less than seven weeks until the arrival of Jersey Boys (the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) in Memphis, we will work to reacquaint our patrons with behind-the-scenes information about the band, the show and everything in between. Our E-Blast this week will be profiling the band, the show and each Jersey Boy.

Frankie Valli and Tommy DeVito started playing in a group in 1954. In 1956, they settled on the name 'The Four Lovers.' After a few line-up changes and 18 different stage name changes, Nick Massi and Bob Guadio joined with Vallie and DeVito to form 'The Four Seasons' in 1961, after having no success with The Four Lovers name. The Four Season was actually the name of the bowling alley where they were turned down for an audition, thus beginning the Four Season Partnership.

The band went on to sell 175 million records-worldwide-all before they were 30 years old. All total, The Four Seasons had five #1 hits and a total of eleven songs to crack the Billboard's Top Ten.

All in all, The Four Seasons managed to be successful and weather the musical changes of the 1960's and 70's through the Do-Wop, Motown and Disco eras of music.

The Four Seasons were introduced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990

For more information on Jersey Boys coming to Memphis, click here:

http://www.orpheum-memphis.com/index.cfm?section=comattrac&page=details&showid=646

Tune your radio dial in next week for the story behind the musical.

It is Kid's Night

2009-11-25T12:25:00.009-06:00

This past Thursday was the Orpheum's first Kid's Night on Broadway for the new season. Kids visited the Orpheum to see the magical Cirque Holidaze. Each kid got a free ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket which is a great deal! And, there were games, face painting, balloons and prizes for every kid that came through the door.

Our next Kid's Night on Broadway is during the Wizard of Oz. Be sure to check it out. It is a great, inexpensive way to expose children to Arts and Broadway. Call 901-525-7800 for more information.

Here are some pictures of Kid's Night during Cirque.

The Holidays are Upon Us

2009-11-20T09:00:00.008-06:00

So this week, Memphis kicked off the Holidays with some cold weather. Temperatures in the 40s always mean that everyone will be complaining but on a good note that the Holiday Season is here!

In order to keep people thinking positively about the Holiday weather, the Orpheum had Cirque Dreams Holidaze come to Memphis! I personally saw the show last night and met some of the wonderfully, talented cast members. The show was a success. The talent, flexibility and amazement of the acrobats in the show made for an awesome performance! If you have not seen it yet you should go. The tightrope act was my personal favorite and I found myself holding my breath the entire time!

Following last night's show was a Cast Party at the Silly Goose. Almost all the cast and crew were present and very friendly. Even the little boy in the show stopped by. One of the cast members has been doing these 'cirque' shows since he was six and he is now in his forties. Needless to say he was very talented! Special thanks to Silly Goose for hosting the Cast Party.

Want to hear more about Cirque Dreams Holidaze check out the blog post from Downtown Memphis:

http://download.downtownmemphis.com/uncategorized/cirque-dreams-holidaze/

Tickets to the show are still available at the Orpheum (525-3000) or through Ticketmaster. Check out our website at http://www.orpheum-memphis.com/.

Memphis: It's all the Rave

2009-10-23T11:44:00.004-05:00

So if you have somehow not turned on your TV, not opened your Facebook, not checked Twitter, stopped reading all of the blogs, and completely failed to stay up to date on current affairs than I guess you may have not heard about 'Memphis' a new musical! And, for those who have heard about the show continue to spread the positive words.

Memphis opened on Broadway this past Monday, October 19th; needless to say it was a hit and the city of Memphis was represented! See the photos of some of the Memphians who came below and do not forget that the Peabody Ducks were also present!

Kevin Kane from Memphis CVB

Kerry Crawford, Memphis CVB, I Love Memphis

The Neelys even made the trip!

And of course Pat Halloran from the Orpheum

Now the best part was when the Star, Felecia, said "On my way to the Orpheum" in the show! Even though this was not a sporting event, all the Memphians wildly cheered. I mean what a honor!

For anyone who is making a trip to New York or is thinking about taking the trip, I highly recommend going to see this show. Having not seen it myself, I can only speak about what I have heard and quite frankly, it has all been good. I heard the energy is amazing, the story line is heart wrenching, and the songs and voices are inspiring and astonishingly wonderful.

For more information on the show visit their website at www.memphisthemusical.com or check out the I Love Memphis blog for a full report of opening night http://ilovememphisblog.com/

Have you seen Memphis or heard anything about the show?

A Compilation of Facts

2009-10-14T16:05:00.002-05:00

So this week at The Orpheum will unofficially be called 'Fact Week'--highly similar to Shark Week only awesomer cause you are getting facts about the Orpheum as opposed to killing creatures.

Listed below are all the facts I have posted on Twitter and Facebook plus more! Want to know a fact or have a question? Well than ask it and I can answer it!

The Orpheum has brought CATS to Memphis over 13 times and people still ask for it to come back!

The Orpheum Theatre was originally The Grand Opera House and was built in 1890!

The Orpheum was renovated in 1996 to expand the stage so we could bring in big shows like Phantom, Wicked, Lion King etc.

It can cost far more than $600,000 to bring a Broadway Show to Memphis! Thanks to our donors we are able to bring Broadway to Beale

During our Vaudeville days, we hosted stars such as Harry Houdini, George Burns, Madame Sarah Bernhardt and Helen Keller

The Orpheum has over 400 Volunteers that help with Ushering Shows and daily operations. Wow 400! How would we operate without our Volunteer Ushers!?

In 1940, M.A. Lightman, bought the Theatre and made it the flagship of Malco Movie Chain.

The Orpheum contributes over $500,000 each year in Sales Tax to the city, county, and state!

The Orpheum Theatre is a 501c3 and provides over 17 Arts Education Programs to the Mid South, including Star Search this Saturday!

It cost over $700,000 a year to maintain The Orpheum and keep it true to its history! Thanks to all our donors, The Orpheum continues to be a beautiful historical landmark!

The Orpheum Theatre actually loses over $1 Million each year due to the expenses of mataining the Theatre and bringing in shows. Thanks to donations we are able to recoup this loss and stay a premier Theatre.

An SEC Battle

2009-10-09T10:14:00.004-05:00

Next Friday, October 17, 2009, there will be an SEC battle of sorts at the Orpheum Theatre. That is correct I am talking about Orpheum Star Search. We have star students competing from Ole Miss, The University of Tennessee, The University of Alabama and The University of Memphis will join as well. These students along with performers from local high schools will compete among each other to hold the title of Winner of the 2009 Orpheum Star Search.

This competition is dare I say better than your weekly SEC football battles because it only happens once a year not every week, the students are truly talented, and this year you, the audience, will get to vote for the People's Choice Award. I mean you do not get to vote which Football team wins each week. So be sure to come on out and vote because you do not want to let your school down. Come on out UT graduates, for you do not want Alabama beating you. Ole Miss, do not let UT cream you because the people did not vote for your talented schoolmate.

Here are the contestants for this year's show:
Daniel Ashmore (Ole Miss)
Suzanne Chapman (Harding Acad)
Alex Goldman (Lamar HS)
Henry Lui (Madison Academic Magnet HS)
James Curtis Mays (Bartlett HS)
Melodie Moore (GCS)
Rakeem Sprinkle (Bolton)
Melanie Stanek (UofM)
Kristian Alexius Thomas (UofM)
Amanda Tittle (UT)
Ashley Wieronski (U. of Alabama)

So be sure to come on out and support your school and favorite performer. The talent is sure to impress you. Check out the contestants by clicking the link below. Orpheum Star Search is next Friday, October 17 at 8:00PM. Tickets are on sale now.

http://www.orpheum-memphis.com/index.cfm?section=backstage

Oh What a Night or Day...

2009-10-06T14:12:00.002-05:00

It has finally arrived! This Friday Jersey Boys will go on sale to the public. Oh what exciting times. On sale events are always loads of fun and include give-a-ways, food, and fun with local radio stations like WRVR and KIM FM.

The On Sale Events begin at 8:00AM this Friday at both the Orpheum and David Kidd Bookseller.

Below is an interview from on of the actresses in Jersey Boys!

Though her roots are technically Philadelphian, all those summers spent at the Jersey Shore while growing up helped Alayna Gallo get in character for the role of Lorraine in Jersey Boys. While strutting her stuff on stage in Chicago, Gallo can be found post-show sipping a glass of rose at the Wit or chowing down on boneless chicken wings at Bull & Bear. Dying to approach this starlet but can’t find an opening line? Ask her about her past gigs singing at events/weddings for Donald Trump, Clive Davis and Jerry Jones. Or just get her talking about her favorite guilty pleasure: MTV’s “The Hills.” It works every time.

What is your favorite thing about Chicago?
Lake Michigan!! A long run or walk along the beach rocks my world.

What songs do you like to listen to while getting ready for a show?
Haha...Love this one! Honestly, Jason Mraz, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Neo, Black-Eyed Peas. Love, "Livin for the City," "Closer" and "I'm Yours."

Favorite scene in JB?
Ooooh...tough one!! There are too many. All of the scenes are brilliantly written along with having a gifted cast....hmm...too hard

The best part of my day is…
Is when my cat Orchard wakes me up in the morning. Even when it's too early, he's too cute to get mad at.

How do you stay in shape?
Harmony Yoga is my favorite! Hot Vinyasa rocks my world. When you're doing 8 shows a week, although it's its own workout, muscle memory kicks in. To stay in shape (physically and mentally) I do yoga at least 4-5 times a week. I also try to run 2x a week along the lake.

3 things you never leave home without…
keys, money, gloss!

Best vacation spot…
Vegas Baby!

Secret guilty pleasure…
Well now if I told you, it wouldn't be a secret! Lol...Fine, I'll let you in on one... "The Hills" on MTV. Not sure I'll watch it now that LC is gone. Ssssshhhhh!!

Hope to see you all at the On Sale on Friday!

Girl's Night & Everything Else

2009-09-24T16:24:00.006-05:00

It has been a busy week here at the Orpheum! We have our first show of the season, A Chorus Line opening, a Golf Tournament this Friday, lots of meetings =), and our first ever Girl's Night Out. Ah, the summer relaxation is gone--if it was even ever here.

But do not worry as we are trying to ensure that even with the busy-ness of the summer ending you are still having fun! Tonight at the Orpheum is Girl's Night Out. We will have drink specials, and representatives from KIM FM, Gould's Day Spa, MUSE Inspired Fashion and more!

So gals, grab your pals and come on out. Learn some fashion tips for the fall, and how to keep those summer glows all winter long!

We also have our Golf Tournament tomorrow, which I and the Orpheum staff will be at bright and early, rain or shine! The Tournament is at the most loveliest Golf Course, Cottonwoods at Harrah's. The tournament is really fun and there a lot of prizes to win and food to be eaten. Plus as a bonus you are at a casino so if it does rain there are many other fun things to do! Pictures will be taken and posted!

Well that is all for now. Does anyone have any thoughts on A Chorus Line if you have seen it? And what else is everyone doing this weekend?

Cooper Young Festival

2009-09-17T11:50:00.005-05:00

Fall is upon us which means Cooper Young Festival is this weekend!! Last year was my first time going and I had loads of fun. I ate delicious food (thank you Soul Fish Cafe), listened to wonderful music, and just walked around to all the great booths.

This year The Orpheum will be out there amongst all of the great booth selections! We are pairing up with Intercom Radio so be sure to stop by. Staff members are working the table and we do love it when we get to talk to people (I will be there from 1-3PM). At the table we will be giving away fans to cool yourself off with in the hot and currently muggy weather. We will also have Brew n Q tickets for sale! No need to go out of your way to buy your ticket to this event we will bring them to you!

Here is a link to everything the Cooper Young Fest is offering!

http://www.cooperyoungfestival.com/festschedule/

Make sure you stop by. The festival is a great way to spend your Saturday--outside, with fun people, good food and great things to buy or just browse through.

And, if you are going to the Festival what booths and bands should people stop by to see?

The Orignial Reality Show

2009-09-16T10:31:00.011-05:00

In today's TV world reality television is almost all anyone cares to watch. From American Idol to Dancing with the Stars reality TV is so 'in' right now! So what is it that spurred this love for Reality Television? What is the first reality show that made people think, "Hey, I love me some reality television!"? Was it Real World, Survivor, Big Brother...I will argue that the first real reality show was "A Chorus Line". I know, I know it is not Television but it is a show and it IS REALITY!

'A Chorus Line' was created in New York when a director Michael Bennett gathered a group of Broadway dancers to talk about their careers, challenges, memories, dreams, and lives. He recorded over 40 hours of interviews before it became the script of A Chorus Line. Do these interviews sound vaguely familiar to current reality TV? I think so.

All of the songs that were created for 'A Chorus Line' refer to real life situations that Broadway dancers lived. While watching 'A Chorus Line' one can better understand what it takes to be a Broadway Dancer, the sweat, the tears, the boob jobs and the anxiety of trying to get the job so you can pay the rent!

Take these lyrics for example:

"I've come so far, but even so
It could be yes, it could be no"

How many times have we watched AI and your fave person was kicked off in what you felt was too soon. We feel their rejection pain with them. Well the same is true during 'A Chorus Line.' People finding themselves cheering on the actors on stage.

Or these lyrics:

"Left the theatre and
Called the doctor for my appointment to buy...

Bought myself a fancy pair.

Tightened up the derriere."

I mean who does not love Plastic Surgery Shows like Dr. 90210. Not that you need plastic surgery by any means to be a Broadway dancer but in the interviews there were some dancers who felt this had to be done in order to become famous.

So basically what I am saying is that we can all thank 'A Chorus Line' for giving the Television Creators the idea of using real people and real life situations to make good TV.

Do not forget to see the Reality of being a Broadway Dancer at The Orpheum from September 22-27. 525-7800.

It is a Block Party, Downtown!

2009-09-15T09:57:00.012-05:00

So they say breathing in the fresh outside air is suppose to make you a happier/healthier person. What about breathing in the fresh air with drink specials, food specials, great company, and discounts on things you want? Sounds perfect to me. I already feel happier and healthier just thinking about it.

This Thursday, September 17th, the Majestic is hosting another Peabody Block Party. If you have not been to one yet well that is no good because they are great. Fortunately for you there is another one that starts at 5:30 PM and you can see the festivities right outside of the Majestic. Below are some photos from past Block Parties.

One discount that I am personally excited about is what The Orpheum is offering. The lovely Kate Hackett (blond pictured above) will be outside the Majestic selling Brews n Q tickets at a discounted price of only $20 plus all ticket buyers get the amazing poster pictured below (designed by David Lynch)!

For those who are not sure as to why this discounted $20 ticket is such a steal I will let you know. A $20 ticket to this event gets you entrance into the Warehouse on Oct. 9th where you will get to chow down on all you can eat Corky's, where you will get all you can drink Boscos beer all while listening to great music by the Ernestine and Hazel's band as well as John Paul Keith and the One Four Fives! Last year's event was so much fun and I got to mingle and mix with so many wonderful people! Here are some pictures from last year's event.

Here is a link to learn more about the Block Party and what else is being offered!
http://bit.ly/XMZV8

And here is another link to give you more information about the Brews n Q event!
http://bit.ly/noxwG

It's Football Season

2009-09-09T12:14:00.008-05:00

So Football Season has started again to the excitement of so very many people! This means many things such as tailgating, completely foregoing each and every Saturday of Fall, adding new clothes to your wardrobe--all the color of your--favorite team, and investing in great yet removable face paint.

It also means the Southern Heritage Classic is back in town!

The Classic starts today and goes until September 13th, Sunday. This is a time when the city is out and about, people are attending every event and the roads are fairly congested. Since so many people will obviously be focusing on the Football Game, I am going to focus on some of the other surrounding events that The Orpheum is hosting. You know for the people that want other things to do...

Today, September 9th is the Classic Gospel Concert and it starts at 7:30PM. Now who does not like Gospel Music. It always has so much energy. So if you want to enhance your Hump Day stop on by the Orpheum tonight.

Tomorrow on Thursday, September 10th we have Erykah Badu. I know everyone is excited to see some amazing R&B! The concert starts at 8 PM.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbuhKR8YXlk

The third event that will be taking place at the Orpheum is on Friday, September 11th. The Browns of Comedy will be on the main stage helping everyone laugh and as always just being hilarious. This show starts at 8 PM.

Now there are a lot of other events that are going to be going on this week/end. So let me know what they are and what you will be attending...

Also here is the link to the Classic's homepage for a listing of all the events and happenings.

http://www.southernheritageclassic.com/

And the winner is...

2009-09-08T16:46:00.011-05:00

If you have been keeping up with The Orpheum at all you know that this past Friday we had Rocky Horror Picture Show. Needless to say this movie was everything I had hoped for. People came to the movie ready for a good time and dressed to win the Annual Costume Contest. The costumes were amazing and made me laugh so terribly hard.

First we had the girl's contest and there were so many women that came up they could barely fit on stage.... Check out our wonderful Emcee in all black and of course the variety of costumes. Note this is not even half of the people on stage.

Well after glorious rounds of the crowd cheering we were able to narrow it down to the top 5. I think the crowd did a good job of picking one of almost every cast character...

Well can you all guess who won? Yup, the young little twelve year old who came out with her parents! She received by far the most cheers as well as people bowing down to her. You gotta love the RHPS crowd!

Do not worry we are not done with the costumes. Next we had the male contest. Now some males did not dress up as characters but they looked just as good and had just as much fun!

So as with the girls, we narrowed the males down to the top five and here they are...

The one boy dressed in all black--second from the left--we called him Beyonce. He was not dressed up like a character but he kept dancing for the audience similar to how Beyonce dances. He was pretty good....BUT, he did not win it. The winner of the Male Contest was....

For more photos of Rocky Horror Picture Show you can stop by our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/theorpheum#/theorpheum?ref=ts

It's the weekend PLUS Labor Day

2009-09-04T15:37:00.005-05:00

So it is the weekend again and a wonderfully long weekend! Many of us are going out of town to see friends and grab that one last trip to the beach before the summer is officially over. But what to do if your friends live here and the sun burn from your last beach visit is still scarring your skin? Well no worries because--per usual--Memphis has tons to do!

First I will rant and rave about what the Orpheum has to offer tonight----that is right, it's Rocky Horror Picture Show! Now this is a movie that you do not want to miss. At only $6 you really could not ask for a more entertaining evening. With humor and craziness and props galore this is a great show. The Annual Costume Contest starts at 8 PM tonight and yes people do dress like this so get excited...so funny:

Next we have CICADA, which is a new play by Voices of the South. I have heard many a good thing about Voices of the South and I am sure this one is no different. Now this is the last weekend that this show runs so do stop by and catch the show. http://www.artsmemphis.org/org/detail/2913

This glorious Labor Day weekend is also to be filled by the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival. Now I went last year and got $5 mojitos from Majestic Grille while listening to truly great music and an atmosphere that made me love Memphis even more. So basically you are enjoying yourself while supporting the Center for Southern Folklore a great organization that reminds everyone that Memphis' music is the best. The festival runs from 11AM to 11Pm on both the 5th and the 6th so make sure to go, get a poster and enjoy yourself.

Now I know there are many other great things to be done this weekend that I did not include. Do comment and let me know what else is going on in Memphis, on the corner of Main and Beale and beyond...

Quintern the Intern's Last Day

2009-08-21T10:58:00.007-05:00

Well, today is my last day at work. Although I believe I will be back over Christmas, it won't be as exciting as this summer has been. When I arrived back here this summer, I knew things would be better and they were. I have a better desk, and I was working better hours. I was beyond excited that Wicked was coming and couldn't wait to help out education during their Summer Institute camp.

I'll start with that. The Orpheum Summer Institute was a wonderful time. The way our Education put it together and allowed all the teenagers to meet the Wicked cast as well as do other awesome workshops was so much fun to watch. I made new friends and will hopefully be working on it again next summer, who knows?

A few weeks before that I did the Burger challenge. Does everyone remember that? Torture. Oh the things I do as an intern. It was fun but two days after that I got mono and was out of the office for almost two weeks. Was it the burger? I don't think so, it just so happens that the person who worked at my desk before I arrived had mono so I must have gotten it from using the same phone and keyboard as her. Not from eating a burger.

So Wicked arrived here at The Orpheum and I was beyond excited. I saw it three times, too much? Never. I went twice with the Summer Institute and once actually by myself. It was wonderful and I am sad I will not be in Memphis when it comes back next time. But I could not have learned more about handling a show and what it takes to run a large three week production.

As the summer went on I began to host more and more summer movies, it was great. I do think people enjoyed listening to me pretty much make a fool of myself. I had people notice me outside the theatre and say: "Hey aren't you the intern at The Orpheum" or my favorite one was: "Hey it's Quintern the Intern." I have one more curtain speech to go and then I am done. Hopefully to return next summer to do the same thing. The Orpheum Summer Movies are definitely one of the best things about working as a Summer Intern. You get to see the great classics on the big screen with an always entertaining crowd.

I am very thankful to have such a wonderful job at such a wonderful place. While this has been my only real job I have ever had, I know it will help me out in future positions I would like to apply to. Thanks Orpheum Theatre and the wonderful staff that works here for all the fun, knowledge and memories you have now bestowed on me.

Until next time,

Quintern the Intern

Memphis: The Musical

2009-08-07T15:05:00.008-05:00

Memphis: The Musical is set to come to Broadway this fall! Don't miss your chance to see this high energy new musical. What is so exciting about this musical is that The Orpheum Theatre is actually an investor in the show as well as the CEO/President Pat Halloran. Interested? You should be. Last week the two leads (Chad Kimball and Montego Glover) as well as the writer of the music (David Bryan, who was in the band Bon Jovi) came to The Orpheum.

While David played the piano the two unique singers blew the house away with their voices. Chad's high range gave goose bumps to the audience members, while Montego left them in tears. I personally became an even bigger fan of the show after seeing them live. They came to The Orpheum Theatre to try and find more investors for the show, although it is opening on Broadway the show is still lacking $250,000.

This musical has been in the planning stage for almost three years, but has done really well in Seattle as well as California. Many say it is the biggest hit since they can last remember. Here is a backstage look at the taking of the photos for the posters!!

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid2648494001?bclid=2652543001&bctid=31005416001

If you would like more information about the musical or even where to buy tickets, visit:

http://memphisthemusical.com/

Thanks,

Quintern the Intern

p.s. I have a blog as well!! http://www.qbsuey.wordpress.com/

New Restaurant on S. Main

2009-08-04T09:13:00.013-05:00

To everyones excitement a new restaurant, 'South Of Beale', is finally open! The owners--Ed Cabigao and Brittany Whisenant--have been working hard for some months now to get their restaurant ready to go. They have helped to prove the power of Twitter as they constantly blog about every detail of getting ready for the big opening day causing a buzz across Memphis.

I am personally excited about its gastro pub feel and its great selection of beers. Having been there twice now I can tell you that liquor/beer/wine selection wall is amazing and basically reaches from the floor to the ceiling (well almost). The atmosphere is cool and laid back as people gather around the bar just hanging out and drinking and dining on some really delicious food options.

I recommend this restaurant to everyone! It is open late and is a great way to gather with friends and have an easy going but fun night.

Check them out on Twitter @southofbeale or check out their website a http://www.blogger.com/www.southofbeale.com

Beale St. Flippers

2009-07-24T14:25:00.003-05:00

In case you missed the Beale St. Flippers on America's Got Talent on Wednesday night, check it out! These guys are amazing. It makes one proud to be a Memphian.

From graberpartners.com,

The Beale Street Flippers from Memphis impressed the judges last night on America’s Got Talent as they flipped and danced to Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”. Needless to say, the Beale Street Flippers are advancing to the next round of competition in Las Vegas. You can watch America’s Got Talent in Memphis on the NBC affiliate WMC-TV.

The Beale Street Flippers have been performing in Memphis for years, entertaining Beale Street patrons. According to Resource Entertainment Group, “They don’t sing or play an instrument, but they are the most popular act on Memphis’ legendary music mecca, Beale Street. While music blares from the clubs all around them, the Beale Street Flippers astonish the crowds with feats of acrobatic prowess that are, honestly, unbelievable.”

Honda Fit for $100

2009-07-20T10:21:00.005-05:00

The Orpheum is once again raffling an automobile for the Arts. In past years, the car has been a MINI Cooper, but this year the Theatre will raffle off a new 2009 Honda Fit. The Fit gets roughly 28mpg city and 35mpg highway. MSRP for the Honda Fit is $16,260. This raffle for the Arts is made possible by Wolfchase Honda.

For more information on the Honda Fit, visit 2009 Fit

Tickets are on-sale NOW. They are $100 each, and there will only be 1200 sold. Proceeds benefit The Orpheum's Education and Preservation programs. The drawing will be held November 14, 2009 at the 31st Annual Orpheum Auction.

But let's say you don't win the grand prize. There are great runner-up prizes as well.

Second prize: Orpheum Broadway Season Tickets
- Two Suite tickets and a parking pass to Cirque Dreams Holidaze, The Wizard of Oz, Jersey Boys, South Pacific and Chicago.

Third prize: An Evening with the Jersey Boys
- You and three guests will be swept away by a limo to enjoy a pre-theatre dinner, a suite for a performance of Jersey Boys and an invitation to the cast party (subject to availability)

Fourth prize: An Evening in Oz
- You and three guests will enjoy an imaginative evening in a suite for a performance of The Wizard of Oz and an invitation to the cast party (subject to availability)

Fifth prize (6): "Movie Madness" party for 20
- Twenty tickets to the 2010 Orpheum Movie Series, popcorn and soft drinks for you and your guests, your name in lights on the Orpheum Marquee over Main Street

Purchase tickets here

Orpheum Art Auction this Thursday the 16th

2009-07-15T08:26:00.004-05:00

View this year's Art by going to the online preview. Art Auction kicks off tomorrow at the Theatre at 5pm with the silent auction. Admission is free, and there will be hors' d'oeuvres from Itta Bena, Majestic Grille, Circa, and Automatic Slims. There will also be happy hour drink prices. The live auction gets underway at 7pm.

Some of the featured artists include:
Betsy Bird
Mike Maness
Rollin Kocsis
Martin LaBorde
David Lynch
Betsy Brackin

And from 5:45 to 7pm, there will also be live music from violinist and fiddler Donna Wolf

Commercial Appeal Review of WICKED

2009-06-29T12:26:00.002-05:00

Magic of 'Wicked' is not to be missed
By Jon W. Sparks

Friday, June 26, 2009

"Wicked" is an astonishing triumph, certainly one of the best productions ever to work its magic on the Orpheum stage.

The story of Oz before the disruptive arrival of Dorothy and Toto (mere pawns in a conspiracy!) brilliantly plays off our childhood love of the enduring "Wizard of Oz" film.

You immersed yourself in the cinematic adventures in and around the Emerald City; likewise, you will soak up the stage musical that is deliciously cinematic in its own way.

The clever tale shaped by composer Stephen Schwartz (and a winner of three Tony Awards) begins after Dorothy's fateful visit. Glinda the Good explains how Elphaba Thropp -- better known as the Wicked Witch of the West -- came to have such a poor reputation and met her liquid end.

The sheer energy of the show starts at the get-go, with Glinda descending among bubbles. Heléne Yorke is the frothy sorceress, a blend of Britney and "Clueless" who has a gorgeous voice and terrific comic timing.

As the eternally popular one at school, she becomes roomies with Elphaba, who is green skinned, studious and gifted with magical abilities, and who repulses all who see her, even Munchkins. Marcie Dodd pulls off this role with an exquisite voice and compelling presence. You will not soon forget her ascension in "Defying Gravity" at the end of the first act, rising on the stage and stunningly lit.

That lighting effect is merely one example of the brilliant design of the production that is meticulously arranged to not only wow the audience, but also lure us further into the story.

The sets are storybook Victorian expressions of a culture not so foreign to us. The lighting transports us, whether to places of darkness or to the Emerald City. Costumes look like they came from a Bizarro Christmas Carol, vivid and melding into the choreography. The busyness on stage is enhanced by a fascination with wheeled vehicles that frequently appear.

Everywhere you look or listen, there are more delights. Note the nods throughout to Harry Potter, "Beauty and the Beast," "Evita," "High School Musical" and "Chicago," which just add to the fun.

Orpheum president Pat Halloran announced before the show that 55,000 tickets had been sold out of 57,000 available.

You'll be disappointed if you miss the magic.

Theater Review

"Wicked"

The show continues through July 12 at the Orpheum, 203 S. Main. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 1:30 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $38-$138. Call 525-3000.

A day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of orchestra seats will be held daily, about 21/2 hours prior to show for people present at the box office. Names will be drawn for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only, with a limit of two tickets per person.

Calling Memphis Artists

2009-06-18T15:43:00.000-05:00

The 15th Annual Orpheum Summer Art Auction is Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 5pm.

This event benefits local artists and art in our schools. What could be better?

This year's Art Auction will feature a Live and Silent Auction. 75% of the selling price goes to the artist and 25% benefits the Orpheum's Education and Community programs department.

And the best part -- The artist sets the minimum on their piece.

If you are interested contact Kate Hackett at hackett@orpheum-memphis.com for more info and an art submission contract.

Best Pizza in Town? ~ Red Rooster?, Classic John Belushi

2009-06-16T13:55:00.006-05:00

Who has the Best Pizza in town? Any glaring omissions here?
Yes, it is a personal preference, but who would you say? I'm a fan of the BBQ pizza which is partly why I've selected Boscos #1. Here are my rankings:

1. Boscos -- Germantown Purist(pictured above). I could easily eat two everytime.
2. Movie & Pizza Co.; Very fresh- generous with chicken
3. Camy's -- love all the combinations you can make and the veggie selections
4. Memphis Pizza Cafe- BBQ chicken
5. Carrabba's-- I know it's a chain but the Margherita Pizza is delicious.

I know some people really like Coletta's, Garibaldi's, ExLines, and Fox Ridge Pizza. Maybe I need to go back to re-evaluate those places. Victoria also puts in a vote for Old Venice.

Also, still have to try Johnny Brusco's, Fire N Stone Pizzeria,... and

RED ROOSTER! I'm going to walk over after Animal House and get the $12 pizza/pitcher special with my ticket stub from Animal House.
I'm trying to decide between The Delta King(BBQ piled high with pork, cheese, and signature sauce) or The Male Hale (chunks of ham, bacon, and pineapple piled high with tomatoes). Looking forward to trying it out. Maybe I'll sample both. Please feel free to pass along any other suggestions.

Just a preview of the awesomeness that will take place at the Orpheum this Friday.

How to Make a Toga!

2009-06-15T15:09:00.006-05:00

Debauchery @ The Orpheum
This Friday, wear your toga to the Orpheum Theatre in honor of the movie for the night, ANIMAL HOUSE. The Winner of the Best Toga Contest will receive 2 tickets to see Eddie Vedder's sold out show at the Theatre the next night. The Best Toga will be determined by audience reaction. If you want to wear your toga and not compete for Best Toga, that's fine too. The movie starts at 7:15 but the contest is before. Be sure to get there by 7.

First of all, you can always wear a sheet, but that amount of effort may not be enough to guarantee you win those tickets. Unless of course, you bring 10 friends and tell them to scream their loudest for you.

You could go to a cloth store like Hancock Fabrics or Hobby Lobby and grab some cheap cloth with a cool design.Or you could go with your classic white. Get four yards of cloth at standard 5 or so feet in width.

Here are the basics, according to howtomakeatoga.info,
The toga cloth is basically long and narrow
(Which is why sheets don't work well)
Pin one end of it to your waist
Wrap it around you at least once
Should hang to about the knees
Pin it at the waist again, on the right or left side
Throw the rest over one shoulder
Around the back
Pin it at the waist again
Wear gym shorts underneath, or whatever you want
Sandals, if possible

This week's Movie Rundown, Cosmos, South Main Fashion Show, Perfect Father's Day Gift ~Shelton Clothiers

2009-06-10T13:24:00.013-05:00

Tomorrow, Thursday the 11th, the Movie Series is back with the first Chick Flick of the summer.
SEX AND THE CITY at 7:15pm
-Lovely ladies will be modeling clothes from Runway Boutique and Muse Inspired Fashion.
-Guys will wear the hottest offerings from Shelton Clothiers.
-Itta Bena/B.B. King's in the lobby with special offers before the show
The short played before this movie is a Betty Boop cartoon from the 1930s.

And, on Friday, JAWS at 7:15pm.
Patrons are invited to bring in their best vacation photo. All those who bring one in will be entered in a drawing for a one night stay in the King Suite at the Downtown Hampton Inn.
Shark Attack Drinks-- Virgin and Alcoholic- Featuring a plastic shark with grenadine to squeeze in to add a touch of sweetness to your drink.
The short played before this movie will be the Lone Ranger.

If you can't make it to the movie, check out this recap JAWS in 30 seconds with bunnies

I went into Shelton Clothiers yesterday and was very impressed. It has to be one of the best clothing stores in Memphis. I walked in and Steve came over and asked to help me. I was looking at sportcoats. Here's the thing-- I'm not a standard size or easy to fit per se. In less than a minute without taking any measurements or asking any size-related questions, I was in a sportcoat that fit perfectly in the shoulders and chest and at the sleeves. I'd never met this guy before! In my experience, you usually have to try on at least three before they get it right.

They have really nice sport shirts and sportcoats-- very sharp looking and not unreasonably priced for men's fashion. I liked the uniqueness and versatility of the shirts the best. They are dressy, but they could also be casual. They have a look that you can't pinpoint to any one store. I can always tell when someone is wearing something from Men's Wearhouse. I shop there myself but have grown tired of the sameness of the clothes. Grab a gift certificate for Dad!

And, for those who have just graduated college or high school, treat yourself to a nice, expensive dark colored suit. It can be used for weddings, funerals,interviews and a host of other events. You owe it to yourself. These suits fit better and therefore look better! Maybe in the 40s and 50s you could buy a nice suit for $99, but not today.

Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys, July 31-August 2 @ The Orpheum; Tickets On-Sale Friday, June 12

2009-06-08T11:10:00.009-05:00

“Dora the Explorer Live!” is coming to explore Memphis!
Dora, the World Famous Explorer will perform at The Orpheum Theatre from July 31- August 2, 2009
Tickets are on-sale this Friday, June 12 and range from $12.75-$37.75

Fri, July 31, 2009 6:00 PM
Sat, Aug. 1, 2009 11:00 AM
Sat, Aug. 1, 2009 2:00 PM
Sat, Aug. 1, 2009 5:00 PM
Sun, Aug. 2, 2009 2:00 PM
Sun, Aug. 2, 2009 5:00 PM

Say "Hi Bob" at the Children's Museum and see him on WREG's Live at 9

2009-06-04T18:00:00.000-05:00

And you can play "Hi Bob" tomorrow night at the Orpheum as long as the spouse has the keys...

Bob the Builder will appear Friday, June 5 at the Children's Museum from 11-1. The Children's Museum folks have fun activities planned along with giveaways and drawings. He is looking forward to the interactions with the children as most of his time his spent with talking inanimate objects.

In the morning before he meets with kids at the Museum, Bob will be at Peabody Place to see how the work is coming along converting the place into suites. Of course, the project has stalled due to economic conditions, but Bob will meet with his friend Joe the Plumber and analyze the worksmanship to this point.
If you tune in to Live at 9 on WREG Ch.3, you might see a glimpse of the man himself.

Then at night, he returns to the stage for Bob the Builder LIVE! at the Orpheum at 6pm.

JERSEY BOYS to perform at Tony awards this Sunday

2009-06-04T10:06:00.006-05:00

The Tony Awards are this Sunday, June 7 from 7-10pm on CBS. This year's awards show will feature a special performance by the touring production of JERSEY BOYS. If you are looking for a preview of The Orpheum's 2009-2010 season, tune in on Sunday and watch a performance from this 2006 winner for Best Musical. JERSEY BOYS is a worldwide smash hit musical, and is coming to Memphis for a three week limited engagement Jan. 27- Feb. 14, 2010.

There will also be performances from Legally Blonde:The Musical and Mamma Mia!,which were both part of last year's Orpheum Broadway Series.

Marketing Intern Quentin Busey attempts the Kookamonga Challenge at the Kooky Canuck

2009-06-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

Orpheum Theatre Marketing Intern Quentin Busey took the Kookamonga Challenge yesterday and made a valiant effort to eat the 4 lbs of beef, 2 lbs of bun, and one and a half pounds of lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and cheese. As of June, only 5 people out of over 2,000 have finished it in under 60 minutes. In other words, there's a 99.75% Fail rate. Two of Kookamonga's five conquerors were world-class competitive eaters.

Shawn, owner of the Kooky Canuck presented him with the Kookamonga and introduced our intrepid culinary adventurer/glutton to everyone in the restaurant. After a rousing applause, Quentin began his journey toward immortality.

He started by ignoring competitive eating wisdom that says you should start with the bun. He devoured a good portion of the meat in the first 10 minutes and showed no signs of slowing. He was focused and confident, undaunted by the burger's mammoth size. Knowing that such an amazing feat would earn him esteem and bring honor to his family, he fought through the first twinge of pain. The pain would subside, he assured himself, but his pride, the Kookamonga would not strip him of his pride.

"I literally feel like I'm going to vomit." - Quentin Busey

Quentin collected his emotions and tackled the pickles, one of his least favorite foods. Watching him eat those pickles, you wouldn't have guessed his distaste for them.

Quentin continued his consumption, digging deep inside for the strength to keep eating. And you know what? He found that strength... Well, kind of.

"I feel like I can't taste anymore." -Quentin Busey

He started to slow considerably, and his eyes glazed over. His face had lost its competitive fire, and was now serene or maybe even emotionless.

Quentin didn't take down the Kookamonga Burger that day. No, in fact, he didn't even come close. But he did show us that a person can do great things in this life if they follow their dreams. And those dreams happen to involve eating seven and a half pounds of food in one hour.

Congratulations to you, Quentin Busey- Legend among Men

Photo Recap

Orpheum Theatre Intern to take on Kookamonga Challenge at the Kooky Canuck tomorrow at 1pm...

2009-06-02T08:30:00.002-05:00

Fresh from his first year at Wagner College in NYC where is pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Quentin Busey is back home and working for The Orpheum. Coming home from your first year at college is always a tough adjustment, and we thought what better way to get old Q re-acclimated to life in Memphis than a stop at the Kooky Canuck for an enormous burger eating challenge.
If you can't make it to Kooky Canuck on Wednesday, we'll make sure to post some pictures. Read more about the challenge here.
You can see more of Quentin this summer! He will be emceeing Summer Movie Series trivia contests in July and August. Also, be sure and check him out in the Theatre Memphis production of Curtains, June 12-28!

Putting Education First: The Orpheum Theatre awarded National Endowment for the Arts grant!

2009-06-01T11:03:00.012-05:00

The Orpheum Theatre’s Department of Education and Community Programs has been awarded a Regional Touring Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and Southern Arts Federation for Dallas Children’s Theatre’s Most Valuable Player, coming to The Orpheum February 16, 2010 as a part of the Family Series and Student Matinee Series. This triumphant story of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play major league baseball, chronicles the young athlete's nonviolent struggle to integrate what was then considered a "white man's game." Jackie's courage, intelligence, leadership, resilience, and athletic skill propelled him to become a national hero.
The majority of students who attend The Orpheum’s Student Matinee Series performances qualify for the Federal Free Lunch Program and The Orpheum offers ticket discounts and grants in order to ensure that children in Memphis and the surrounding areas have equal access to quality children’s theatre performances at the theatre.

Last school year, The Orpheum awarded over 5,000 free Student Matinee Series tickets to students in deserving classrooms all over the city.

Click here for more information on The Orpheum’s 2009-2010 Student Matinee Series.

-Shelby Monning Patterson
Manager of Education and Community Programs

WICKED tickets are still on sale.

2009-05-30T06:00:00.002-05:00

The show is not sold out. Yes, there are still WICKED tickets available! I think people assumed they sold out in minutes. The show is here from June 24-July 12 for a total of 24 performances.
There are still seats available for every performance of WICKED. Here are the show dates that have the best seats available:

Thursday, June 25 (Matinee)
Wednesday, July 1
Friday, July 3
Saturday, July 4 (Matinee)
Saturday, July 4 (Evening)
Sunday, July 5 (Matinee)
Sunday, July 5 (Evening)
Tuesday, July 7
Wednesday, July 8
Sunday, July 12 (Evening)

Visit orpheum-memphis.com or call the box office at (901)525-3000 to get your tickets today.

Celebs at the Orpheum

2009-05-29T15:20:00.001-05:00

Our own Orpheum RSVP edition:

Pat Neely, Liza Coombs, Laurie Holt, and Gina Neely @ India.Arie Concert 5/24/09

The Orpheum's own Rapheal Hamilton, and Justin Timberlake, oh wait, I mean Robin Thicke

You never know who's going to show up at the office. Patron and Partner Services Manager Kate Hackett, and former Notre Dame basketball coach and current ESPN analyst Digger Phelps. It's like we work in Bristol,CT! Digger is fan of opera and the performing arts. He planned to star in "Love Letters" with the Orpheum as a producer until his basketball obligations limited the project.

Box Office Manager Glenda Young and Chris Tucker. Chris was in town to see Maxwell at The Orpheum.

Raph, again! Backstage with Academy award winner Jennifer Hudson after the show on 5/11.

W.W. Herenton was seen at the Hudson/Thicke show, but we have no photographic evidence.

Also, randomly, former NBA all-star and current LA Clippers guard Baron Davis was on the guest list for the North Mississippi All-Stars show on New Year's Eve 2008, but never showed.

Swiss Family Robinson, ARTreach, Disney Trivia, Bounce n Fun Event Rentals, '10 movie suggestions

2009-05-29T09:51:00.012-05:00

Last night, The Orpheum Summer Movie Series featured the Disney classic Swiss Family Robinson. There was a great turnout for this special family movie night. The price was right- a $1 donation to the Theatre's ARTreach program. ARTreach is a new initiative that supports the Theatre's 17 education programs that impact thousands of Mid-South families.
There were lots of families with little ones who were probably seeing this tale of adventure for the first time. I snapped a photo of a family of four-- with an itty bitty little guy-- who donned straw hats for the occassion. I only had my phone so it unfortunately turned out too dark.
Surprisingly, there were many young 20 something couples at this movie. It's always fun reliving something you loved in your childhood, and I'm sure they enjoyed the nostalgia. I remember seeing it when I was in single digits and, of course, adamantly requesting an elaborate tree house afterward.

Before the show started, there was a Disney family trivia contest on stage. Brave Disney enthusiasts put their name in a hat and three lucky participants were selected from stage. Holli Kenney, The Orpheum's Director Of Development, played host for the contest.
Team 1 buzzing in with the correct answer to the question, "What Disney movie featured the villain Ursula?"

Team 1 had the most correct answers and won a 16ft inflatable water slide from Bounce n Fun Event rentals. But, at The Orpheum, everyone is a winner!
Second place earned a commemorative mug and four summer movies passes. Third place received four summer movie passes.

What should be next year's $1 Family Movie Night???

Arts patron Mrs. Levitt tours the Orpheum (Think Levitt Shell, Free Music)

2009-05-27T16:19:00.025-05:00

New York philanthropist Mrs. Mimi Levitt visited The Orpheum Theatre on Wednesday. She and late husband Mortimer established the Mortimer Levitt Foundation in 1966 to provide assistance to performing arts venues that build communities and support diversity. Mrs. Levitt funded the 2007 renovation effort of the Overton Park Shell that preceded its re-opening in fall of last year as the Levitt Shell at Overton Park. Her contributions to the Levitt Shell amount to over 1 million dollars over the past five years. She is not only a noted Arts benefactress, but also an avid fan of opera and historic preservation, which led her to The Orpheum, the first building in Memphis to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Orpheum Building Manager Richard Reniach led Mrs. Levitt on a tour of the South's Finest Theatre. Representatives from Opera Memphis,the Levitt Shell, and the New Ballet Ensemble were present as the Viennese octogenarian learned about the 1928 construction, the 1984 and 1998 renovations, the Wurlitzer organ, the near flawless theatre acoustics, and, of course, Mary the Ghost.
Mrs. Levitt was impressed with the restoration, particularly the detailed gold leaf. Reinach said the cost of painting the interior during the 1998 renovation was over $500,000! It won't be too much longer until the work needs to be redone. There is only one company that the few remaining historic theatres in the U.S. trust for this kind of work, and they're located in New Berlin, Wisconsin, of all places.

There are currently five Levitt Pavillions across the United States - Los Angeles, Pasadena,CA; Arlington, TX; and the original Levitt in Westport,CT. They are all characterized by a grassy open-air setting, professional sound, musical diversity, and family friendliness. However, they all reflect the uniqueness of their community. Oh, and the concerts are all free!!!
Just as an aside-- When I first learned of the new name and was completely uninformed on the project, I remember thinking that attaching Levitt to The Shell was a bad idea. On a trip, I'd seen information on a concert that was at the Levitt Pavilion in LA. I made the assumption, wrongly, that Levitt was some sort of national corporate conglomerate that buys these venues across the country, sometimes renovates them, and makes a substantial profit under the guise of growing arts in the community. Corporations are always looking to attach their name to any arena, stadium, or other place people flock. Other than demolition, what could be worse for our Shell? The Shell that is an indelible part of Memphis history, where Elvis played one of his first concerts in 1954. (Some call it the first rock 'n roll concert ever.) The Shell that's located in the heart of Memphis's cultural hotbed. If I had one day to make someone truly feel what it is to be a Memphian, apart from our great tourist attrations, a concert in Overton Park at The Levitt Shell wouldn't be a bad place to start.
The truth about the rechristening as the Levitt Shell is the complete opposite. The Levitts have been dedicated to preserving these venues and ensuring that they remain a community treasure. When Mortimer Levitt sold his custom shirt clothing empire that catered to celebs and businessmen in 1997, all of the proceeds were transferred directly to the Arts Foundation he and his wife set up three decades earlier.
Most of these Shells and other outdoor pavilions built during the Great Depression are no longer standing. Our own Shell was scheduled to be razed in the early 1960s, 1972, and 1984, but was saved by citizen organization and effort.
In addition to increased exposure to the Arts for all Memphians, the re-opening of the Levitt Shell seems to have strengthened ties between what some might think would be competing arts groups. And for most everyone else, the 2008 opening has been a source of civic pride.

Thank you Mrs. Levitt!

FREE Music in Memphis at the Levitt Shell
Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
May 28 - Jun 28, 2009

Which shows are you most excited about seeing in the Orpheum's next Broadway season?

2009-05-27T13:37:00.005-05:00

Which shows are you most excited about seeing in the 2009-2010 Broadway season?(ning polls)

Priscilla, The King's Horse Stables, and Blue Hawaii

2009-05-27T11:22:00.015-05:00

Priscilla Presley was in Memphis today to meet with the media about the opening of the stables at Graceland. She gave about a 30 minute guided tour of the facility, located behind the racquetball court in the southeast corner of the property. This is the first time the stables have been opened to the public. The exhibit features two horses, video of Elvis riding, and two saddles The King used. It will remain open for tourists through Labor Day. I believe it will return annually as a summer exhibit.

There were horses on the land when Elvis purchased Graceland in 1957. He cared for these horses and started to ride. After being thrown from a horse named Flaming Star, he took a hiatus from riding before rediscovering his love for equines. Elvis bought horses for his father, members of his entourage, and their wives. It didn't matter whether you knew how to ride or even liked horses, you were getting a horse, Priscilla said.
She noted that he loved to ride horses on the property as a way to unwind. His favorite thing was to ride close to the wall at the front of the property so that people could watch him.
The horses in the stable today are Bandit and Max. Bandit is smaller with one blue eye and enjoys following Max around. Both horses are in the process of learning to bow. Bandit and Max were both rescued.

The Orpheum has enjoyed partnering with Elvis Presley Enterprises through the years. Jack Soden, President of EPE, is a former member of the Orpheum's Board of Directors. The musical ALL SHOOK UP, an EPE investment that featured Elvis hits played The Orpheum in March of 2007 and provided an opportunity for two Memphis icons to work together for a joint promotion.
This year, the Orpheum's Summer Movie Series will show the Elvis classic Blue Hawaii at 6pm on August 9 as part of the Elvis Tribute Week Festivities. There's something cool about watching Elvis on the big screen in the Orpheum where he used to come see movies(when it was MALCO's flagship) as a relative unknown in the early 1950s.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE MEMPHIS AUDITIONS AIR THIS WEDNESDAY at 7pm

2009-05-26T17:01:00.004-05:00

The Memphis auditions of the show SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, filmed in March at the Orpheum will air Wednesday on Fox at 7pm. Set your DVR accordingly! Maybe you'll see this guy..

An estimated 5,000 aspiring dance stars turned out for the first round of auditions at the Cadre Building. The next day a select few were invited back to perform for the show’s judges at the Orpheum for a chance to perform at a taping in Las Vegas. The Commercial Appeal reported that the show’s judges were disappointed with the talent level in Memphis. It will be interesting to see who made it through. On the day of the auditions, the producers shot about a half an hour of footage of an eclectic group showing their best moves across the street. A few of the girls demonstrated their flexibility on a passing horse carriage. I saw two guys dressed in swing dancing garb burst out of the Theatre, showing their “ticket” bibs to the camera, turning to run up Main Street and doing a heel click in unison. The show went to five other cities including Denver, Seattle, New York, Miami and Los Angeles.
Maybe there will be another local contestant to do our city proud !

P. Halloran on 98.1 THE MAX

2009-05-26T08:42:00.008-05:00

Orpheum President Pat Halloran was on the Drake and Zeke radio program last Friday to discuss the upcoming Broadway season.
About the 7:28 mark, Zeke has an anecdote about his experience taking the kids to Scooby Doo at The Orpheum a few years ago. Hilarious...

Also, Tom Jones to the Orpheum? 8:05 mark

How do they pick casts for the touring shows? 4:45 mark

Pat also notes that Paulo Szot, the actor who plays Emile de Becque in South Pacific on Broadway will be part of the touring production that comes to the Orpheum March 23-28, 2010. Szot won the 2008 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for this role. He is also an internationally acclaimed Opera singer.

Visit the 98.1 Podcasts page and click on the (052209 809.mp3) file underneath May 22, 2009.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Biopic

2009-05-19T13:39:00.005-05:00

Stephen Spielberg and Dreamworks have obtained the rights from King's estate for a film on the civil rights icon. It will be the first King movie to be authorized by the family. Filmmakers will be able to examine all of his papers, speeches, video, and personal belongings as they construct the life and legacy of Dr. King.

So much to cover in his short 39 years.

This will be the first dramatization of King's life. He did appear in the documentary King: A Filmed Record ... Montgomery to Memphis in 1970.

There is no clear date for when the movie will begin shooting. Although Dr. King is associated with Atlanta, his birthplace, I think one of the advance screenings for the completed work should be in Memphis at the Orpheum, just a few blocks north of the Civil Rights Museum. It really would be great for the city.

Oh golly gee, damn!

2009-05-18T14:26:00.004-05:00

This Friday, the Orpheum Summer Movie Series starts with Breakfast at Tiffany's at 7:15pm.

There will be an Audrey Hepburn Look-a-like contest before the show. From Tim Gunn to Stacy and Clinton, everyone agrees that a litte black dress is something every woman should own. Those who wear this essential to the movie this Friday will have the chance to saunter across the stage in our Hepburn Look-a-like contest. Whoever best embodies Holly GoLightly's inconic style will win movie tickets. All ages can participate. The Theatre did this last year and it was a lot of fun for everyone.

In Norway, it's Byggmester Bob

2009-05-14T13:26:00.006-05:00

Editor's Note: Bob is going to be at The Orpheum June 5-7 in a new stage show Bob the Builder Live!

"Apparently, this guy does more than show kids how to operate heavy machinery. When the whistle blows and the project is finished, he expresses himself through music. His self-titled debut album had two singles go straight to number one on the UK and Australian charts. The first single "Can We Fix It" remains an anthem with the under 5 working class set. His remake of "Mambo #5" ensured that the album received radio airplay for more than a year. Industry insiders were impressed with the artistry, but could not convince him to tour in support of the record.
The long-awaited and much anticipated follow-up album dropped last year to critical acclaim. "It's a much edgier effort and really shows his growth as an artist," said Farmer Pickles. One need not look any further than the album's title, "Never Mind the Breeze Blocks", a clear reference to the Sex Pistols 1977 epic "Never Mind the Bollocks". Bob admits that he really relates to the Pistols music because of the way they address the role of the monarchy and the social class structure in a post WW II Britain.

Great NEWS--- BOB is on TOUR for the FIRST time. His rider includes only one thing: cheese and tomato sandwiches! I wanted to know more about this BOB. I caught up with the man on tour and we sat down for an exlcusive interview. I think some of his answers will surprise you..."

Q. What is your show about?
A. Well, my building team and I have a big job to build a wind farm and recycling center in Sunflower Valley. Things don’t go very smoothly, things go missing and Sunflower Valley gets covered in horrible trash! We all pull together and get things fixed.

Q. Who is joining you on tour?
A. Wendy will be there of course! Along with Scoop, Dizzy, Lofty and Scrambler from my brilliant machine team. Spud the scarecrow, Farmer Pickles and Mayor Bentley have also come along for the ride!

Q. What do you hope that your fans will take away from your show?
A. The team and I have such a great time working together and solving any problems that pop up, I just want everyone to know that The Fun Is In Getting It Done! With this new project, we are also learning that everyone can do something when it comes to reducing, reusing and recycling our everyday trash to help the environment. We’ll share the tools needed to care about the environment through recycling, teamwork, cooperation, and of course, a Can-Do attitude.

Q. How long have you and the Can-Do Crew been away from Sunflower Valley? What do you miss the most?
A. We’ve been away for quite a while. I miss all of our great friends there, but we’ve visited and met lots of great new friends, too.

Q. You and the Can-Do Crew have worked on many different types of building projects. What is your favorite thing to build?
A: Wow, that’s a hard question. I love all types of building – from putting up a house to fixing a garden wall. No job is too big or too small. We fix it all.

Q: Who is your favorite member of the Can-Do Crew?
A. I can’t possibly choose! All my machines are my favorites because they are all great at different things. I need each and every one of them!

Q. Why do you always use the sentence, “Can we fix it? Yes, we can!”?
A. Because it’s true! With teamwork and a positive attitude, everything is possible.

Q. Why did you choose to be a builder?
A. I always knew I was going to be a builder. My dad was a builder too and he taught me everything I know. I couldn’t imagine being anything else.

Q: After a long day at work, how do you like to unwind and relax?
A: Well after a hard day of building and digging, I like to make a nice cup of tea and listen to the radio!

Oh, What a Season!

2009-05-13T10:54:00.013-05:00

3 Classic Broadway Shows
1 Timeless movie musical adapatation
1 Imaginative, acrobatic extravaganza
1 New Classic and Broadway's Biggest Success Story

A Chorus Line, September 22 – 27, 2009
Cirque Dreams: Holidaze, November 17 – 22, 2009
The Wizard of Oz, December 15 – 20, 2009
Jersey Boys, January 27 – February 14, 2010
South Pacific, March 23 – March 28, 2010
Chicago, June 25 – 27, 2010 (Season Option)

The prices start at $99.50 to see all five of these shows.

The Announcement Party was a great success. FOX 13 WHBQ streamed the entire event live on their website myfoxmemphis.com, and News Channel 3 WREG shot footage of the event to use on Daybreak this morning.

Those who came enjoyed complimentary wine and cheese, soft drinks and popcorn. They received a goody bag with t-shirt, mug, restaurant coupons to The Majestic, Automatic Slim's, Encore, Orleans on Front and Spindini as well as a new season mousepad.

The live performances were excellent. The E Studio singers performed selections from each show:

"What I Did for Love" from A Chorus Line
"All that Jazz" from Chicago
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
"I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair" from South Pacific
"Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and "Walk Like A Man" from Jersey Boys, made famous by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

More event photos:

The lobby quickly filled up with those eager to hear the new lineup.

Guests sampled six different wines.

Raphael helping subscribers renew for the '09-'10 season.

Some cheese with your wine?

Free Wine sampling, iPod Touch giveaway, live music and Six Fabulous Shows!

2009-05-11T15:30:00.001-05:00

The Orpheum Theatre will hold its Broadway season Announcement Party on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. The doors open at 5:45pm with complimentary soft drinks and popcorn in the lobby. Free wine samples will be offered along with cocktails at special happy hour prices. The evening’s program includes a season video preview and live performances of songs from each show. The event concludes at 7pm, at which time patrons can subscribe or renew in the lobby, and then enjoy the special offers extended to attendees by our restaurant partners.

All those who attend will receive generous downtown restaurant coupons, a new season mouse pad, and a Summer Movie Series ticket, a $6 value. One new iPod touch, additional movie passes, and Orpheum gear will be given away from the stage during the event.
Current subscribers who renew their subscription that night will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a trip to New York City or a Gourmet Dining package featuring $50 gift certificates to Encore, The Majestic Grille, Circa, Orleans on Front, Spindini, Automatic Slim’s, and the Inn at Hunt Phelan.

Audience reviews of Fiddler

2009-05-11T13:16:00.003-05:00

Meant to get this up earlier, but here is what some audience members thought of Topol and Fiddler on the Roof during Wednesday evening's performance.

The review is in...Topol keeps his 'Fiddler' legacy nuanced, fresh

2009-05-08T11:37:00.002-05:00

Here's what arts writer Christopher Blank had to say:

"His deep, resonant voice hasn't changed, nor has the weary physicality of his belabored milkman. His Tevye has the slightest limp in his walk and a heaviness of spirit that carries the weight of the world. It was true when he first played Tevye in his 30s, and it's the same today.

Traditionalists will think they have died and gone to heaven with this tour. And for those just seeing the show for the first time, this might be the production that sets the bar."

Read the full review here

Topol on television

2009-05-07T13:29:00.003-05:00

Topol sat down with Marybeth and Alex from News Channel 3 Live at 9 yesterday to talk about playing the role of Tevye for five decades. He spoke about what it was like to perform Fiddler with his own daughter as Chava, and also described the Jordan River Village, a camp for children with life-threatening diseases he founded in the Lower Galilee.

Check it out here...

Orpheum welcomes elementary students

2009-05-06T14:21:00.019-05:00

April 28 marked the second bi-annual Memphis City Schools Exhibition of Student Work. At schools across the city, students exhibited projects that represented months of preparation and hard work.

At Fox Meadows Elementary, Mrs. Daphne Crenshaw’s first graders decided to make their project all about The Orpheum Theatre. They read and learned about the theatre and, during their spring break, five student representatives came to visit the theatre in person to learn more about the people who work here and the jobs that we do.

Each student came prepared to interview a staff member with a list of questions that would help them learn more about our jobs. They interviewed our Graphic Design Coordinator, Vice President of Administration, Technical Director, Group Sales Manager, and Director of Box Office Operations and they got to see firsthand how many different jobs go into running a theatre.

After their interviews, the students got to go on a tour of the theatre. Everyone was very impressed to see how the crew is able to set up entire sets and lighting designs in just hours. Our sound technician entertained everyone with a story about Mary, The Orpheum’s good ghost, and the students finished their tour with a look inside the box office.

For their Exhibition project, Mrs. Crenshaw’s students re-created The Orpheum outside of their classroom, making a replica of the Orpheum sign and marquee as well as the stars on our “walk of fame”. They learned a lot about the history of the building and the thousands of performers that have graced the stage, and they look forward to visiting the theatre again and again!

----Shelby Patterson
Manager of Education and Community Programs, The Orpheum Theatre

2009 ARTReach Online Auction

2009-05-05T13:48:00.008-05:00

Check out The Orpheum's online auction. Donate or Bid today and put EDUCATION Center Stage!!

Visit auction.orpheum-memphis.com

You can peruse the boards and register to bid if you see something you like. Most of the opening bids are $5, and there are no reserves on any of the items. This is an opportunity to get some great deals.
Original artwork, hotel stays, concert and show ticket packages, and a lot of great Broadway memorabilia are ready to go to the highest bidder.

The auction benefits the Theatre's ARTreach campaign. This fundaraising drive supports the Education and Community Programs Department at The Orpheum. There are 17 Education programs coordinated by the Theatre, and they impact over 40,000 students and families annually.
More on the involvement of our Education Department with local schools to come tomorrow...

Opening Night

2009-05-05T11:51:00.007-05:00

Two semis have backed up to the loading dock and dozens of stagehands are busy assembling the sets, adjusting the lights, and checking the sound. Cases of wine, beer, and water are being delivered. Boxes of show programs are placed before each entrance to the auditorium. Vacuums are humming and window glass is squeaking. Members of Fiddler's merchandise crew assemble the stand where they will hawk t-shirts, hats, and other commemorative memorabilia. The box office phones are ringing incessantly with those looking to scoop up last minute tickets for the engagement. It's opening night, and the Theatre is almost ready.
One last change- the company manager for Troika, the touring group, insists that the Orpheum is contractually obligated to add "Topol in" to the "Fiddler on the Roof" currently on the electronic marquee. A few clicks of the mouse and that problem is solved.

Later on after everything on stage is set, the musicians go down in the orchestra pit and sound check. All of the stagehands and a few of the musicians are locals.

In the late afternoon, the principal actors may do a short run through of a few scenes, or understudies may receive additional rehearsal time.

After five, the Friends of the Orpheum ushers will arrive and get in position to greet patrons and escort them to their seats. The bartenders will enter the Theatre and make sure they are well stocked for the evening. Tonight, Donna, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Administration will man the concierge desk across from the Fiddler merch to answer any questions patrons may have. At 6:30, the doors open and patrons flood the lobby. An hour later, they will be transported to Anatevka circa 1905.

L'Chaim, Topol!

2009-05-04T10:55:00.005-05:00

L'Chaim means "To Life!". Fiddler on the Roof starring Chaim Topol as Tevye starts tomorrow, May 5 . This is the first time Fiddler has been to Memphis in over 8 years. Theodore Bikel played Tevye in a production that ran the second week of January 2001. This week-long engagement marks only the fifth time a touring Broadway cast has performed Fiddler in the Mid-South.

In a farewell performance, Topol, 73, will make his Memphis theatre debut. Read more about Topol in arts writer Christopher Blank's preview article, "New Stroke on 'Fiddler'" from the May 1 Commercial Appeal.

Also, don't miss Topol interview's with Marybeth Conley and Alex Coleman on News Channel 3's Live at 9 on Thursday, May 7.

Looking for a preview of Topol at the Orpheum this week, check out the opening sequence of the 1971 film featuring the Israeli star and the emsemble singing "Tradition".

Calling All Talented, Young Mid-South Musicians

2009-05-01T11:54:00.004-05:00

(2008 contestants with American Idol alums Kimberly Locke and Justin Guarini)

2009 Orpheum Star Search audition dates have been set.

July 17, 2009
STAX Academy, 926 East McLemore
5:30pm- 8pm

July 24, 2009
Orpheum Theatre, 203 S Main St.
12pm-3pm

August 8, 2009
Buckman Performing Arts Center, 60 Perkins Extd.
10am-1pm

To register, call (901) 529-4204, or email education@orpheum-memphis.com
Performers must be between the ages of 15-19 on the date of their audition. Star Search showcases only solo vocal and instrumental performers. For a complete list of rules, visit The Orpheum website

Up to six contestants will be selected from each audition to compete at the 2009 Orpheum Star Search on October 17. The finalists will perform with live band accompaniment on the Orpheum stage in front of family, friends, fans, and Memphis music insiders. They will vie for over $15,000 in prizes and a chance to perform on the Orpheum stage in the coming year. A panel of judges will evaluate the artists and select three winners.

2009-04-30T09:43:00.006-05:00

The Orpheum's Summer Movie Series is a Memphis tradition. Every year, the Theatre shows classics on its giant screen. It's a throwback to the era when the Orpheum was Malco's flagship movie theatre. From 1940 to 1975, the Orpheum screened first run movies. The Theatre closed when Malco decided they should follow the population trend. Memphians were moving East and Malco built the Ridgeway Four to serve as it's new flagship. Malco has theatres all over the region now, but I would say that The Paradiso is their flagship. It's interesting that the population has pushed way beyond the 240 loop (to the point that we are now constructing another outer loop) yet the pride of Malco is now west of its 1960s flagship. I guess it was important for them to keep it in Memphis.

Back to the Series. In the sweltering summer heat, it's always great to sit in a nice cool movie theatre for a couple hours. The Summer Movie Series is appealing because you get to sit in the air-conditioned Orpheum, watch a film as it was orignially meant to be seen- none of those, it has been formatted to fit your screen disclaimers, and it's afforable. Summer Movie Series tickets are just $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children under 12. This year, I think Jaws is one that will provide a different experience for those of us who have only seen it on a 27" TV.

The first movie I saw at the Orpheum was Easy Rider when I was 14. I loved the film and Jack Nicholson's performance. It's unbelievable. I ended up wacthing all of his films as a result. I also snatched a "Solid Rock 92.9 WMFS!" t-shirt thrown to the crowd that night. This year, Easy Rider is back on July 17!
Other than a few exceptions, movies will begin at 7:15pm on Friday nights. There is also a Chick Flick series with movies starting at 7:15pm on Thursday nights. Tickets go on-sale two hours before the movie starts. Cash only. Drinks and snacks are available at the Theatre. Full movie details will be up on orpheum-memphis.com soon.

A couple of other interesting things about this year's Series:
On May 28, the Disney classic Swiss Family Robinson will be shown on a special Thursday Family Night. Admission is a 50 cent donation to the Theare's ARTreach education program.

Sunday, August 9- The Orpheum teams with EPE to bring you Blue Hawaii featuring The King. It will be screened at 6pm as part of Elvis Tribute Week festivities.

August 21 is Paul Newman Tribute Night. There is a Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Cool Hand Luke double feature to honor the late screen legend.

As always, costumes and audience participation are encouraged at Rocky Horror!

The complete list:
Classic Movies*
May 22---Breakfast at Tiffany’s
May 28---Swiss Family Robinson
May 29---Young Frankenstein
June 12---JAWS
June 19---Animal House
July 17---Easy Rider
July 24---Casablanca
August 9---Blue Hawaii
August 14---Wizard of Oz
August 21---Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid/Cool Hand Luke
August 28---Gone With the Wind
September 4--- The Rocky Horror Picture Show

June 11--- Sex and the City
July 23--- The Way We Were
August 6--- Funny Girl
August 7---Mamma Mia
August 20---Fried Green Tomatoes

100,000 Strong for Memphis in May

2009-04-28T13:05:00.018-05:00

On Friday, May 1st shortly after 5pm, our nondescript, thirty acre park nestled humbly between the Mississippi and the bluffs will be transformed into the fifth largest city in Tennessee. Over 100,000 music lovers will pack the park on Friday and then again on Saturday.

So far, the weather for Friday looks great! 82/64, Partly Cloudy; 10% chance of rain.

Who do Memphians most want to see? I polled some of the office. After all, there is something for everyone.

Victoria: Amos Lee
Leanne: P. Funk, The Cult, 311
Matt2: Al Green
Josh: Ben Harper; Medeski, Martin and Wood; Susan Tedeschi
Matt1: 311
Jennifer: Katy Perry
Holli: James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt
Teresa: Steve Miller, Bonnie Raitt, Al Green, James Taylor
Kate: Bonnie Raitt, The Roots, Katy Perry, G. Love, Al Green, John Lee Hooker, Los Lobos, Bar-Kays, Cedric Burnside, Elvis Costello, Three Six Mafia, Chancho En Piedra

The Orpheum will have 20-25 parking spaces in the lot right next to the Theatre's south wall. It's $20, which is what most garages and lots along Front Street charge. You usually have to go a few blocks east to find lots that are $15.
The advantages of the Orpheum lot? You don't have to get in and out of a garage. There is a gate with a security guard on duty. There are also two security cameras mounted on top of the Theatre that are trained on the lot.

These spots will go fast. It's only slightly over a block to the festival entrance. You'll be doing a lot of walking from stage to stage, and quite a bit of standing. It pays not to wear yourself out ahead of time.

security camera

The MLGW garage at Front and Linden is also a good place to park, just in case you plan on shotgunning a few beers or -guys-- need a last place to urinate before you get to the park. Not condoning it, but hey it happens. I park there on Mondays. I know. It's safe and usually doesn't fill up. Last year, I think it was $20 as well.

Downtown Memphis: A Ghost Town?

2009-04-27T10:34:00.015-05:00

I came across a letter to the editor in the Commercial Appeal that proposed that Downtown Memphis is losing young people,and we all should start preparing for its demise.

Here is what Ryan Haskett from Collierville had to say:
"With its walls collapsing on its citizens, Memphis has to face the reality that it is becoming very unattractive. With the closing of Jillians and the conversion of Peabody Place to a luxury suite hotel, the Grizzlies getting little traffic, John Calipari's escape to Kentucky, Downtown Memphis is losing its value to young people.
What do young people have to do in Downtown anymore? A ballet at the Orpheum? We need to polish up the city and bring the life back to Downtown. Otherwise, the conglomerate of suburbs we are creating will trouble the city financially forever. The suburban restaurants and shopping centers will be busy, while Downtown Memphis will become a ghost town."

Ryan, Ryan, Ryan. I can't quite see how you equated the physical collapse of an old building to the collapse of the vibrant life in downtown. My first recommendation would be to sign up for the Center City Commission's Livin' It Up newsletter. You can subscribe for free here

You will be amazed at all of the fun stuff there is to do down here. Fun stuff that may not receive a mention in the Commercial Appeal.

I also live in the suburbs but find myself venturing downtown more often than I ever have. Going to the movies or bowling and eating at chain restaurants can only sustain a person for so long. Sameness is pervasive. So, I come down here and try something new.

There are 71 restaurants downtown and the best of these compares with the dining experience in any other major city in the country. However, there are no Chik-Fil-A’s or Olive Gardens.

It’s true the Grizzlies are struggling for attendance but this is not a reflection on our downtown. Most NBA cities have difficulty filling the seats when the team is losing. When the team puts a respectable product on the floor and starts winning, fans will return to those games. We are new to the major professional sports franchise game. It hasn’t been 10 years yet. I remember sold out playoff games not that long ago. Cleveland wasn’t selling out any games 7 years ago. Now, they sell more tickets than New York, Boston , and Los Angeles.

Calipari left, but there is a capable coach to follow him. Calipari wasn’t the primary reason that fans packed the Forum. We should be excited about being the school where the best young basketball mind -as most insiders agree- is getting his start. Pastner may eventually solidify himself as one of the next crop of legendary coaches. Someone has to fill the void that will soon be left by Coach K, Bobby Knight, and Boeheim. It shall be interesting to see. Unlike the Grizzlies, Tigers fans are not fair weather and will continue to support this team by coming to the games. I haven’t seen people wearing less Tiger gear than usual. People aren’t taking the stuff off their cars.

Jillian’s was vastly overrated. Did you ever eat there? The food was terrible even for a bar, and the service was worse. It wasn’t really a young person’s “hangout”. The Flying Saucer is a much better establishment and appeals to young and old.

What do young people have to do downtown, other than see a ballet at The Orpheum? What’s wrong with ballet? Do you feel the same way about the opera and the symphony? Who says young people don’t like these? Opera Memphis has a Young Friends of the Opera initiative designed to mobilize its young professional crowd.

I urge you to check the CCC newsletter for an expanded list of things to do downtown, but here are just a few that keep me coming.
The South Main Trolley Tour… so much fun. I love the feel of this event. I don’t get it from any other Memphis event. All ages will enjoy this. There are some interesting shops with original design garments down this corridor. It’s stuff you can’t buy in every other place across the United States.

Beale Street…always something going on. Even as a local, you have to take advantage of this ever so often. Last month after a concert at the New Daisy, I had a Dyer’s hamburger for the first time and… it was amazing. Ground Zero Blues Club-- It’s a street over on Lt. George W. Lee Ave., but it was also very tasty last week.

What about the Redbirds? I still know lots of people who come down to watch our pro baseball team. In fact, I’m headed there this Thursday for the game vs. the Iowa Cubs. I don’t even like baseball but hey it’s a rite of spring.
The Memphis in May Events -- Music Festival, BBQ Fest, Sunset Symphony—will draw thousands of Mid-Southerners downtown in the next few weeks.

The Civil Rights Museum, it’s been here for almost 20 years. You should see it if you haven’t. No excuses. I recommend it to all of the Broadway casts that come to Memphis. It’s surprising the number of Memphians who haven’t been to see and to learn about this era. It is forever tied to our city and continues to inform its relationships.

Finally, there is more that happens at The Orpheum than ballet!! There are shows geared to small children, tweens, teens, young professionals, parents, and seniors. Great shows like Legally Blonde and The Color Purple and concerts like Death Cab for Cutie and Celtic Woman have all graced the Orpheum stage this year, and the audience has been predominantly young!

Nearly 60,000 people will come downtown for the three week run of WICKED this summer. Far from a ghost town, that’s 20,000 more than the population of Collierville. Also this summer, The Orpheum’s Summer Movie Series will allow those of us born after 1975 to enjoy films like JAWS on the big screen, the way they were intended to be seen. The pre-school set can venture to Main and Beale to see Bob The Builder (fresh from fixing the Denny’s Wall) LIVE on the Orpheum stage in June.

You don't mention safety, but this is often brought up by those who refuse to take advantage of the city's amenities. I feel you touch on this when you say we need to "polish up the city". I don't feel any less safe here than I feel in my neighborhood community. The statistics show that downtown is the safest precinct in Memphis. If you stay in downtown's core, you should be fine. People are everywhere down here on nice weekend nights. The number of Memphians you will see out should allay any fears of dangerous encounters. Check the Downtown Safety Report

Downtown Memphis has plenty to offer. It is the most exciting entertainment area in our region, and it is the responsibility of the unacquainted to change their mindset through exploration.

Here's how Susanne Heartsill responded in letter to the Editor published today:
"As a Downtown resident and business owner, I respectfully disagree with the rather grouchy take on the Downtown scene expressed in an April 21 letter to the editor.

My husband and I are young people as well as the parents of two young people, and we enjoy our surroundings greatly. Sure, we have the same problems and blight any large city must endure, but brighten up -- Downtown Memphis is full of life and possibilities.

Sunday afternoon lunch at Tug's, walks at the river, fabulous ballet at the Orpheum, beautiful and historic architecture, the Victorian Village, churches, the Memphis Farmers Market on Saturdays, art, barbecue, you name it.

Looking for something edgier? How about any of the fantastic bars, restaurants, roof parties, bands or Beale Street? Downtown is the furthest thing from a ghost town. The letter writer doesn't know what he's missing if he isn't here. As for me and my family, we wouldn't live anywhere else."