Memphis

Directed by Justin Smith

Music Direction by Chiaki Ito

Choreography by Elissa Edwards

SHOW DATES:  December 30, 31

January 2-3, 7-10, 14-17

All shows at at

Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts

All shows at 7:30PM except Sundays at 3pm

Final Jan 17 show is at 2:00pm

TICKETS:  Click here or call

910. (910)632-2285
     

For more information, go to:

www.thalianhall.org

ABOUT THE SHOW: From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical  that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden  love.

Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club  singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves - filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock 'n' roll.Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical, MEMPHIS features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE and ALL SHOOK UP) and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. 

Nygel Deville Robinson

(Delray Farrell)

Recent theatre credits include The Lion in The Wiz, Oliver Hix in The Music Man, and Miles Gloriosus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, all with The Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre. On the Wilmington stage he has played Curly in Oklahoma! and Fred/Petruchio in Kiss Me, Kate with Operahouse Theatre Company.  UNC-Pembroke credits include Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha and Cinderella’s Prince/The Wolf in Into the Woods. Nygel is delighted to be back on the Wilmington stage. He studied voice under Tracy Thomas, and is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where he received a B.M. in Musical.

Khawon Porter

(Gator)

Back from a years "stage-cation", Khawon is thrilled and more than ready to be stepping back into the theater with the Memphis cast. Currently the winner of the Wilmington Star Best Actor Musical 2014, Khawon is now undertaking projects not only on stage but on film as well.  Recent roles include Jim in "Big River", Hud in "Hair", The Wolf in "Into The Woods" and Victor in "Smokey Joe's Cafe".   

"When that theater bug bites, it starts a itching... and ya gotta scratch, scratch, scratch! I would like to thank our directors, musician, crew and cast for the love, hard work, dedication and the life long memories." #MemSwag #MemSquad

Jerrial Young

(Bobby Dupree)

Jerrial is ecstatic to be making his Cape Fear debut. Previous credits include: Broadway National Tours: Memphis Bobby Dupree, Elf Store Manager, Smokey Joes café Adrian, Go Diego Go Live! Rescue Pack. Regional: Children of Eden Father, Damn Yankees Applegate, Guys and Dolls Nicely Nicely, Ragtime Coalhouse, Spelling Bee Mitch Mahoney,  Aint Misbehavin Ken, Teddy and Alice Booker T, Parade Jim Conley. He has performed overseas in Edinburgh Scotland and Ecuador. He is a proud member of the Equity Membership Program! After his endeavors are over in Wilmington, He will head out to Indiana to perform in "Sister Act" at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre! He hopes to grace the Broadway stage someday soon! He would like to thank god, mom, Nik Alexzander, friends and family for where he is today! @Indaheightsfan, Jerrial@facebook.com

Kim Ewonus

(Collins/Dryer)

Back in the 70's Kim was a theatre major at Kansas University. He performed in shows from Vermont to California and points between. Since moving here a few years ago he has appeared in Oklahoma!, The Diviners, and a few others. This is his first New Years show. Thanks to Justin, Chiaki and everyone else involved.

Jon Stafford

(Simmons)

Jon is an actor from Nickerson Kansas.

Rasa Love

(Gladys)

I am so excited to be cast in Memphis! What an incredible honor to get to be on stage with such talent.  I am a North Carolina native and have been doing theatre in Wilmington for the past 4 years.  Chiaki, thank you for encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone, I could not have done this without her unbelievable patience and love.  Justin, thank you for believing in me and for you wonderful direction.  A huge thank you to the cast for making me feel like family.  I love you all so much!  I am so thrilled to be back on stage again at Thalian Hall!

Bradley Barefoot

(Ensemble)

Bradley is very excited to ring in the New Year with Memphis this year after performing in Cabaret (Hans) two years ago. His recent credits include West Side Story (Baby John), Crazy For You (Trio), Cats (Macavity/Alonzo), Little Women (John Brooke), and Sweeney Todd (Tobias Ragg.) Thank you to Justin, Elissa, and Chiaki for the opportunity to hockadoo and bee bop into 2016. Enjoy the show!

Elissa Edwards

(Choreographer)

Elissa is from Philadelphia, but has traveled her entire life. Training all over the country as she grew up, she eventually settled in Wilmington, NC, where she now co-owns Impulse Dance Project with her partner, Lindsey Bryant. This is where she nurtures her life’s passion and work. Her student and the studio have been recognized all over with numerous awards and accolades. Elissa also travels, teaching master classes and setting choreography on many studios across the nation and Canada. Elissa attended University of the Arts on a full talent scholarship. She was also invited to perform for Stiletto Entertainment and Anheiser Busch theme parts. Elissa now runs EVOLVE, in-studio conventions which travels all over the U.S. and Canada. Elissa premiered her first full length show entitled, “and in our willingness…” in the fall of 2013. She was chosen as one out of three choreographers  to premiere her work at the North Carolina Dance Festival in January 2014. Elissa was recently seen in WILMA Magazine as the Arts Woman to Watch in Wilmington, and most recently started her newest venture, The Creation Project, which aims to give young choreographers and outlet and to help mentor them. 

Justin Smith

(Director/Producer)

Justin Smith is the artistic director of Cape Fear Theatre Arts, LLC. Justin graduated with a BFA in Theatre from St. Michael’s College in Vermont. He has produced over 50 shows.  Favorite directing credits include RENT, Full Monty, Debbie Does Dallas The Musical, Wait Until Dark, Greater Tuna, Marvin’s Room and The Rocky Horror Show.

Jon Wallin

(Buck Wiley)

Jon is very pleased to join the cast of Memphis. He made his Wilmington theatre debut in " The Rocky Horror Show"  and "Big Fish: The Musical" with CityStage Co. Jon has an MFA in Creative Writing from UNCW. He would like to thank his lovely wife, Chandler Davis, and their four incredibly soft cats for all their love and support!

Chiaki Ito

(Music Director/Producer/Piano)

Chiaki is a graduate of NC School of the Arts, UNC-CH, Univ. of Guam and Univ. of SC.  She practices law in New Hanover County and has music directed over 80 musicals.  She is Managing Director of Cape Fear Theatre Arts, LLC.  She enjoys participating in triathlons, spending time with Kenji and Elvis, and playing in her band, LaCi. For more info, please visit www.chiakiito.com and www.LaCiBand.com.

Paul Teal

(Huey Calhoun)

Paul was born and raised in North Carolina. He studied acting with Terry Knickerbocker at The William Esper studio in New York City for 2 years and locally with Peter Jurasik, Ron Fallica, and Allie McCulloch. He has been featured in various web series, films, and television shows. Best known for his role, Josh Avery, on One Tree Hill. Local theatre credits include Andrew Jackson in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd, Huck Finn in Big River, George Burger in Hair, and Mark Cohen in Rent. 

"I am so grateful to be working with Justin Smith and Chiaki Ito again! I worked with them for the first time 9 years ago as an ensemble member in a production of "Reefer Madness" and they have had a huge hand in turning me into the actor I am today. I can't thank y'all enough. Also, Thank you to my agent, Susan Walters and my ever supportive Friends and Family. Love you guys! 

In conclusion: HOCKADOOOOOO!!!!”

Phillip Lynch

(Wailin’ Joe)

Phillip Lynch is so excited to be a part of the Memphis cast. Originally from Fayetteville, NC, he attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2010 to pursue a BFA in Acting.  Some of his favorite roles include: Tom "Collins" in RENT (City Stage / Broadway Series South) (Lee Street Theatre) (Catawba), "Horse" in The Full Monty (City Stage), Macheath "Mack the Knife" in The Threepenny Opera, Chilli/Jabber in In The Blood (UNCG), Hud in HAIR, Jim in Porgy & Bess, (Cape Fear Regional Theatre), John in Trouble In Mind (Triad Stage), and Grady in The Color Purple (Barn Dinner Theatre). Currently he is touring with the legendary group "The Platters" as a lead vocalist in "Wilson Williams and his Platter Review". He would like to thank Cape Fear Theatre Arts for such a wonderful opportunity, as well as the cast, his family, and friends for all of their support.

Kegan J. Dubar

(Ensemble)

A senior at New Hanover high school, Kegan is super excited to be a part of this amazingly talented cast. Most recently seen in TACT's "West Side Story" as Chino and Dance Arts

Conservatory's "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" as Aslan, Kegan J. is more than ready to be back on the main stage dancing his heart out. He would like to thank the creative team of Memphis for this

incredible opportunity as well as his family (his village) for all the support in the world.

The Cast of MEMPHIS

Barbara Mootoo

(Felicia Farrell)

A native of the Bronx, New York, the multitalented Barbara Mootoo is a senior in UNCG's Acting program, including intensive training from Tony award winning musical director Dominick Amendum. A gifted singer and actress, Barbara has to her credit roles in such productions as Hairspray, Dani Girl, Romeo and Juliet, and Junie B. Jones, including leading roles in StageDoor, Oklahoma and A Raisin in the Sun. As a singer Barbara has vast experience including national tours with Songs of Solomon Inspirational Ensemble and as a recording artist with contemporary hip-hop band Rogues N Rebelz. Barbara is an exciting young talent with a bright future ahead of her. She would like to acknowledge Fquira Johannes for her unfaltering support. 

Alex Eakins

(Ensemble)

Alex is proud to be a part of this spectacular production. It is an honor to work with some of the greats of the Wilmington theatre community. You may have recently seen Alex in various shows in town, such as Thalian Association's West Side Story (A-Rab), and Opera House Theatre Company's Sweeney Todd (That kid who got his tooth pulled). Alex would like to thank all of the cast and crew that made this happen. He would especially like to thank his mother, friends, family and Alexander Hamilton.

Quinn Gonzales

(Ensemble)

Quinn is a 7th grader at St. Mark.  He is so excited for this opportunity to perform for Cape Fear Theatre Arts!  Some of his favorite roles include, Charlie in Willy Wonka (Thalian), Narrator in Into the Woods (OHTC) and Young Patrick in Mame (Thalian).  He would like to thank Justin, Chiaki, Elissa, Tracy and the cast for their care and support.

Sam Robinson

(Ensemble)

I’m a Dreams of Wilmington student alumni, and graduated from Laney High. I was in Addams family, Singin in the rain, and Doug in Ring of Fire with Thalian association, Fred in Smokey Joe's Cafe with tru 2 you productions. I'm grateful to work with this phenomenal cast and crew. I would like to thank my friends, family, my heavenly father Jehovah,  and "you" for your support and love. ENJOY!

Mathis Turner

(Ensemble)

I'm very excited to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing cast. I want to thank Justin Smith for giving me the chance to be in this show and for being an amazing director. I want to thank all my family and my friends for their support in doing what I love.

Shaun-Avery Williams

(Ensemble)

Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, he credits his dance training to The North Carolina Dance Institute and Enloe High School. He has studied ballet, jazz, modern techniques, and musical theatre. Professional dance and musical theater experiences include performances with Gaspard and Dancers, City Stage Theatre, Theatre in the Park where he performed as a chimney sweep in A Christmas Carol, Theatre Raleigh where he performed as a member of the ensemble in Dreamgirls The Musical, Hairspray with The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and other performing opportunities. Shaun-Avery Williams is now a student at UNCG where he will obtain his BFA in Dance Performance and looks forward to becoming a professional performer as well as dance teacher.

Carli Batson

(Ensemble)

Carli is a native of Wilmington, NC. She has been dancing since the age of four & currently trains with the national award winning Impulse Dance Project, under the direction of Lindsey Bryant and Elissa Edwards. She has traveled and competed across the country and studied at the prestigious Joffrey School of Ballet in New York City. Along with her love for dance, she has been involved in chorus classes and has performed leading roles in her schools productions of Annie Jr. and the Wizard of Oz. She is currently involved in the drama department at E. A. Laney High School. Carli is excited to begin a new artistic journey with Cape Fear Theater Arts. 

Courtney Brown

(Ensemble)

Courtney Nicole Brown (Raleigh, NC) is a student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Courtney fell in love with dance at the age of 4. She received most of her training at CC and Company Dance Complex and Enloe High School in Raleigh, NC. She has taken class with astound teachers and choreographers such as Luam, Mandy Moore, Nick Lazzarini, Martha Nichols, Jason Parsons and Misha Gabriel, just to name a few. She has performed in The Nutcracker (2005), Leopard Tales (2005) and for legends such as Maya Angelou. At UNCG, she is a BFA Dance major and minoring in Entrepreneurship. She has performed with many on-campus groups such as Dialekt Entertainment, Main Attraction Models and Cyrus Art Production. In April 2015, she founded Collaborations Dance Company at UNCG. She will be graduating in May 2016.

Aliya Grayman

(Ensemble)

I have been dancing for 17 years and, I am beyond thankful to be working with this amazing cast. Every year I get the opportunity to meet some incredibly talented people and I thank Chiaki and Justin for allowing me to be a part of this. Theater became a new passion of mine during my freshman year of high school, and as I enter my last semester of junior year I don't see that changing.

Anthony Cataldo

(Perry Como/Gordon)

Anthony is very glad to be joining the company of Cape Fear Theatre Arts LLC in his first regional production. Anthony is a sophomore BFA Acting major at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The last role he played was Corny Collins in UNCG's production of Hairspray! The next role he will be taking on is the Wolf/Cinderella's Prince in Into the Woods in Concert directed by Wicked's very own Dominick Amendum. Anthony is so grateful to be performing here in Wilmington with such a great production team and cast!

Joe Basquill

(Ensemble)

A sexier man there may have been, but one more adamant at the destruction of gender barriers? Probably not. Last seen in City Stage Co.’s production of Rocky Horror as Brad Majors, Joe is grateful to Justin and Chiaki for giving him the opportunity to be in the sexy cast. Joe is a prolific cinephile, but only of movies he’s already seen.

Dorianna James

(Ensemble)

Dorianna is a Senior Chemistry Major and Musical Theatre Minor at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Some of her favorite credits include Hamlet (Gertrude), Into The Woods (Jack’s Mother), Man of La Mancha (Dr. Carrasco), and Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette). She sends much love to her husband, family, and friends for their support.

Ieisha Jones

(Ensemble)

Ieisha is a Senior Musical Theatre major at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. This is her first New Years show here in Wilmington. Some of her credits include: Into the Woods as The Witch, Smokey Joe's Café as De'Lee, and Working as numerous characters. She wants to thank God and her parents for always being there for her. Also a big thanks to Justin and Chiaki. Hope you all enjoy the show!

Hannah Laham

(Ensemble)

Hannah is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this insanely talented cast and the Wilmington premiere of Memphis: The Musical! She was last seen in The Rocky Horror Show with City Stage Co., and HAIR: The Musical under the direction of Justin and Chiaki. She spent the summer performing at Dollywood Theme Park and is looking forward to what will be in store for her this year as she heads off to audition for college. She wants to thank not only Justin and Chiaki for such great experiences, but also her parents for their never-ending support. 

Annie Marsh

(Ensemble)

Annie is a freshmen BFA Musical Theater major at Pace University in New York City. She is home in Wilmington for winter break and so grateful to be performing on the Thalian Hall stage again in such a magical show! Many thanks to Justin & Chiaki. All my love to M&L, Tracy & God. You are my everything!!!! www.anniemarsh.com @annietracy

Skylar Vanderhaar

(Ensemble)

Skylar is a proud native of Wilmington, attends Laney High School as a Sophomore and performs with the Laney Dance Team. She is pleased to be returning to stage for a fourth time with City Stage Company! Skylar was last seen as a featured dancer in OHTC productions of Oklahoma! , Kiss Me Kate, and Mary Poppins. Skylar has won numerous awards and has trained in all subjects of dance beginning at four years old with ALA Creative Arts. She currently dances and competes with Impulse Dance Project. Skylar has been able to stay involved in community service through holding titles such as Teen Miss NC Blueberry Festival Queen 2014  and two former crowns with the Carolina Christmas Pageant bringing awareness to those families in need. In her spare time, she also gains joy from being involved in her local church, Northside Baptist.  Skylar would like to express her gratitude to Justin for this awesome opportunity to perform in Memphis. A special shout out to Chiaki, Elissa, Debbie, Katherine and the phenomenal cast I was blessed to embrace and perform with in this incredible show! 

Karen Walter

(Ensemble)

Karen is 14 years old and is in the 9th grade at New Hanover High School. Some recent shows she has been in are Mary Poppins (OHTC), High School Musical 2 (Performance Club), Cats (TACT), and Christmas Carol (Thalian Association). She would like to give a big thanks to Justin and Chiaki for this great opportunity and her family for supporting her!

Hunter Wyatt

(Ensemble)

Hunter is thrilled to be working on another show with Justin and Chiaki, and so honored to be part of such a talented, energetic cast. She is a 2015 graduate of UNCW’s Music and Theatre programs, and her recent roles include Josephine in Big Fish, and Wednesday in The Addams Family. Cheers!

Tracy Byrd

(Asst. Director/Ensemble)

Tracy is thrilled to be working with such a talented cast. Some of his credits include "Singing In the Rain" Don Lockwood,"Ain't Misbehavin" Andre/Choreographer, "A Chorus Line" Richie,"The Color Purple" Grady,"Brooklyn" The Streetsinger and "Smokey Joe's Cafe" director/Choreographer to name a few. He would like to thank Justin and Chiaki for believing in him yet again and giving him the chance to be apart of such an amazing show."Hakadoo!!!!"

Debbie Scheu

(Costume Design)

It is very exciting to be working on this local premier of the 2010 Tony award winning musical, Memphis, to bring to a close my 40th year of costume design.  This year’s costuming has been diverse from Crazy for You for Opera House Theatre Company and Mame for Thalian Association here in Wilmington to Scrooge the Musical for Matthews Playhouse in Charlotte. It has also been my pleasure to provide costume wardrobe support to the Wilmington theatre community. Congratulations to the Memphis cast and crew.  Thank you to Justin and Chiaki for including me in this New Year’s Eve 2015 celebration.

Emma Hutchinson

(Ensemble)

Emma is a 14 year old 8th grader at Myrtle Grove Middle School. Most of Emma's time is spent at the dance studio. She is a competitive dancer and dances with Impulse Dance Project. Starting at a young age, Emma has performed in many Thalian Association Children's Theater shows. Her last performance on Thalian's Main Stage was several years ago in White Christmas where she tap danced on top of a piano. Emma loves to perform and hopes to continue her dreams as a dancer and performer. She is especially excited to be a part of this amazing show "Memphis" and get to work with an incredibly talented cast and crew. Emma sends a big "Thank You" to Justin, Chiaki, Tracy and Elissa for giving her this opportunity and to have a lot of fun!!!

William Osborne

(Ensemble)

William is a Senior at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro from Kannapolis, North Carolina with a major in Drama and a minor in Dance. His theatre credits include: Hairspray, A Few Good Men, Shrek the Musical, Godspell, You’re A Food Man Charlie Brown, The Sound of Music, Carousel, and A Christmas Carol.

Maria Chandler

(Ensemble)

Maria is a senior at New Hanover high school and is excited to be apart of the cast. You may have seen her in "Up the Down staircase" as Carole Blanca or in "Annie" as an orphan and Bonnie Boylan. She would like to thank her friends and family for always encouraging her and supporting her in everything that she does and is very proud to be an active member of the Wilmington theater community and to be surrounded by so much talent! 

Katherine Rosner

(Rehearsal Stage Manager)

Kat is a student at UNCW double majoring in Theatre Performance and English Literature. Her previous Wilmington credits include Hair, Singin' In the Rain, All's Well That Ends Well, Low Hanging Fruit, and Murder at the Country Club. She is so excited to be part of this Memphis family and for the opportunity to work with this amazing cast and crew!

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