'Memphis' to rock Mayo PAC
"Memphis" is set in the 1950s. But, actress Zuri Washington says that at least one moment in the musical almost invariably touches audiences in 2015.
Washington plays Felicia Farrell, an aspiring R&B singer, in the touring company of the Tony-winning musical. In the show, Felicia is supported in her career by a white DJ named Huey Calhoun.
The relationship between Huey and Felicia gradually deepens to love. However, at the time, laws in some states prevented interracial marriage.
"Huey proposes to Felicia, even though it would be illegal," says Washington. "He says, 'If there were no laws, would you marry me?' That line always gets applause."
For Washington – an African-American performer whose family is racially mixed – that aspect of "Memphis" transcends the specifics of its time period.
"Even in what we call post-racial America, this show has resonance," she says. "I think today, with gay rights, the meaning of the show is still important."
The current tour of "Memphis," written by David Bryan (music and lyrics) and Joe DiPietro (book and lyrics), will conclude with three performances this weekend, May 8 and 9, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.
For Washington, the chance to play Felicia fulfills a dream that began when she saw "Memphis" during its original Broadway run about five years ago.
Washington was drawn to the role for a couple of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that her own mother's name is Felicia.
"It was set in the 1950s, and the women of that time seemed so elegant," she says. "They were so poised. That's not me at all, but I wanted to try it."
Washington also identified with Felicia's struggles in the show. "I'm young, but I've had hardship," she says. She was particularly moved by the song "Colored Woman," sung by Felicia after she has been rejected by Huey's prejudiced mother.
At the time she saw the Broadway production, Washington was a senior in high school. "My voice hadn't matured, and at the time, I didn't think I could do what was needed for Felicia," she says.
In addition, she admits that the 1950s-style music in "Memphis" was alien to her her usual music. "I listen more to the Beatles and to Hendrix, the music of the 1960s," Washington says. "The 1950s isn't my go-to music on my iPod."
In the years since, Washington developed her voice. She has landed several roles, including the part of Danielle in the 2014 tour of "Bring It On: The Musical."
"Danielle is strong-willed and in-your-face," says Washington. "Felicia is more reserved, and that not what I usually play. At first, she doesn't have a voice, but eventually she finds it. It took me a while to find that."
Finding Felicia's voice has been important to Washington. She credits working with Daniel S. Hines, who plays Huey on the tour. "I'm lucky to have a musical partner that I can play off of," she says. "Daniel is great, and he's a goof. He's a lot of fun."
Now that the tour is winding down, Washington is grateful to have had the experience of playing Felicia. She is particular glad to be able to deliver the song "Colored Woman," the song that so moved her the first time she saw the show.
"That song is cathartic," she says. "I think of all the women who came before me and what they tried to do to show people who told us we were unworthy."
That message of worth is what makes "Memphis" an important show, according to Washington. "Even today, we still have things to fight for in the country. We still have to grow as a nation."
At the same time, though, Washington stresses that "Memphis" is ultimately a celebration. "More than anything, I want people to have a good time," she says. "I want them dancing in the aisles at the end."
MEMPHIS
WHAT: A passion for music leads to love and conflict in this Tony-winning musical set in the title city in the 1950s. The story, written by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro, centers on the interracial romance between a white DJ and an aspiring R&B singer.
WHEN: 8 p.m. today, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 9
WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown
TICKETS: $39 to $69