I was a tad bit anxious on my way to see Memphis at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. I had heard that it had racial overtones, and I worried that, in today’s political climate, it might be too triggering. I could not have been more wrong. This CTC production is upbeat, full of spirit and energy and all good fun. The singing and dancing: top quality. An excellent performance showcasing Chattanooga’s talent, “Memphis” should not be missed!

The show opens with a phenomenal song and dance. I did not think that this level of excellence could be maintained. However, this cast never faltered whether it be doing splits, head rolls, shoulder rolls and other gymnastics type moves. The strength, stamina and sense of beat and rhythm cannot be bested. Equally as strong: powerful voices belting out soul, rock and gospel.

The story, set in Memphis in the 1950s, focuses on a white DJ, Huey, who never finished high school and cannot even hold down a job stocking merchandise in a department store. Riley Shull, returning to CTC after 11 years, makes Huey both laughable and endearing. Despite Huey’s blockheadedness and naivete, the audience roots for him to succeed as a relatively ignorant white boy who enters into a black neighborhood seeking good music. He strives to replace schmaltzy dentist office music and the songs of Patti Page with dynamo tunes coming from a black bar on Beale Street.

Huey, falls in love with a black singer, played masterfully by Tori Burse, and the two must navigate a means to stay together whether that involves moving to New York City where Felicia can attain stardom or remaining in Memphis as a scorned biracial couple. While the plot may sound controversial, it is far less risky and less offensive than All in The Family: 100% family friendly.

“Memphis” attests that “music is truly a universal language” which breaks down barriers which words cannot. On stage, the black and white actors sing and dance together as they celebrate harmony and rhythm. Similar to West Side Story without the fighting between the Sharks and the Jets, Memphis provides a show in which talents of differing races are given equal attention and are equally as talented.