Another musical that got its start on a San Diego stage (remember "Jersey Boys?") wins big at this year's Tony Awards. "Memphis", the musical about a young white DJ in the 1950s who falls in love with rock'n'roll and an African-American woman, captured four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It was nominated in eight categories.
(Music: David Bryan, Lyrics: Joe DiPietro, David Bryan) and Best Orchestrations (Daryl Waters & David Bryan).
"Memphis" played a limited, sold-out engagement at La Jolla Playhouse in 2008, and received San Diego's Craig Noel Award for Excellence in Theatre for both Outstanding New Musical and for its star Chad Kimball in the role of DJ Huey Calhoun.
The popular show went to Broadway with the La Jolla Playhouse's Christopher Ashley directing and some of the original cast. Ashley was nominated for Best Director and Chad Kimball and Montego Glover were both nominated for their lead roles.
"Memphis" faced some stiff competition in the Best Musical category, including the Green Day musical "American Idiot," "Fela!" and "Million Dollar Quartet."
Christopher Ashley was in New York for the ceremonies. It was so fun to see him there. Congrats to all!
