Orpheus Musical Theatre opened their musical production of Memphis March 10 at Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe.
Memphis tells the story of an interracial relationship between Felicia Farrell, played by Carleton University alumna Joy Mwandemange and Huey Calhoun, played by Jack Ettinger. The show takes place during early 1950s Tennessee while segregation laws were still in effect, forcing the pair to confront discrimination and other challenges on the way to becoming successful entertainers.
Mwandemange graduated from Carleton in 2016 with a degree in music and a focus on musical theatre. She was involved with the Carleton Music Student Society (CMTS), and became president her final year. She also performed in CMTS musicals such as Bonnie and Clyde, where she met Laura Walker, the stage manager for Memphis.
Mwandemange said she was able to identify with her character and easily step into the role.
“She’s who I would’ve been if I was born in that time period,” Mwandemange said. “Being in an interracial relationship right now, it’s just crazy to think what my life would have been like back then. I wouldn’t have been able to love who I wanted to love.”
The cast has been rehearsing for the show since December. Mwandemange said the final days of rehearsal comprised the cast perfecting what they already knew.
“Everyone is just trying to get [the choreography] into their bodies,” she said. “Everyone’s just being nitpicky on themselves. They’re super focused.”
The show’s racially diverse cast comprises people of all different ages and careers. Some are still in high school, while others are seasoned musical theatre performers.
Mwandemange said she has appreciated working with a diverse cast and production team, adding she has never been part of a production with so many racialized creatives.
“It’s just a vibe, when you walk in,” she said. “ I love seeing Black people be amazing, and I get to do that every time I walk into this rehearsal space.”
Mwandemange said her favourite part of the show is its colourful and upbeat opening number, “Underground.” In this number, Black cast members perform lifts and complex formations while singing in bright pink and blue 1950s attire.
“It just sets the tone for the show,” she said. “The choreography is so dope … it brings you into the world of the show.”
Ensemble member Naomi Miller said the most significant challenge she had during rehearsals was learning the choreography.
“I would say my dancing skills [before] were a two [out of 10]. The amount of lifts, twirls and pirouettes …wow, my body can really do that!” she said.
Miller added the Ottawa theatre scene has a lot to offer and she enjoyed the experience of working alongside local talent during this production.
“Getting to hear people’s backgrounds and just realizing you’re among such amazing people that I would never have met outside of this.” Miller said. “Having that opportunity to see that there’s some really talented people in Ottawa, when you find them.”
Tiara Wallace, the hair and makeup designer, said her biggest challenge was designing a prosthetic scar for Damien Broomes, who plays rock ‘n’ roll bar owner Delray Farrell.
Wallace said one of her favourite parts of being backstage was watching the cast work with choreographer Alianne Rozon.
“[Rozon] is phenomenal at pulling people’s strengths out with dancing and pushing people to their limits,” Wallace said.
Mwandemange added she is sad her experience with this production is coming to an end.
“People think the big part of the show is performing it, but the whole thing is the experience,” she said. “Getting to know the people in the cast, becoming a family, making new friends, watching other people be amazing … I’ve never done a show like this.”
The show will run until March 19. Tickets can be purchased on Orpheus’ website.
Featured graphic provided by Orpheus Theatre.
