Our time in Memphis has not been all booze, Beale and blues music. Occasionally, we can pry ourselves away from the BBQ and focus on something that is super important to the Memphis Family- inspiring students.

I recently heard the phrase “never underestimate the impact you can have on someone’s life;” so when I heard that Memphis actors, Christopher Gurr and Lindsay Roberts were going to do a pre-show workshop with about 55 local students, I absolutely crashed the party.

And considering we are coming up on the auditions for the NETworks non-equity tour of Memphis, click here for more details on those auditions taking place in NYC May 6th and 7th, I thought it was appropriate to try and depart some of the advice and wisdom those students took in yesterday in the event it inspires someone reading this on the interweb.

Auditions are tough.

Having been on both sides of the table myself, I can honestly say that what is actually going on in the room is that both parties want the same thing; actors want to do their best and the casting team wants you to do your best. We want you to have fun, to make choices, to be relaxed and confident. So knowing we all want the same thing, here are some nuggets of wisdom.

Fun Fact: Did you know Christopher sang a Ray Charles song for his audition for Memphis? Part of that was he knew that the Main Street ensemble members would be singing off stage during the Beale Street numbers so he chose a song that showed off a more R & B side of his voice.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Lindsay auditioned SEVEN times for Memphis before she booked the tour? As a trained Opera singer, Lindsay used the time in between her auditions to improve on her dancing which ultimately led to her contract offer.

Q: If you don’t feel well, should you still go to the audition?

CG: It depends. Obviously if you are contagious, no one appreciates that. But, in this business, showing up goes a long way.

LR: ” At the same time, you have to make sure you can show up and show out!”

ADVICE: Chris Gurr recommends having the same song in different keys for the days you might not be able to go the distance but you can navigate it in a lower key if you have the sniffles.

Q: What if I don’t like auditions or they make me nervous?

LR: I like to think of auditions as performances, and like any performance, I am the most nervous when I am the least prepared.

CG: Sometimes getting overly fixated on the outcome can make you nervous. (examples were given of students who thought they should play a certain role, were upset when they were cast as something else, only to realize that the role they were cast in was much better for them). Also, there is this idea that I HAVE to do this [audition] vs. I GET to do this. Focus on having a good adventure, regardless of the outcome.

Q: How do you keep things fresh night after night?

CG: Sometimes I give myself one thing to focus on- whether that is something technical like being better at finding my light or a new objective somewhere. BUt usually I just look for one thing, small or big, emotional or technical, and that is enough to keep it alive and fresh.

LR: Gratitude is also a big thing. With only 3% of Equity Actors working at any given time, remembering that you are working and a lot of people aren’t helps keep things in perspective.

Q: What’s the best advice on acting you’ve even received?

CG: “Keep your nut low.” The “weekly nut” is the cost of doing a show each week so if you apply that to your own life, if you keep your cost of living low, then the time between the well-paying gigs and the lower paying gigs and the unemployment time is easier to navigate. If you book that national commercial, don’t spend that money like you’re going to be booking commercial after commercial.

LR: “Be versatile.” The day of the triple threat has come so get training where you need it and improve on what needs improving.

Thanks Lindsay and Christopher!

Justin (Merch Manager) just walked into company management at the Orpheum Theatre and introduced me to his best friend as “The Queen of Memphis.” I like it. I like it very much.

I’m here in Memphis where I’ve been given a space to blog before the start of tonight’s show. The “office” is a dressing room so really it’s a long makeup station with mirrors. As I type, I notice I need to touch up my lip gloss.

My “desk” is in between Anna the Production Stage Manager and the microwave and I’m hoping no one needs to nuke anything before I can knock out this blog.

In order to make it official, there’s now a label on the mirror that says “Carolyn’s nook.” It’s my fourth day in Memphis, TN., and my 6th year working on Memphis the musical and I have finally arrived: with a title and a label.

The return of Memphis the Musical to the Orpheum Theatre has been epic in anticipation. Since our opening here in October of 2011, we have been waiting for the chance to come back here-play in this city and for these audiences. I’m getting to shoot video of the show tonight so I’m hoping everyone turns it out- cast and audience.

I’m here for the week. I flew last Friday from New York to Chicago with the Associate Sound Designer on Memphis, Alex Hawthorn. We caught the out of town tryout of BIG FISH–featuring former Memphis Broadway Cast member, Cary Tedder, and Bree Branker, formerly of the Memphis National Tour. It’s always fun to see people you’ve worked with in their new endeavors. But Memphis was calling.

Cut to jumping in a Jeep with Memphis Tour Lighting Intern, Daniel Mueller, for the 8 hour+ drive to the corner of Main and Beale Streets.

When you drive from Chicago to Memphis, you might want to stop at Lambert’s- home of the throwed rolls. Yup. You want a hot roll? Hold up your hand and a sprightly young man who probably plays baseball for his high school team throws you one from across the room. It’s a thing you should do at least once in your life.

Returning to Memphis and knowing I was spending a week here with the tour meant I could really embrace the southern way of doing things, also knowing as the “slow down.” And while I have maintained my New York wardrobe of mostly all black, I’m now sauntering as I walk to the Starbucks in the morning, chatting with people I pass, and integrating the word “y’all” seamlessly into my talk and in my text messages.

It also means embracing the food. Lots of food. I’ve done the fried chicken. But I also found a quinoa burger…you can take the girl out of California…

Above: Producer, Nick Demos, a vegan, does his best in Memphis.

I’ve been on the road so long, that after I dropped producers off at the airport this morning, I found myself at a laundromat where I ran into Memphians, Jack Sippel and Kristin Piro. I felt very official and one of the gang.

Then it was time for lunch which meant Alex and I met up with Christopher Gurr and Jody Reynard and went out to Harbortown for a dining event at Paulette’s. Two and a half hours later, we were full up and happy.

A Ham Palacsinta & Mushroom Crepe. Which is like a gourmet ham hot pocket. Photo credit: Christopher Gurr.

Key Lime Pie. Photo credit: Christopher Gurr.

After the deliciousness, Christopher and Lindsay Roberts taught a Broadway 101 Classroom to about 55 students. I tagged along and got some great advice on auditioning—which I will share with y’all tomorrow. It’s time for fight call which means I need to freshen up my lip gloss and get ready to film tonight’s show.

Hockadoo!!

Carolyn aka “The Queen of Memphis”

As is tradition in MEMPHIS-land, when a company member has an important milestone, like a birthday or a track debut, stage management gifts them the SPOILER ALERT, broken record from that performance.

Having been on the tour for several months, Tami finally got to take the stage as the hurricane force that is the role of “Mama” at the beginning of this year. I may have seen some bootleg footage of her “Change Don’t Come Easy,” and let me tell you, vocal fireworks!

Tami is familiar with fireworks….

(sung)
COMMUNITY:
Look at the fireworks…(X4)
Light up the night sky…(X2)
En Washington–
Look at the fireworks…(X2)
Light up the night sky…(X2)

(See how I worked that IN THE HEIGHTS reference in there?)

And now I am on a youtube binge of IN THE HEIGHTS reunion concert videos; an event that reunited the original Broadway cast and National Tour cast of IN THE HEIGHTS on February 13th of this year at the United Palace Theater in NYC. And our Tami Dahbura was there! Of course she had to fly from Arkansas to New York then back to Ft. Worth in like, 36 hours, but clearly it had to happen. All accounts, and the flood of youtube videos, prove it was well worth the trip!

With the National Tour ending in May (single tear falling already) this gives me food for thought that maybe we can do a MEMPHIS reunion concert at some point…June? Too soon? Back to Tami.

We are so lucky to have Tami in our MEMPHIS family. I did a little recon on her and went directly to two cast members with whom she has spent a lot of time to get the inside scoop on her. Here’s a little taste of what they had to say!

“Tami is a beautiful person inside and out. She has a passion for life and appreciates the beauty in everything around her. These are great qualities for someone to have while on a National Tour because she will find inspiration, and share it with us, in every town!” -Jill Morrison

“I have so much to say about my Tami . First of all for someone so petite , she is so feisty and full of life!! She and I became very close. More like a sister relationship, rather than a mother daughter lol. I love acting with her on stage cause she always makes a different choice with her character. Keeps it fresh and real. She always just goes for it. Life is to short and you have to take a risk every now and then! A Tami moto would be…”life is good as long as you have a dog at your side , the warmth of the sun on your face, a hazlenut latte or a (hot chocolate), and the love and trust of your family and close friends .. Tami is a very giving person! Love her.” -Angela Brydon

Angela Brydon with Tami Dahbura

So pour yourself a hot chocolate and snuggle in to get to know Ms. Tami!

BEHIND THE TITLE: Tami Dahbura

Track in MEMPHIS:
Clara, Racist Mother (Bonnie), Make-up Lady (Maizzie), Camera Girl (Mary), and I understudy “Mama.”

As Clara in “Scratch my Itch”

Hometown:
Hagerstown, Maryland. But I grew up in El Salvador.

Favorite Airline:
Jet Blue. Where else can I watch 4 plus hours of uninterrupted HGTV?

Though I hold frequent flyer accounts with the following airline(s):
Southwest.

Coffee or tea:
Coffee.

Are you OCD about anything?
No. Can’t say that I am – I think!

People say I remind them of:
Teresa Brewer (country singer), although most people don’t know who she is anymore.

Favorite line in the show:
“Say a prayer that change is a coming” Moment in the show (onstage or off) that you look forward to every night: I love singing
“Make Me Stronger”. Who doesn’t love a great gospel number?

Favorite costume or look:
It’s a tie between my Racist Mother and my Makeup Lady. Great period details in both and they are perfect for my characters.

Skill or hobby you’ve picked up on this tour:
I really wanted to learn double-dutch, but that thick rope scared me off. So I just keep perfecting my knitting skills.

What tour city has surprised you so far?
San Antonio. I did not really know about the River Walk, and it’s been so beautiful walking around there and dining outside right on the river.

Best food discovery since being on the road:
It’s a toss up between Garrett’s Popcorn at O’Hare and Jeni’s Ice Cream in Columbus, Ohio.

Favorite theatre so far:
Nothing can beat the thrill of performing at the Kennedy Center. But the Fox in St. Louis was beautiful!

Favorite piece of Memphis swag:
The Memphis tote we got as a Christmas gift. I don’t leave the hotel without it!

I couldn’t live without this in my dressing room:
All the fabulous girls that are in there with me. We have some great, sometimes hysterical conversations.

While on tour, I wish I had more time for:
Sightseeing.

While on tour, I wish I could pack [blank] in my suitcase:
My dogs and my kitty.

I think Memphis fans would be surprised to learn that I [fill in the blank]:
Speak fluent Spanish – I learned to read and write in Spanish before English. Oh, and they would be surprised to know that I am half-Arab. My dad is from Bethlehem.

So far on tour, I hold this moment close to my heart:
The flash mob by the students in the audience in Costa Mesa during “Steal Your Rock and Roll”. Can we have another one of those?

In the great tradition of one word musical titles that start with the letter “M,” residing at the Shubert Theatre, the new musical, MATILDA, started preview performances last night and of course, as former residents, we had to check it out: see our old friends and see what they’ve done with the place.

It’s a great show and former Memphian, Betsy Struxness, is in the cast (ensemble/u/s Mrs. Wormwood) and it was delightful to see her rocking the Shubert stage again along side some of the most talented kids I’ve ever seen on any stage! Literally, mouth agape at the performances they are giving.

FUN FACT: Betsy’s dressing room is VERY MEMPHIS.

“How MEMPHIS is it?” the blogosphere chanted back.

She was assigned the same dressing room that housed all our “Huey”s: Chad Kimball, Adam Pascal, Bryan Fenkart, Kevin Massey, Justin Patterson, and Brad Bass. How hockadoo is that?

Derrick Baskin, Broadway’s “Gator,” was in attendance with me and it was great to see everyone at the theatre: House Staff, Ushers, Technicians, Porters, Stage Door Attendants. As fun as it was to reconnect with everyone, immediately upon arriving, I made a beeline for the new lower lobby.

“Why such a fuss?” the blogosphere asked inquisitively.

Because, the entire lower lobby has been redone, including the bathrooms! 15 stalls ladies or something like that. FIFTEEN. Finally. Well done Shubert Organization. Hopefully this will make MATILDA’s intermissions more pleasant for the female population- not to spoil anything, but let’s just say there is an “interval announcement” that you don’t have to miss because you are on line at the bathroom. I did not take a picture of the bathrooms, but I was very, VERY tempted. Though nothing can rival the bathrooms at the new Signature Theatre complex…I digress…back to the Shubert.

Here’s the view of the door leading to stage left. No doubt it will soon be covered with mementos and well wishes or any number of things that start to show up when a show settles into a run at a theatre.

After an awesome and lengthy backstage tour where we looked at what was new and what was the same, we had our final hugs and headed out. And, just like a scene out of a movie, Derrick walked out of that stage door to a cheerful and rousing chorus of “Hockadoo!!!” from a fan at the stage door- the effect of which was very WICKED; we both began to melt.

MEMPHIS indeed, lives.

Welcome to Broadway, MATILDA.

I first met Austin Owen on a farm in New Jersey.

Some of you may be thinking “Farms? In New Jersey???” ‘Tis true.

We were both there to celebrate the birthday of MEMPHIS Producer, Francine Bizar, also known as the “Peanut Butter Square Fairy” to those in the MEMPHIS family.

This was before rehearsals for the National Tour had begun back in the summer of 2011, but Crystal Joy and Austin, who had been hired as “Felicia” and “Huey” covers, were invited to belt their faces off on a few Memphis songs…on a blazing hot July day..on a farm…in New Jersey…

I’m not sure that I ACTUALLY met Austin that day. It was so hot, it has affected my memory of the day. I’m certain the “heat” is to blame for this memory lapse…let’s go with that.

Now, almost two years later, I have very specific memories of Austin…in Dallas. In D.C. In Sacramento. In Boston. Those times I have been able to join the tour on the road, I love getting a little more Austin Owen time. Those all-too-quick but lovely interactions, combined with following him on social media, make me feel like I know him better than I probably do! So it made perfect sense for me to reach out to him for the Behind the Title series.

Austin is adorable. This is easy to see. In case you missed it, here is perhaps my favorite photo from the “Merry Month of Memphis:” Austin’s “Frank Dryer” portrait. Photo: Daniel Swalec.

Austin is one of two “Huey” covers on the road; he has go on for Bryan Fenkart just a handful of times (Mostly because Bryan has been what we in the business call a “beast,” rarely calling out or taking personal days)-so I’ve never been able to catch Austin’s “Huey” performance. Which makes me glad I had that semi-private concert on that farm…in New Jersey…AND we’ve come full circle.

Austin is a regular contributor to the Memphis Tour Blog with his awesome photos from the road. Are you following him on Instagram? (austinowen)

A shot from the wings during his “Huey” debut. #hot #fantastical

A long way from that farm in New Jersey and 46+ cities later, Austin is now with the cast at Tucson Music Hall in Arizona, hopefully enjoying some warm weather! Run Austin, run!

I am so delighted to bring you this Behind the Title interview with “everybody’s favorite…Misterrrr Perry Como”

Behind the Title: Austin Owen

Full given name:
Austin Taylor Owen – Yep, three first names, three last names…

Track in MEMPHIS:
The ever-so-dreamy Perry Como, or so I’ve been told… and the hick-iest Frank Dryer you ever did meet. I also understudy some guy named Huey Calhoun.

Hometown:
Born and raised Okie from Oklahoma City! Go Sooners! (I hate football)

Favorite Airline:
the one that serves those biscotti cookies… I could eat my weight in those things…all 152 lbs…wait that wasn’t part of the question…

Though I hold frequent flyer accounts with the following airline(s):
Dang it! I could have flown to China (and back) with frequent flyer points if I’d have signed up for those rewards things…ugh

Coffee or tea:
COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE. #mighthaveaproblem

Are you OCD about anything?
No, but those cat ladies on Hoarders freak me out!

People say I remind them of:
Usually some guy I’ve never heard of.

Favorite line in the show:
“They came at us with bats.” Only because Christopher Gurr does an incredible sound effect of flying bats right after this… The visual is pretty great.

Moment in the show (onstage or off) that you look forward to every night:
The Finale, for a few reasons. 1. I get to ‘mash Potato’ like nobody (and everybody) is watching. And 2. It means I’m 20 minutes from a cocktail!

Favorite costume or look:
Felicia’s Stand Up dress. Hands down. Oh mine? I guess my Frank Dryer costume. Who doesn’t love a bloody apron?

Skill or hobby you’ve picked up on this tour:
Running! It has changed my life! And my waist size!

What tour city has surprised you so far?
Actually, Ft. Worth. Who’d a thunk that little cowtown was so charmed?

Best food discovery since being on the road:
Lobster Roll! This land-locked Okie never knew the gloriousness of lobster, mayonnaise, and bread…

Favorite theatre so far:
This is so incredibly hard. I LOVED The Academy of Music in Philly. I still remember getting all emotional on opening night during the Finale looking out into that beautiful hall.

Favorite piece of Memphis swag:
First it was the Memphis pullover. Then it was the Memphis tattoos (you heard me) that I picked up during a press event I did in Las Vegas. Now, don’t you dare get between me and my Memphis tote!

I couldn’t live without this in my dressing room:
My signed headshot of Jermaine R. Rembert.


While on tour, I wish I had more time for:
Hmmmm… I’ll get back to you…I’m late for rehearsal!

While on tour, I wish I could pack [blank] in my suitcase:
My boyfriend! And my family! Heck, throw in all my friends back home too, please!

I think Memphis fans would be surprised to learn that I [fill in the blank]:
I used to be a magician. Okay it was in Elementary School, but I won a talent show one year!

So far on tour, I hold this moment close to my heart:
Sharing the stage every night with such skilled, devoted, and fearless performers! You rock Memphians!

It was the last question of the day.

The talkback for the MEMPHIS company of the Illinois All-State High School cast was winding down and Producer John Yonover solicted one last question from a student: “College to working- what was that process like?”

“Hard.” responds Derrick Baskin.

And what happened next was pretty incredible. I’m not sure if it translates on video but that will be for you to tell us, but for the next 7+ minutes, Derrick Baskin had the room transfixed as he spoke on the subject. In the room, I swear it felt like no time had past. The only frame of reference for time passing I had was that I was watching my camera battery flash its warning that it was about to die. “Hold on,” I silently willed it. “Just please hold on.”

And it did-shutting off exactly as he stopped speaking.

A modern miracle indeed.

Maybe you are at work or school and you can’t watch this video now. I get that. But make a mental note- come back to this one when you have time. We have a term in this business called a “pull quote;” quite literally a quote puled out of a source, like a review or a testimonial. Here are my favorite pull quotes from a video I am calling “Advice that Every Student Should Hear: Derrick Baskin on ice cream, finding family and a word beyond passion.”

“You have the ability to change someone’s life direction- you have the power to do it.”

“The Art chooses you.”

“You’re building those roots- trials and tribulations and hardships. But you need them- You don’t want to go through them but they are terribly necessary to have any kind of life in the business.”

“To be a artist is not enough- there is a word past passion-there’s a level past passion-that you have to have for what we are doing for however long we are doing it.”

“As you are questioning yourself, as you are pushing forward, as you’re being rejected, you are growing roots into your artistic soil.”

Part of what was super special about our trip to Illinois was getting to see J. Bernard Calloway as Martin Luther King, Jr. in THE MOUNTAINTOP at Milwaukee Rep. His lovely wife and Broadway actress, Carmen Ruby Floyd was also there so it was a super fantastical added bonus to have her participate in the talk back with the students in the Illinois All-State High School Production of MEMPHIS. Ladies on Broadway represent!

J. Bernard and Carmen at the MEMPHIS Broadway Opening Night. October 19, 2009. Photo by Shevett Studios.

After you watch that video on repeat twenty times as I know you will, for more of Carmen singing, check out her website

As we march forward to the MEMPHIS All-State High School Theatre opening this weekend, we are bringing you some of the best moments from the lengthy talkback MEMPHIS BRoadway stars James Monroe Iglehart “Bobby”, J. Bernard Calloway “Delray”, and Derrick Baskin “Gator” had with the high school company of actors.

THE SCENES as they are written–

Act II, Scene One

Bobby: Hey kids, it’s time for Huey Calhoun’s new after school television program! And he’s letting me be on it!

Act II, Scene Four

Delray: Listen, you can put on the suit or not. But my sister’s going with or without you.

BOBBY enters.

Bobby: The man from the network’s here-

And now, James Monore Iglehart retells his BEST “Worst Flubbed Lines”. I’m not sure these boys could be any cuter…Just Sayin’

Back in October, MEMPHIS Broadway stars, J. Bernard Calloway “Delray,” James Monroe Iglehart “Bobby,” and Derrick Baskin “Gator,” flew to Chicago to surprise the Illinois All-State Theater cast who will be doing the first ever high school production of MEMPHIS through special arrangements made with the authors.

Did you miss that video?

The production opens this weekend so we want to share with our fans more details of our incredible trip.

After the surprise, the “boys” got to hang out with the high school cast during their lunch break. Walking around the room, the boys were giving a lot of informal advice and words of encouragement to these aspiring professionals.

Derrick Baskin with the high school company:

After lunch, there was a formal talkback. That beauty on the left? J. Bernard’s wife, Carmen Ruby Floyd (Porgy and Bess, Avenue Q, Crowns, Lion King).

“Huey” Nathan Salstone and “Felicia” De’jah Perkins with Boys:

I’ve got videos coming your way all week as we celebrate the opening of this very special production of MEMPHIS the Musical.

The baton passes on…

How did the MEMPHIS National Tour celebrate the holiday season? With a party of course and some awesome new swag!

The Huey Company is on their second week of vacation until performances begin again in Milwaukee, WI at the Uihlein Hall Marcus Center, Jan. 8-13th. Click here for ticket info

But before they left Boston, the company had time to get together and celebrate the season with each other. There were some bittersweet goodbyes- Associate Company manager, Tegan Meyer and cast member Angela Brydon left the tour after the Boston run- but for the most part, the evening was about sparkles and swag!

Exhibit One: Angela Brydon and Lindsay Roberts providing the SPARKLE:

Exhibit Two: The highly coveted and often requested MEMPHIS tote bag giving us some SWAG- and company manager, Erik Birkeland, is very festive in a holiday plaid blazer:

Exhibit Three: Kent Overshown, Justin Prescott, and Kyle Leland and their dazzling smiles:

Exhibit Four: When it rains, it sometimes pours so now the touring company is highly equipped with MEMPHIS umbrellas (I wonder how long it will take for the Broadway alumni cast to start contacting me about wanting an umbrella. Take note, I don’t have any).

Exhibit Five: Oh lookie loo! It’s our very own Jack ‘n’ Jill: cast members Jack Sippel and Jill Morrison.

Exhibit Six: Ever the dapper dans, Jody Reynard and Christopher Gurr.

Exhibit Seven: Methinks Peter “Buck Wiley” Matthew Smith is very excited for the swag (and/or the drink in his hand which actually appears to be water. Stay hydrated is very important).

Exhibit Eight: Both alums of the Broadway Company, Preston Dugger III and Darius Barnes cross paths on the national tour for a hot second- Dugger leaves for MOTOWN the Musical on January 13th.

Exhibit Nine: Principle Dresser, Jocelyn Seawright and her daughter, Sophia, define dazzling.

Fun Fact: Jocelyn is “Felicia,” Felicia Boswell’s Dresser and her husband, Tommy Seawright is “Huey” Bryan Fenkart’s dresser. They are fantastic dressers and we are very lucky to have their family on tour with us!

Exhibit Ten: Welcome to new cast member, Jillian Mueller (left) who joins the delightful Will Mann, Bree Branker and Kent Overshown.

Exhibit Eleven: Music Director, Darryl Archibald, and MEMPHIS lead producer, Randy Adams are lucky to have to lovely Julie Johnson “Mama” and Jill Morrison on their arms tonight!

Exhibit Twelve: A sighting of a technician! Assistant Sound Engineer, Kevin McCoy, helps keep our principles, Will Mann, Felicia Boswell and Rhett George sounding amazing in every new venue!

Thank you to Jill Morrison for sharing her photos with us and we look forward to having the Huey Company back together in Milwaukee next week!