Stage actor Will Mann promises singing and dancing long after theatergoers have saw the production of “Memphis” at Heinz Hall.
“You will cry and laugh and leave the room singing the songs from the production,” said Mann who plays the role of Bobby in the show, which will run in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District from Dec. 27-Jan. 1.
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| ENJOYING THE MUSIC—Will Mann, as Bobby, right, with cast from Memphis. (Photo by Paul Kolnik)
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The production is being brought to Pittsburgh as part of the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America.
“Memphis” takes place during the segregated 1950s in the underground clubs on Beale Street in Memphis. A young, White DJ named Huey Calhoun falls in love with the mesmerizing and forbidden culture of the Black rhythm and blues clubs, including an electrifying Black singer.
According to Mann, “Memphis” is about honesty. It tells a close truth of relationships between Blacks and Whites during the times.
“The show is set in the south in the 1950s and that is apparent, but it resonates differently with the audiences who have come to see it because each person has different life experiences,” said Mann who made his Broadway debut with “Memphis” in October. Before he joined the cast, Mann appeared in “Billy Elliot” as Mr. Braithwaite and Big Davey; and “Wonderful Town” as Valenti. Mann earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Oklahoma City University under Florence Birdwell.
“All too often these days shows thrive because they’re based on popular movies or are filled with music that’s popular,” Mann said. “‘Memphis’” had none of that. It’s about the love of the music and following your heart no matter what.”
The music for “Memphis” was composed by Bon Jovi’s founding member and keyboardist David Bryan.
“The styles of music in ‘Memphis’ are vast,” Mann said. “They span from Rock-n-Roll to real authentic gospel to everything that was powerful during the times. These people are really singing.”
“Memphis” has garnered numerous awards including the 2010 Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book and Best Orchestrations. In addition, it also won four Drama Desk and four Outer Critic Circle Awards.
The concept for the musical was developed by late theater producer George W. George in 2002. Over the next five years, “Memphis” was produced in numerous regional markets including the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego. The show opened on Broadway to rave reviews in 2009.
“Memphis” started its first national tour in October.
Mann’s character of Bobby takes on a light-hearted stance when it comes to the trials and tribulations occurring due to segregation in the city of Memphis.
“Bobby is a fun-loving guy who sits back and laughs at what’s happening in life,” Mann explains.
Mann says that despite the fun that takes place in “Memphis,” he is still shocked that there is a racial divide in today’s world.
“This show proves that things don’t have to be like this,” he said.
Mann says he has been preparing for a role of this caliber his entire life.
He auditioned for three years to land any role he could get in “Memphis.” Mann got the call to take the role of Bobby in April.
“It was incredible. I had been wanted to do ‘Memphis’ for a long time. I thought I was right for the show because I saw the heart of the show.”
Following its run in Pittsburgh, “Memphis” will be making stops in Hartford and Charlotte.
(Tickets for “Memphis” range in price from $26 to $68 and are available by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412-392-4900 or visiting www.TrustArts.org.)
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