Celebrate the history of rock ’n’ roll at “Memphis” in Norfolk.
The energy behind the 2010 Tony Award winner for Best Musical does more than engage with its toe-tapping, clap-happy score.
The story is inspired by actual events of white DJ Dewey Phillips introducing Black music on his Memphis station, taking the audience on a rollercoaster spin. But "Memphis," which opens Friday at the Little Theatre of Norfolk, is not just another feel-good musical.
It’s a history lesson with raw content that director Sharon Davidson Cook calls “in your face.”
“I think the story is an important one, especially in the times we’re experiencing now,” Davidson Cook said. “Often we think segregation was then, in the 1950s. However, a lot of division is taking place now. The story is timeless and quite relevant.”
The character of Huey Calhoun stems from Phillips, who is considered a pioneer because he was among the first to integrate music on the radio at WHBQ. In 1954, Phillips became the first DJ to play an Elvis Presley record on the air.
Davidson Cook founded the Underground Performing Arts Collective, which gives artists from Hampton Roads an opportunity to perform in projects that focus on underrepresented communities. She jumped at the chance to direct her second show for Little Theatre of Norfolk.
As much as the retired Maury High School teacher wants the audience to enjoy the music, she hopes it will inspire meaningful dialogue, the kind often missing in today’s world of polarizing Facebook posts.
“I’m big on community and building community,” she said. “I feel like this story does just that. It builds community through music.”
Davidson Cook didn’t hesitate to keep the play as written despite it using the N-word in one scene.
“I don’t believe in changing a playwright’s words because they’re there for a reason,” she said.
“Memphis” reunites Davidson Cook with former student Chonise Thomas, who plays Felicia Farrell, an aspiring club singer who struggles to find steady work because of the color of her skin. Thomas graduated from Norfolk’s Maury and was in Davidson Cook’s English class.
Now, Thomas teaches English as a Second Language at Tallwood High School in Virginia Beach. Though juggling lesson plans with learning lines eats up her time, she started 2025 determined to do more theater. This is her third show this year after appearing in “Soulful Christmas” and “Black Girl Magic,” both directed by Davidson Cook.
“I like how sassy my character is; she’s the opposite of my personality. And I love a good ballad,” said Thomas, who sings one with her favorite song in the show, “Love Will Stand.”
Chesapeake native Alan Mathews, who trained in New York and earned an undergraduate degree at Old Dominion University, plays Calhoun. Mathews' website lists Blues dancing, fencing and the ability to grow a full beard quickly as a few of his professional skills.
He worked with music director Sherrod Brown and a private coach to improve his singing.
“I'd never had singing lessons before,” he said. “I still was struggling with one note in particular. Then Sherrod dissected the issue and dug it out of me. I genuinely wouldn't have gotten through this without all the help the production team has given me.”
Mathews is hopeful the audience will respond to the highs and lows of the show.
“There’s joy. There’s action,” he said. “It’s confusing as far as emotion goes. ‘Yeah! Wait! No? Yes! Oh! I don’t really know what to feel in this moment.’ That creates really great conversation.”
That’s the range Davidson Cook is going for, among the reasons she had what’s called "table time" with the actors and the ensemble. It’s a structured approach that calls for everyone to sit around a table and read the script aloud. What’s typically reserved for more dramatic productions created the opportunity for immediate feedback and collaboration.
“It’s a show that’s going to create conversation, but I think people are going to leave hopeful,” Davidson Cook said. “What’s the words of that song? Don’t let anybody steal your rock ’n’ roll? It is entertaining. But what’s the point of theater if it doesn’t make you think?”
“Memphis” runs through June 1. Visit Little Theatre of Norfolk for information and tickets.
