Montclair Actors Will Appear In ‘Memphis the Musical’ Production

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Vanguard Theater Company will hold a one-weekend-only production of “Memphis the Musical” at the Westminster Arts Center at Bloomfield College, which will open on Friday, July 14 and include several Essex County actors.

According to a theater news release, the production will include the following cast members:

• West Orange - Branden R. Mangan
• East Orange – Janice Lynn, Zach Abraham, Hans Ericson, Aaron Bowes
• South Orange – Whitney Pillsbury
• Bloomfield – Mike Amazan, David Tibbs, Jonathan Jarvis
• Newark – Jahee Kidd, Mimi B. Francis, Leah Jenea
• Clifton – Triana Jackson
• Maplewood – Miriam Navarrete, Yagel Cabrera, Daisha Davis, Patrisha Gibson, Toni Gardner, Alex Rosenberg, Franca Rosenblatt
• Montclair - Gabriel Rodriguez, and Jamie Mayer

Dwayne Clark (The Color Purple and Spiderman on Broadway), Leandra Ellis Gaston (Hair and After Midnight), Lawrence Dandridge (Sister Act) and Dan Drew (Rhythm in the Night) will lead the local cast members in the production.

Here’s how the theater company describes the show:

“Inspired by actual events, Memphis tells the story of Huey Calhoun, who falls in love with everything he shouldn’t: Rock and Roll and a stunning black songstress by the name of Felicia Farrell. When his vision meets her voice – a revolution is started – and music is changed forever.”

The performance will be presented at the Westminster Arts Center on the campus of Bloomfield College on the following dates:

• Friday, July 14 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday, July 15 – 2 and 8 p.m.
• Sunday, July 16 – 3 p.m.

For tickets and more information visit MemphisVTC.bpt.me, or email vanguardtheatercompany@gmail.com.

Learn more about the Vanguard Theater Company here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Vanguard Theater Company