Earlier this week, a producer asked me if the Front Row Crew (FRC) was coming to the 100th performance of Memphis on Thursday.
“I don’t know,” I replied.
“Well, invite ‘em.” said the producer.
“But the front row center orcheatra is no longer zoned for sudent rush tickets.” I protested.
“Well, find out if they will make it a student rush zone for Thursday night.”
“Alright then.”
Three emails, two phone calls and one bat signal later and the FRC was set in motion. Seven members of the FRC made their way to Shubert Alley in custom shirts and a special poster for the cast and crew.
They even made me a shirt!!
Making shirts that integrate the FRC logo and “100″ = genius. And not only was there crafting involved, but many of them, got on trains and buses to make it in the City for this special night!
The FRC with Derrick and James after the 100th performance.
Having fans that go the extra mile is amazing. I know it energizes the cast- Check out Derrick’s new video vlog which introduces you to some of the members of the FRC when they were at the show.
http://www.broadway.com/videos/show/memphis/life-in-memphis-with-derrick-baskin-video-blog-7/
And we’d gladly brave the trains and busses again! We had an amazing time!
Comment by Kelley (part of the FRC!) — January 16, 2010 @ 9:47 pm
Very cool, so glad the FRC could make it to the 100th performance!
Comment by raellen — January 17, 2010 @ 2:22 am
CONGRATSSS MEMPHIS ON YOUR 100TH SHOW! I’m sure it was extra special fantastic! As an FRC member I was thinking of you guys the entire day from Disney World in Orlando FL! I gave you a shout out at the American Idol Experience and rocked my Memphis Tee with Pride all day (I’ll try to upload a pic on the Memphis facebook!)! Congrats again and best wishes on 100s and 100s of upcoming shows!
Allie
Comment by Allie, FRC Member — January 17, 2010 @ 4:29 pm
Carolyn, thank you so much for making it possible for the FRC to be a part of the 100th performance!!! We had a fantastical time… as always!!! Hockadoo!!
Comment by Christina Bracco, FRC member — January 19, 2010 @ 3:02 am
While not part of the official FRC, we (five of us) were lucky enough to also be sitting in the front row on the night of the 100th performance. Congratulations to you all! Everyone on stage looked so genuinely happy after the show and I’m so glad that we were there for this special night. While I doubt I’ll manage to get front row seats again :(, we will definitely be back soon! We love MEMPHIS !!
Comment by Christine Zemla — January 20, 2010 @ 12:07 pm
Hi Christine!
So glad you were there!!! Were you front row center or front row side orchestra? I only ask because row AA on the sides are still rush locastions- or “locs” as the lingo goes”- but those in center, meaning AA 101-112, are usually $66.50.
Come back and see us, well, them, well the show!!
Comment by Carolyn — January 20, 2010 @ 11:13 pm
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks so much for your reply. I definitely will be back soon.
I’ve been teaching a class at Rutgers for the past ten years or so called “Race, Roots & Rock ‘n’ Roll.” I’ve traveled to Memphis – the city – and Mississippi several times over the last few years, with a spring trip in the works, to try and soak up as much of the music and history as is humanly possible. How could I not like this show?? The story, the actors, the music and dance … it’s all amazing!
I received the mailer for MEMPHIS – the show – sometime last fall (the first I had heard about it) and went online that day looking for tickets. I bought the soundtrack and listened repeatedly. I knew the show would be interesting. and entertaining. and fun. But who knew it would be so “can’t-get-the-music-out-of-my-head” great! I could go on (and on …) but don’t want to take up too much blog-space.
I managed to get front/center (discounted) tickets and will try for them again. but, anticipating a few return trips with others in tow, can you tell me where I can learn more about “locs”?
thanks!
Chris
Comment by Christine Zemla — January 26, 2010 @ 1:38 pm
Hi Chris,
Wow- it sounds like your class “Race, Roots & Rock ‘n’ Roll” needs to take a field trip to see the show!!
I know what you mean about the “can’t get it out of your head” nature of the score! Someone walks in the office and says one word and its like Pee-Wee Herman’s word of the day- we all start in quoting or singing the show…
I’d love to help you with your “loc” question- are you wanting to know which discounts get you access to which seating areas? Let me know if that’s what you mean and I will be happy to look into it.
Thanks for reading!
Carolyn
Comment by Carolyn — January 26, 2010 @ 6:24 pm