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Partly Cloudy Soulful sounds and big dreams take shape in 'From My Hometown'
The musical is performed at Molloy's Madison Theatre
Yes, it’s the weekend of the Big Game. But not all the action is taking place on the football field. There’s considerable excitement at Molloy College’s new Madison Theatre, which is unveiling its first theatrical production of the young inaugural season, “From My Hometown.”
Madison Theatre salutes Black History Month with a rags-to-riches celebration of the American dream. “From My Hometown” tells the story of three talented young men with big voices and even bigger dreams – but with very little to their names – who make their way to the Big Apple. These aspiring soul singers, nicknamed after their hometowns, share a desire to perform at the legendary Apollo Theater. Each seeks to escape from poverty, leaving behind family and a hometown sweetheart.
The production, which opens Thursday, Feb. 2, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 5, blends Motown and R&B classics, along with original songs, into this story of hope, optimism and friendship. “This family friendly show is uplifting and positive with great songs,” said Madison Theatre’s artistic director Angelo Fraboni. “It is an enjoyable show that is accessible to everyone.”
The year is 1980. “Memphis” (Jonathan Butler-Duplessis) brings the poignant passion of southern music to the big city. “Philly” (Mykal Kilgore) represents an opulent, heartfelt East Coast style. “Detroit” (Maurice Murphy) belts out the richly rhythmic music of the Motown era. They arrive in New York to get their shot at fame: a talent contest at the Apollo. We see them audition, and struggle through callbacks, eventually forming a successful musical group, a brotherhood that spans more than a decade.
“From My Hometown” was conceived by Lee Summers, who in addition to performing (he appeared in the Broadway production of Dreamgirls, among other credits), is a writer, composer, and producer. The show originated at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, with an off-Broadway run in 1994. It recently completed its third encore production at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and now tours nationally.
