Memphis, TN, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Memphis is witnessing a significant boost in its theater scene with the debut of major musicals and new works reflecting community commitment to the arts. Notable productions include ‘Memphis The Musical’ and Shakespeare-inspired performances. The city’s community theater has over 750 volunteers contributing to its success, and the Orpheum Theatre Group attracts first-run Broadway tours. The Hattiloo Theatre and other local venues emphasize diverse storytelling, enriching Memphis’s cultural fabric. The city’s theater landscape showcases talent, dedication, and the importance of arts in community engagement.
Memphis Theater Scene Flourishes with New Productions and Community Support
Memphis is experiencing a vibrant surge in its theater scene with the opening of two significant musicals and a compilation of new works based on a beloved nursery rhyme this month. This revitalization underscores the city’s ongoing commitment to the arts and its extensive community support.
Among the highlighted productions is the Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s opening of its 102nd season with “Memphis The Musical,” which runs until Oct. 5. Additionally, Memphis is witnessing a rise in Shakespeare-inspired performances, reflecting a growing interest in classic literature as well.
The local theater community is not only thriving in terms of productions but also in recognition. Awards are regularly given for numerous categories, including acting, directing, and backstage contributions, highlighting the talent and dedication of those involved.
The Memphis theater scene relies heavily on community involvement. One particularly notable community theater has been entertaining audiences for over 100 years, having begun in 1920 with its first production in 1921 and officially incorporating in 1922. This theater has approximately 750 volunteers who contribute their time and talents to both acting and backstage work each year. It features two performance spaces: the Lohrey Theatre, which accommodates over 400 seats, and The Next Stage, with a capacity of up to 100 seats.
In addition to the local community theater, the Orpheum Theatre Group stands out as the sole venue for first-run Broadway tours between major cities like Nashville and Birmingham. The Orpheum is committed to entertaining, educating, and enlightening the communities it serves through performing arts.
Furthermore, Hattiloo Theatre, founded in 2006, is recognized as the only freestanding Black repertory theatre in five surrounding states. The theatre has witnessed significant growth, expanding its facilities to include a Development Center and HattiHouse for visiting artists.
The leading professional theater company in Memphis, Circuit Playhouse, Inc., has produced over 880 shows for more than 3.5 million audience members. Thereโs also the New Day Children’s Theatre, which focuses on fostering inclusion and creativity among young performers, contributing to the growth of the local arts culture.
The Cannon Center serves as a modern venue housing the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, appreciated for its excellent acoustics. The Memphis Black Arts Alliance works to celebrate African American arts, literature, and culture through various performances, further diversifying the local theater landscape.
Additionally, the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center functions as a vital platform for cultural performances, supporting local artists in their pursuits. Looking toward the future, the Harrell Performing Arts Theatre in Collierville is set to launch a pilot program to expand arts offerings in the suburb beginning in the 2025-26 season.
The thriving theater scene in Memphis emphasizes community storytelling, self-expression, and the exploration of diverse perspectives, ensuring that the arts continue to thrive in this culturally rich city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What major productions are opening in Memphis this month?
This month, two significant musicals and a compilation of new works based on a familiar nursery rhyme are opening on stages across Memphis.
What is the history of community theater in Memphis?
A community theater in Memphis has been entertaining audiences for over 100 years, having begun in 1920 with its first production in 1921 and its official incorporation in 1922.
How many volunteers contribute to community theater in Memphis?
The theater relies on approximately 750 volunteers for acting and backstage work each year.
What are some notable theaters and their contributions in Memphis?
The Orpheum Theatre Group is the sole venue for first-run Broadway tours between major cities like Nashville and Birmingham, while the Cannon Center serves as a modern venue for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, known for its excellent acoustics.
Key Features of the Memphis Theater Scene
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Productions | Two significant musicals and new works based on a nursery rhyme opening this month. |
| Community Theater History | Over 100 years of entertaining audiences, originating in 1920. |
| Volunteer Contribution | Approximately 750 volunteers support acting and backstage work. |
| Orpheum Theatre Group | The sole venue for first-run Broadway tours between major cities. |
| Hattiloo Theatre | The only freestanding Black repertory theatre in five surrounding states. |
| Cannon Center | Modern venue for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra with excellent acoustics. |
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Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan: Chattanooga Theatre Centre Opens 102nd Season
- Wikipedia: Theatre
- StyleBlueprint: Memphis Plays and Musicals
- Google Search: Memphis Theatre
- Daily Memphian: Collierville to Launch Concert Series
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theater
- Choose901: Hattiloo’s Musical Chairs Dinner Theatre
- Google News: Memphis Theater News
- BroadwayWorld: Review of Aint Misbehavin’
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
