Actor Quentin Earl Darrington, who plays the role of Delray in the musical "Memphis."

Musical theater fans take note: Next week — Jan. 3 to be exact — the Tony Award-winning play “Memphis” is making its way to Charlotte for a five-day stint at Ovens Auditorium.

Inspired by actual events, “Memphis” tells the story of a white radio DJ on a mission to change the world and an African American singer who’s ready for her big break — told against the backdrop of racially charged 1950s America. Of course, that description only skims the surface of the musical. For more insight, we talked with “Memphis” cast member Quentin Earl Darrington.

Darrington — a Lakeland, Fla., native and a University of South Florida graduate who also starred in the 2009 Broadway revival of “Ragtime,” among many other productions — recently opened up to Qcitymetro about the “Memphis,” African Americans in theater and more.

1. How would describe your role in “Memphis”?

I play the character Delray, the over-protective, self-made, streetwise, slightly aggressive yet fair and considerate man who may or may not have an issue with anger management.

2. How did you go about landing the spot?

I actually submitted a video. I wasn't in New York during the auditions, so my agents and I decided to send the video in my absence. To our surprise, I was cast without a callback or ever having met the creative team in person.

3. With plays like “Fela!,” “The Mountaintop” and “Memphis,” as well as a handful of others, this seems to be a robust time for both African American actors and African American theatergoers. Do you see this growth of African-American-oriented plays as a trend or a more permanent expansion?

I'm not yet sure, but I would hope that it would be a more permanent expansion. Let me be clear: I personally intend an expansion in which African Americans are more consistently seen on the Broadway stage, not because we are black or for what the color of our skin contributes to the story line, but for the content of our individual abilities as skilled artists to create and recreate truth in any human circumstance. For too long, I have watched production after production, featuring or starring black actors, in which the major dramatic action centers around the strength of African Americans overcoming long-term injustice, the ignorance of an oppressive era determined to keep blacks separate and unequal, or the triumphs of an individual or family freed from slavery. Don't get me wrong, I honor our history; these truths carry tremendous weight and, with respect, should be told and systematically exposed. But with the exception of a small few, race, for blacks in Broadway theater, continues to be an overwhelming foundation and the all-consuming value for our onstage lives and productions. So when I speak of a permanent expansion, I encourage the day when African American actors and theatergoers of every hue can enjoy a production in which the leading character is not a black father, but a father … not a black farmer, but a farmer ... not a black nurse, but a nurse ... not a black husband, but a husband ... not a black man, but simply, a man.

4. The life of a touring theatrical actor seems both exciting and grueling. What aspects of the life do you enjoy and which ones can you do without?

I enjoy the many opportunities to serve, volunteer, and teach within the various communities and cities in which we perform. I also love making new friends and lasting connections throughout the country. I can definitely do without the planes!

5. What can audiences expect when they see “Memphis”?

A nonstop, high energy, toe-tappin,’ hand-clappin,’ heart-soaring musical celebration of laughter, love, and truth!

For more information about “Memphis” or to purchase tickets, visit the Blumenthal’s website.

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Editor's Note: This article was created as part of the Charlotte Arts Journalism Alliance, a consortium of local media dedicated to writing about the arts scene.

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