SONS OF SUN – THE SAM PHILLIPS STORY
Image: Matt Charleston as Sam Phillips in 'Sons of Sun', photo by Dusk Devi Vision
Sons of Sun tells the story of the legendary Sun Records and its founder Sam Phillips. The play fuses live theatre with rock ‘n’ roll to present an innovative and exciting experience.
It takes place in 1950s Memphis where Sam Phillips is about to discover Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison among many others. He will soon become known as the father of rock ‘n’ roll, his influence and tenacity going down in history.
Written by playwright Kieran Carroll, in collaboration with musician and performer John Kennedy, Sons of Sun has found acclaim in Sydney and Melbourne over the last year and a half. With shows in both cities, it has now landed at the Bridge Hotel in Rozelle where it will stay until November.
“There was a little fortuitous coincidence that the figure we decided to be the lynchpin of the story turned out to be a fantastic, colourful character,” says Kennedy.
“By taking his love of black-written blues and finding white artists, he melded these together and made great music. Somehow Phillips created magic.”
An ostentatious businessman, Phillips was also ahead of the times socially. “He tried to get an all-black radio station licensed and did get an all-female radio station called WHER. He was a social revolutionary,” continues Kennedy.
With a strong cast performing a series of iconic rock ‘n’ roll numbers, this hit show is a firm favourite.
“We are trying to illustrate the details of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll,” Kennedy continues, “how it is so much more than just the musicians who helped create the musical form. Everyone knows about Presley and Cash but not many people know about Sam Phillips.” (TW)
Oct 19, Nov 15, 22 & 29, The Bridge Hotel, 119 Victoria Rd, Rozelle, $28.30, 9810 1260, ticketek.com.au
BY TOM WILSON
