SEPTEMBER 5 • 2024 | 39
through music as opposed to
being divided.
”
Frederick has been perform-
ing and assisting backstage for
Village Players for 12 years, and
she is engrossed in the responsi-
bilities of this show. It takes place
in the 1950s and explores how
sounds defined as blues were
developed in Black communities
and moved into the larger pop-
ulation while growing into what
has become rock ‘n’ roll.
“My responsibilities are really
multifaceted,
” she said. “They’re
basically organizing between the
different areas of directing, playing music, dancing
and making sure budget requirements are met.
Coordinating between costumes, props, set dec-
orations and set construction helps make sure we
meet the director’s vision.
”
Frederick, who also helps coordinate various
publicity efforts, has appeared in many plays
presented by the acting company. They include
Jersey Boys, Guys and Dolls, Mame, Little Shop of
Horrors and Sunset Boulevard. She shares current
production responsibilities with Michael Gravame
of Detroit.
Mark Carley of Beverly Hills is directing the
production. While the cast has a large ensemble
to help present many musical numbers, main
performers include Charnell Williams and Stacey
Barrett as Felicia, Dan Clair (Huey, the disc jock-
ey), Chaz Cunningham (Delray), Dyrel Johnson
(Bobby), Eric Brown (Gator), Tania Velinsky
(Gladys) and Kevin Branshaw (Simmons).
“I’ve always loved theater, and I’ve always loved
being on stage,
” said Frederick, 43, who took
dancing lessons as a youngster,
sang in the Temple Beth El choir
and briefly studied musical
theater at Central Michigan
University. “I enjoy being behind
the scenes because it gives me
a broader picture of how the
whole story comes together.
“When you’re an actor, you
go on stage, do your dance, sing
your song and say your lines.
When you’re a producer, you get
to see all of the hard-working
individuals making the vision of
the production come true. That
makes me a better performer.
”
Frederick’s teenage son, Anthony, has shared her
theater interest by taking parts in Village Players
and youth productions. Her husband, also named
Anthony, has not been on stage, but she believes
he has picked up theater skills by watching her and
their son. He’s used those skills conducting large
meetings as senior vice president for a mortgage
company.
Frederick, who grew up in Birmingham and
now lives in Macomb Township, had her bat mitz-
vah at Temple Beth El and currently joins Chabad
Jewish Center of Troy for religious services.
While Frederick enjoys the show’s music and
messages, she especially resonates with the song
“Make Me Stronger.
”
“The song is a gospel number presented in a
beautiful scene by those enacting a Baptist choir,
”
she said. “When the Black choir is singing, a white
girl walks in. She is the only white girl, and the
choir embraces her and has her sing with them.
It carries the theme of music transcending every-
thing else and bringing people together.
”
Details
Memphis the Musical is
being presented Sept.
6-22 by the Village Players
of Birmingham, 34660
Woodward. Start times are
8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
and 2 p.m. Sunday.
$30. (248) 644-2075.
birminghamvillageplayers.
com. Because of racially
charged content, adult
language and physical
abuse scenes, viewer
discretion is advised.
PAUL MANOIAN PHOTOGRAPHY
PAUL MANOIAN PHOTOGRAPHY
PAUL MANOIAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Charnell Williams
(Felicia) breaks up an
argument between
her brother, played by
Chaz Cunningham (left)
and Huey, the man she
loves, played by Dan
Clair (right) in Memphis
the Musical, opening
Sept. 6, at Birmingham
Village Players.
Dan Clair plays
Huey and Stacy
Barrett is Felicia
in Memphis the
Musical.
Dan Clair (Huey)
and Charnell
Williams (Felicia)
sing a passionate
love song in
Memphis the
Musical.