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. 

