Arden Theatre Extends the Premiere of "Holy Grail Memphis"

Reported on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

Pictured Above: JMatteo Scammell (Newton “Newt” Stover III) and Kishia Nixon (Gigi Robins) in Arden Theatre Company’s 2025 production of Holy Grail of Memphis. Photo Credit: Ashley Smith Wide Eyed Studios.

The World Premiere of Holy Grail of Memphis has been officially extended to March 2nd with Seven Additional Performances - Opening Night is set for January 22nd

Newsroom Post: PHILADELPHIA, PA

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company is bringing audiences together in 2025 with the highly anticipated world premiere of Holy Grail of Memphis, on stage now. The comedy, written by Philadelphia-based, award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger, takes audiences on a profound journey of transformation and restoration. Directed by Terrence J. Nolen, producing artistic director for the Arden, Holy Grail of Memphis unfolds on the Arden’s intimate 175-seat Arcadia Stage with previews began January 16 with an opening night set for January 22, performances are now extended through March 2nd. Bringing Holy Grail of Memphis to life on the stage are six incredibly talented actors, including Matteo Scammell (he/him), Erin Malimban (she/they), Newton Buchanan (he/him), Kishia Nixon (she/her), Mary Martello (she/her), and Fred Michael Beam (he/him).

Holy Grail of Memphis takes place in present-day Memphis, Tennessee, and the stage design immerses audiences in the atmosphere of a mid-century recording studio, complete with vintage equipment, microphones, mixers, and amplifiers. Amongst the meticulously crafted stage setting, theatergoers are introduced to Newton “Newt” Stover II (Matteo Scammell), a man striving to rebuild his life and preserve his family’s legacy after uncovering the long-lost recordings of legendary blues guitarist and singer Alfred “Deaf Duck” Mason (Fred Michael Beam). Mason, who was Deaf, performed throughout the Mississippi Delta for decades, inspiring countless other great Black bluesmen and women, including Mississippi John Hurt, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Memphis Minnie.

Pictured Above: JMatteo Scammell (Newton “Newt” Stover III) in Arden Theatre Company’s 2025 production of Holy Grail of Memphis. Photo Credit: Ashley Smith Wide Eyed Studios.

The play highlights the rich history behind the origins of the Blues and pays homage to legendary Black blues musicians who paved the way for other future artists of color. With the help of his tech-savvy intern, Lee Hara (Erin Malimban), and Derek Benoit (Newton Buchanan), a scholar, musician, and Newt’s former bandmate, Newton plans to release Mason’s recordings to the public and restore his grandfather’s studio to its former glory. However, the arrival of an unexpected visitor could throw his plans into disarray.

The seven additional show dates are as follows: