LYNN – While the COVID-19 pandemic is often remembered as a tough time for all, there was a silver lining for Lynn’s Melvin Murphy.
Murphy, who was working from home like many during the pandemic, was able to get his creative juices flowing and write the musical “Jiggin’ at the Jug.”
“(The pandemic) gave me free time to be able to clear my thoughts and just slowly start writing,” Murphy said.
Murphy, a prominent figure in the gospel music scene, is the founder and director of the Higher Praise Music & Arts Gospel Community Choir. Murphy holds the Minister of Music position at the First Baptist Church in Saugus. He also represents the Massachusetts Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, founded by the legendary Rev. James Cleveland.
As the show’s director, Murphy wrote the play and also gets credit for writing every song in the musical except two. One of those songs is a jazz instrumental by musician Dominic French, and the other is a rendition of a “negro spiritual song.”
“Jiggin’ at the Jug” is a Harlem-era musical that blends jazz, funk, gospel and soul into a heart-thumping, foot-stomping tale of ambition, legacy and jazz. Framed by the memories of a beloved neighborhood storyteller, the show follows a young dreamer named Sam as he leaves the rural South behind in search of fortune in the big city.
What he finds there is more than he bargained for. He finds success, but he also runs into deceit and betrayal.
Murphy has directed other small projects but considers “Jiggin’ at the Jug” his “baby.”
With original music, laugh-out-loud moments and a deep respect for the oral storytelling traditions of Black America, “Jiggin’ at the Jug” pays homage to the juke joints, big dreams and bittersweet truths that shaped a generation. It’s joyful, theatrical, rooted in community and full of soul.
This September, “Jiggin’ at the Jug” returns to The Strand Theatre for two performances. There will be one matinee at noon and one evening performance at 4:00 p.m. on Sept. 6 at The Strand Theatre at 543 Columbia Rd. in Dorchester.
When asked about the show’s cast, Murphy immediately said, “The cast is just phenomenal.” He added the whole cast is from the Boston area and every actor is a singer first, which brings “Jiggin’ at the Jug” to another level vocally.
Murphy emphasized that “Jiggin’ at the Jug” is “a family show.
“There’s nothing that will embarrass you from your kids or (make) kids (get) embarrassed. … It’s a family show and a lot of fun. There’s a good deal of tempo music that’ll have you tapping your feet a little bit,” Murphy said. “We encourage everyone to come on out and support.”
He said the show is partially funded by the City of Boston through grant funding.
“We thank God for the grants from the City of Boston,” Murphy said. “We’re really not a huge organization, so if there’s anyone out there who’s looking to donate some type of supplies that we may need, buying ads or any type of sponsorship, we’re open to that as well.”
To contribute to the show in any way, reach out to Murphy via email at [email protected].
Tickets for “Jiggin’ at the Jug” are on sale now and available at jigginatthejug.com. Individual tickets range in price from $21-$50. For group sales, contact Murphy via email.
Each showing has a seating capacity of 1,500, and The Strand is wheelchair accessible. Street parking is available but limited. Public transit or ride shares are strongly encouraged.
“We’re really excited about coming together and acting and just working together,” Murphy said. “When you’re on that stage, it’s just a great feeling. You know, there’s a little nerves, but it’s just such a great feeling to stand there and perform. We’re working hard to get out as many people as possible.”
