New York City - The thrilling new musical "Memphis" will fuel the imaginations of thousands of New York and New Jersey students through the new educational program "Inspire Change." Students from arts-poor schools will experience historical events in a new musical way, through tickets to the Broadway production, an in-school dynamic pre-show workshop led by a "Memphis" cast member and teaching artists, as well as a post-show discussion with the "Memphis" actors.

Ticket to "Memphis," round-trip transportation and the workshop/post-show experience will be provided by the funders of "Inspire Change." The program is run by educational consultancy group iTheatrics (www.itheatrics.com).

To date donors have generously provided funding for more than 1,000 students to experience "Inspire Change" at "Memphis," including KIPP: STAR School in Harlem, which was the impetus for this program.

After seeing the show on his own, middle school English teacher Trenton Price of KIPP: STAR School wrote to the "Memphis" producers stating that "I know it's rare to see a show with which my student population in Harlem can identify (through music, racial identities, and civil rights history). While our school runs nicely, we are not, unfortunately, able to financially look at events like Broadway shows for our students. Nevertheless, given the subject matter and the amazingly talented cast and production I was wondering if there were any events you sponsor for New York City public schools."

Initial funds to for this program were provided by the authors of "Memphis" and several of the lead producers of the show, including David Bryan and Joe DiPietro, The Kenneth and Marleen Alhadeff Charitable Foundation, Bill and Linda Potter, Jim and Susan Blair, and Rick and Linda Linneweh.

Donors are invited to join the students at the performance and take part in their post show discussion with the cast about their experiences with "Memphis."

Other schools participating in the launch of "Inspire Change" include Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School in Staten Island and Brooklyn Theatre Arts High School.

To experience "Inspire Change" contact Janette Roush at janette@typeamktg.com.

"Memphis" features a brand new score with music by Bon Jovi's founding member/keyboardist Bryan and lyrics by Bryan and DiPietro ("I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change"), who also pens the musical's book. "Memphis" is based on a concept by the late George W. George (producer of the Tony nominated "Bedroom Farce" and the film "My Dinner With Andre"), with direction by Tony nominee Christopher Ashley ("Xanadu") and choreography by Sergio Trujillo ("Jersey Boys").

"Memphis" takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 1950s, a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun (Chad Kimball) fell in love with everything he shouldn't - rock and roll and an electrifying black singer (Montego Glover). "Memphis" is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever.

"Memphis" stars Kimball (Huey) and Glover (Felicia) with Derrick Baskin (Gator), J. Bernard Calloway (Delray), James Monroe Iglehart (Bobby), Tony nominee Michael McGrath (Mr. Simmons), and Cass Morgan (Mama).

For more information go to www.memphisthemusical.com.