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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUST 2025

 

Local Talent Takes the Spotlight in ‘Jiggin’ at the Jug’ at The Strand Theater on September 6th

Two performances and one unforgettable journey from the rural South to Harlem’s hottest club, live at Dorchester’s Strand Theatre
 

Boston, MA — Next month, Jiggin’ at the Jug takes the stage at Boston’s historic Strand Theatre for two powerful performances in partnership with the City of Boston. A Harlem-era musical rooted in Black storytelling, legacy, and joy, the production is poised to become one of the most anticipated cultural events of the season.

 

Blending jazz, funk, gospel, and soul, Jiggin’ at the Jug tells the story of Sam, a young dreamer who leaves the rural South behind in search of a better life. What he finds in the city is more than he bargained for: success, betrayal, and a long road back to his truth. The show is framed by the memories of Mr. Hightower, a neighborhood storyteller whose voice ties generations together.

 

“It is a joy to work on the live musical stage! To embody a character and bring an original work to life, reflecting on the experience, the cultural heritage, and the perspective is the epitome of expression.”

- Thomesa Bennett, Cast Member

 

About the Show

Jiggin’ at the Jug was written during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by longtime gospel musician and playwright Melvin Murphy.

 

“The COVID year was tough, but it gave me time to turn a dream into reality,” Murphy shares. “I was told to work from home and not come to the office, which gave me more writing time.”

- Melvin Murphy

 

Inspired by the golden era of jazz, Murphy sought to create a story filled with rhythm, emotional weight, and musical innovation. Songs like Blue Daisies, Won’t Be Waiting Home, and Sweet Man of Mine evoke classic jazz clubs and Black love stories. A Latin-inspired number, Fiesta Con Migo Este Noche, was sparked by afternoons spent in a neighborhood barbershop. The result is a score that carries the audience from joy to heartbreak and back again.

 

“As a member of such a sensational cast of performers and musicians, I’m filled with unspeakable joy with each performance. This show is inspiring — it leaves you breathless, wiping away tears one moment and laughing the next.”

- D. Murray, Cast Member

 

With a cast of local actors, vocalists, musicians, and dancers, Jiggin’ at the Jug is a production with a universal message: dreams require sacrifice, community heals, and music carries the truth.

 

Performance Details

The Strand Theatre

543 Columbia Road

Dorchester, MA 02125

 

Saturday, September 6, 2025

• Matinee Performance: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

• Evening Performance: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

 

Tickets on Sale Now at jigginatthejug.com

• Price Range: $21 – $50

• Group Sales Contact: melvinmurphyproductions@gmail.com

 

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About the Director

Melvin Murphy is a celebrated Boston-based gospel artist, playwright, and choir director. He founded the New England Mass Workshop Choir and the Higher Praise Music and Arts Gospel Community Choir. He has collaborated with icons including Shirley Caesar and Al Green, and his choirs have backed artists like Josh Groban and Charlie Daniels. He serves as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church in Saugus and leads the Massachusetts Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America.

 

Press Inquiries, Interviews, & Booking:

Kelly Lydon – KFL Strategies – kelly@kflstrategies.com | 617.721.9306