Million Dollar Quartet

‘Million Dollar Quartet’ Review – Victoria Theatre Association – That Old Time Rock & Roll

June 19, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

There’s a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on at the Schuster Center as the outstanding national tour of “Million Dollar Quartet,” nominated for the 2010 Tony Award for Best Musical and based on a true event, lets loose with feel-good exuberance courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series.

(l to r) John Countryman, Kelly Lamont, H. Bradley Waters, Corey Kaiser, Scott Moreau, and Tyler K. Hunter (seated) in “Million Dollar Quartet” (Contributed photo)

A jukebox musical written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux unabashedly concerned with tone and era instead of plot or storyline, “Million Dollar Quartet” captures a glimpse of rock and roll history in 100 breezy minutes under Eric Schaeffer’s crisp direction. On Dec. 4, 1956 in Memphis, Tennessee, Sun Records owner Sam Phillips concocted a jam session featuring four titans he discovered: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. This immensely talented and unique quartet, whose genuine love of music permeated within their souls, come together at the dawn of their careers, which gives the material an immediately endearing edge beyond the cavalcade of hits. Humorous clashes (primarily instigated by the outspoken Lewis) and interesting tidbits (televangelist Jimmy Swaggart is Lewis’ cousin; Perkins resented Presley for snatching “Blue Suede Shoes,” a hit he wrote and recorded first) keep the action engaging when the fantastic music subsides, but a deeper investigation into the lives and personalities of each artist, including Phillips, would have added considerable substance. Granted, Cash and Perkins provide a relatively juicy slice of drama when revealing their decision to move on from Sun Records, but stakes should have been raised elsewhere. Also, the presence of a random girlfriend for Presley, intended to boost the show’s sex appeal, is particularly superfluous and underwritten.

Nonetheless, this rip-roaring experience thrives on its thoroughly energetic and entertaining foursome who impressively play their own instruments while marvelously embodying the titular legends. Phenomenal pianist John Countryman is a funny firecracker as Lewis, a fiery Southerner longing to write his first hit. Countryman brings incredible passion to “Real Wild Child” and “Great Balls of Fire.” The suave Tyler K. Hunter effortlessly channels the hip-swiveling Presley in “That’s All Right” and “Hound Dog,” but wonderful sensitivity also abounds as he terrifically leads “Memories Are Made of This” and “Peace in the Valley.” As the plain-spoken Perkins, H. Bradley Waters provides satisfying versions of “Who Do You Love?” and “See You Later Alligator.” Scott Moreau is also perfectly cast as the understated Cash, pleasing audiences with toe-tapping renditions of “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Sixteen Tons” and “I Walk the Line.” Vince Nappo brings folksy joy to his portrayal of Phillips, the show’s narrator. As Presley’s current flame Dyanne, Kelly Lamont, who originated the role, seductively captivates in “Fever.” Bass player Corey Kaiser and drummer Patrick Morrow provide first-rate accompaniment.

“Million Dollar Quartet” only scratches the surface of Cash, Lewis, Perkins, Phillips and Presley’s greatness, but it’s an undeniable crowd pleaser just as winning on tour as it was on Broadway.

“Million Dollar Quartet” continues through June 22 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Performances are today and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The production is performed in 100 minutes without intermission. Tickets are $40-$96. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

From Elvis Tribute Shows To Touring Elvis

June 17, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

It sounds like the beginning of a joke, or some impossible showbiz fairy tale: “Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins walk into a recording studio…”

And yet, on December 4, 1956, at Sun Records in Memphis, it happened, and they jammed on record together for the first and only time. Perkins, riding the success of “Blue Suede Shoes,” was in with his band to cut some new material. Cash, a fellow Sun artist and a fan of Perkins, dropped by to listen. Sun’s owner, Sam Philips (“The Father of Rock and Roll”), added Lewis to Perkins’ session in search of a more rockabilly sound. Presley, with a girlfriend in tow, stopped by to say hello. And then, magic happened.

Before they were famous, it wasn’t unusual for several of these guys to play together at rent parties, in after-hours joints—but this was the only time any such summit was preserved for history.

Million Dollar Quartet, the 2010 Broadway musical that dramatizes this meeting, will rock the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center starting tonight and running June 17 – 22 as part of Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series. A litany of classic hits including “Hound Dog,” “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Fever,” and many more are performed with electric gusto by an unbelievably talented cast of actor/musicians playing their own instruments.

The tour cast includes H. Bradley Waters as Carl Perkins, John Countryman as Jerry Lee Lewis (a role that won Levi Kreis a Tony Award), Scott Moreau as Johnny Cash, and Tyler K. Hunter as Elvis Presley.

Hunter, a country singer who began doing Elvis tribute shows in his youth, has been part of the M$Q tour for a year and a half.

“I’ve never done any acting before,” he said, “or anything like that. I do country music, but they called and asked if I wanted to audition, so I took a bus to New York.”

“It’s a blast,” he said of the show’s process. “When we come into rehearsals, our musical director—Eric Schaeffer, a very talented, smart guy who works the ‘theatre’ side of things—tells us to pick up our instruments and start jamming, like a regular band. Then we throw in the dialogue, and there it is. We’re a band. These guys become like your family, like best friends. It’s a really tight bond.”

When the show premiered on Broadway in 2010, New York Magazine called it “a dazzling raucous spectacle that sounds like a million bucks,” but Hunter downplays that, painting a down-home portrait of four scrappy young fellas as regular joes on the cusp of igniting the world.

“You get an idea of who these guys are and where they come from, ‘50s Memphis. These are buddies just coming in and hanging—real guys, you know? No different from you or me or anybody else.”

He uses that approach to inform his portrayal of Elvis, going for an evocation as opposed to an impersonation. Hunter, who does not resemble Elvis offstage, pulls a transformation onstage and presents a stunning take that evokes The King’s presence.

“A wig, some makeup…I dunno,” he said casually. “There are a few guys out there whoreally look like Elvis, but no one’s going to sound exactly like him. I try to do just enough so if you’re sitting back in your seat and catch a glimpse of me, there’s a split second where you think, ‘Wow, that’s Elvis.’ That’s all it takes, that split second. Then they’re on board with you even if you go somewhere they don’t completely expect.”

“You know, we think about Elvis, probably one of the most famous people since Jesus Christ, and we forget that he was a real person. These were all real people. They had their feelings hurt, they laughed, they did all the same things as us—they just had really cool jobs. When I’m up there, I try to capture that aspect. At this point, he’s 21 years old. He’s a kid. You remember how you were at 21? That’s what I try to capture.”

In Million Dollar Quartet, Hunter-as-Elvis performs songs like “Long Tall Sally” and “Peace in the Valley,” but Hunter dreams of singing his own material someday.

“I’ll always be an Elvis fan, but I would love to do my own thing. I’ve been writing songs for a little while now, and country music is what I grew up on. It comes naturally when I sing. I’m from Nebraska and kind of a redneck, and it’s just who I am. We’ve got some good people coming together to hopefully make a great album of original country music.”

But for now, he knows, The King still reigns.

“I definitely am very grateful and fortunate with the job I have, and the fantastic people I work with. We’re playing live music, which is a blast, and we get to pick up our instruments and play every single day. I really enjoy it, especially the finale. That’s when we get to rock out, just let it all hang out for ten or so minutes.”

Talented musicians jamming together—that’s what Million Dollar Quartet is all about.

“It’s got that raw, bluesy feeling that comes with rockabilly. You get that experience of being a fly on the wall and seeing this really cool moment. It’s not your typical Broadway show. We’re recreating a one-time thing with real people who were just buddies hanging out.”

Performances run from Tuesday, June 17 to Sunday, June 22. Group sales are underway for groups of 20 or more. Groups may call Betty Gould at 937/228-7591 ext. 3074. Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at Ticket Center Stage, located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center, by phone 937-228-3630, toll-free at 888-228-3630 or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com. For information on the production, visitwww.MillionDollarQuartetLive.com

Million Dollar Quartet Opens June 17th Ticket Contest

June 13, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro 5 Comments

The national tour of the Broadway musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET,inspired by the electrifying true story, will make its DAYTON premiere June 17-22 at The Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center as part of Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series. Tickets are on sale now at Ticket Center Stage, by calling 937-228-3630, 888-228-3630 or online atwww.ticketcenterstage.com.

The international Tony® Award-Winning musical, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is set on December 4, 1956, when an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together. Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” who was responsible for launching the careers of each icon, gathered the four legendary musicians at the Sun Records storefront studio in Memphis for the first and only time. The resulting evening became known as one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions in history.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring timeless hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “See Ya Later, Alligator,” “Fever,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog” and more.

Portraying these icons are, H. Bradley Waters as Carl Perkins, John Countryman as Jerry Lee Lewis, Tyler K. Hunter as Elvis Presley and Scott Moreau as Johnny Cash. Vince Nappo plays the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Sam Phillips. The cast also features Kelly Lamont as Dyanne, and musicians Patrick Morrow (Fluke, drums) and Corey Kaiser (Jay Perkins, bass). Rounding out the company are: Andrew Frace, Robby Kipferl,Stephanie Lynne Mason, Sean McGibbon, David Sonneborn, and H. Bradley Waters.

The show is directed by Eric Schaeffer and features a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. The design team includes: Derek McLane (scenic design), Howell Binkley (lighting design), Jane Greenwood (costume design),Kai Harada (sound design) and Chuck Mead (musical arrangements and supervision).

When the Broadway production opened in April 2010, critics and audiences leapt to their feet in unanimous praise. The New York Times called the show, “a buoyant new musical that whips the crowd into a frenzy,” New York Magazine labeled it, “a dazzling raucous spectacle that sounds like a million bucks,” and NY1 called it, “90 minutes of platinum grade entertainment.” The musical continued its successful New York engagement at New World Stages through June 2012.

The longest-running musical production in Chicago’s history, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET opened in 2008and continues to perform to packed houses at the Apollo Theatre. The West End production played at the Noël Coward Theatre in London in 2011, and a Las Vegas production began performances at Harrah’s Showroom in Las Vegas in February 2013.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET won a Tony Award^® for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical and received a Tony Award^® nomination for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical (Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux). The show received an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical, a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Musical Revue and three Drama League nominations including Distinguished Production of a Musical and Distinguished Performance.

DMM Ticket Contest:

We’re sending one lucky winner and their guest to opening night on Tues, June 17th. Like this post, and fill out the form below to be entered in our random drawing. We’ll announce our winner Sunday. [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]