By Venus Zarris

Seldom does a show explode right out of the gate with such an exciting musical number as the opening of Million Dollar Quartet! As much, if not more, a classic rock and roll concert of the first order, this dazzling show is a guaranteed delight for anyone who loves good music delivered by gifted performers. From the opening of Blue Suede Shoes to the Whole Lotta Shakin’ finale, Million Dollar Quartet delivers, with electrifying talent and charm, the characters and music that made rock and roll an archetypal part of the America psyche.

There have been a number of shows that have cashed in on the popularity of pop music ‘hits.’ Most rely on the ‘recognition factor.’ That is to say, they count on the audience finding joy in the sheer fact that they know the songs. Anchor the show in ‘hits’ and the audience will walk away singing.

But Million Dollar Quartet is far from just a trip down memory lane. The remarkable cast breaths new life into the standards, striking a brilliant balance between paying wonderful homage to the original recordings while simultaneously creating a fresh and spontaneous experience.

In 1956, four icons of rock and roll (Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley) united at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. All discovered by Sun Records owner and producer Sam Phillips, they came together only once for an impromptu jam session, known as the Million Dollar Quartet.

Playwrights Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux have created a dramatically stylized imagination of the historic event that highlights the personalities of the players involved as well as their indelible musical contributions.

As much as the legends and their music, the transcending ensemble carries this show to ‘hit’ status. These are not simply actors but they are accomplished singers and musicians. The music is performed live and it is on fire!

Rob Lyons creates a frenetic and wonderful Carl Perkins. Lance Guest creates a soft spoken and powerful Johnny Cash. Eddie Clendening creates a totally believable Elvis with exceptional restraint. Kelly Lamont adds the perfect woman’s touch to this boys club, with a great set of pipes, as Elvis’s singing girlfriend Dyanne. And Levi Kreis steals the show as the bombastic, charismatic and hypertensive Jerry Lee Lewis. His piano playing is fantastic and, by itself, well worth the price of admission.

Brian McCaskill carries the narrative well as Sam Phillips and Jay Perkins (Bass player) and Fluke (Drummer) round of the musicians perfectly.

Except for the piano, which simply needs to be louder, the sound mixing and design is perfect for the venue.

Million Dollar Quartet not only depicts the roots of rock and roll, it delivers the bona fide rhythm, blues and soul of American music. Do yourself a huge favor and take a night off from American Idol to witness the REAL American Idols in action!

4 STARS

(“Million Dollar Quartet” has an OPEN RUN at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N Lincoln Ave. 773-935-6100) Apollo Theater Chicago

Million Dollar Quartet | A New Musical

One Response to “MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET - REVIEW”

  1. 10:53 am, 1 April, 2009 р.
    American Idols says:

    I like the way you put it. tks for the info…

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