by Claire DeMarco
Sam Phillips (Tommy McDowell), head of Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee narrates the origin of the famous jam session that became known as the Million Dollar Quartet. Incorporated into this musical event is the history of each of the four artists, their relationship to Phillips and Sun Records.
Carl Perkins (Jon Rohlf) schedules a recording session. Phillips invites relative newcomer, Jerry Lee Lewis (Taylor Isaac Gray) to add some piano magic to the recording. Lewis is a relative unknown nationally at this time.
Elvis Presley (Collin Yates), formerly with Sun Records and now with RCA arrives with his girlfriend, Dyanne (Rachel Rosenbush). His visit is strictly social.
Johnny Cash’s (Allen Law) visit to Sun Records actually has to do with contractual issues.
An informal spontaneous jam session begins with a blend of different musical types! From rock n’ roll to country to gospel, they sing them all, each artist contributing their style to the mix!
This is a wonderful production of the 2010 Tony-nominated musical based on an impromptu jam session later known as the Million Dollar Quartet. It’s energetic, fun and nostalgic.
Note: This informal jam session occurred on December 4, 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee when Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash all happened to be at the record company at the same time.
Note: Unplanned, spontaneous events often prove to be the most remembered. A special thanks goes to the late Jack Clement, the recording engineer on duty that day. Clement remembers thinking “I think I’d be remiss not to record this”. Thankfully he did!
Gray’s performance is phenomenal. His comedic timing and physical movements as the oddball country boy Lewis are spot on. His piano playing is superb and he is able to tickle those keys sitting down, standing up and/or backwards. He even hit some chords with his butt, but only occasionally. Gray captivated the audience with his rendition of “Great Balls of Fire”.
Gyrating across the stage, Yates captures the essence of Presley in his movements (even to standing on his toes) while singing “Long Tall Sally” and “Hound Dog”. His realistic impersonation of Elvis is not overdone.
Rohlf as Perkins is serious as he is at the studio to record and is not enthusiastic on being forced to use newcomer Lewis as part of the recording. As the jam begins, he softens and becomes an integral part of the quartet.
Law’s characterization of Cash is serious. One can see the turmoil in his face as he dreads telling Phillips that he’s leaving Sun Records. His songs like “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Sixteen Tons” highlight his troublesome past.
In addition to great singing voices, Rohlf, Law, Gray and Yates are also expert musicians.
As the boss at Sun Records, McDowell is convincing as the man in charge, looking for new talent, retaining current talent while at the same time relating to his artists on a personal level.
Rosenbush delivers great renditions of “Fever” and “I Hear You Knockin’”.
Kudos to Justin Bendel as Brother Jay and Mike Lucchetti as Fluke for their superb musicianship.
Scenic Designer Tucker Topel created a realistic set that reflects a studio in the 1950’s.
Shout out to Director Tim Seib.
Excellent Musical Direction by Dr. Francesca Tortorello, D.M.A.
Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux.
Original concept and direction by Floyd Mutrux.
-CED
“Million Dollar Quartet” is a production of Pittsburgh Musical Theater. Performances run from April 18 through May 12 at the Gargaro Theater, 327 South Main Street in Pittsburgh’s West End.
