Million Dollar Quartet

Million Dollar Quartet, the sold out musical phenomenon that has just transferred from the Goodman to the Apollo Theatre, is one of those rare gems of a show that puts you in a good mood before the actors even hit the stage. Incorporating rock-n-roll and gospel classics from the '50s, Million Dollar Quartet recounts a magical night in Memphis during 1956 when musical legends Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley gathered for an impromptu recording session. The show features a book by Grammy Award-winning producer Colin Escott and Second City graduate Floyd Mutrux, with musical arrangements by Chuck Mead. Mutrux and Eric Schaeffer direct. Million Dollar Quartet had its world premier at Florida's Seaside Theatre in the fall of 2006 and was then produced at the Village Theatre in Washington before making its Chicago Premier at the Owen Theatre in the Goodman.

Million Dollar Quartet is more than a "jukebox musical". It is both history made and in the making as we see a mega talented cast who walks that fine line of not doing straight out impersonations of the legends they embody, but allows for their individual interpretations to come through. The cast remains intact from for the transfer, including Levi Kreis as Jerry Lee Lewis, Lance Guest as Johnny Cash, Rob Lyons as Carl Perkins and Eddie Clendening as Elvis Presley, with Brian McCaskill as Sam Phillips and Kelly Lamont as Elvis' girlfriend, Dyanne.

Levi Kreis may not be quite as much of a ringer for Jerry Lee Lewis, but he has Lewis's essence and energy down pat. Mr. Guest, most assiociated with the Robert Preston film, The Last Starfighter, gives a stellar performance as Johnny Cash, as is clearly the best actor of the ensemble. Rob Lyons 'Carl Perkins, the least well remembered of the four (he wrote "Blue Suede Shoes" but an injury kept him from recording it before Elvis had already made it a hit) is superbly played by,Rob Lyons who has a stage presence that pulls you right in to the session. Elvis Presley, the most famous and and recognizable of the quartet is almost a side character in the show, through no fault of Eddie Clendening who is spot on with his performance. Brian McCaskill as Sam Phillips has to step out of the action and narrate the story which at times slows down the momentum of the production but none the less, gives a focal point for the story to revolve and evolve. As Elvis' girlfriend Dyanne, the Kelly Lamont is given a solo on the Peggy Lee classic "Fever" which brought down the house on press opening, and her backup vocals adds a nice bit of sexual depth to the otherwise testosterone laden numbers.

Kudos have to also be given to drummer Billy Shaffer and bassist Chuck Zayas who are two of the most amazing musicans to grace the Chicago stage. They balance the show without overwhelming the numbers and even make their few lines of dialogue enjoyable.

At the end of the day, this show is about the music. And oh what music; with songs including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Ghost Riders in the Sky," "Sixteen Tons," "That's All Right," "Great Balls of Fire," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", "Ballad of a Teenage Queen" "See You Later Alligator", "Peace In The Valley" the standing ovation is not only earned, it is infectious.

With current wave of nostaligic retro jukebox musicals playing in Chicago, including Jersey Boys, All Shook Up and the recently revived Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet is the most raw and honest of its kind with the most likable of casts.

Million Dollar Quartet is currently playing through January 4, 2009 at the Apollo Theatre2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL. For tickets and show times, please visit www.ticketmaster.com or call the box office at (773) 935-6100. For show information, please visit www.milliondollarquartetlive.com

Photo by: Paul Natkin