|
Regional Reviews: Phoenix Million Dollar Quartet Also see Gil's reviews of A Grand Night for Singing and The Minutes
Million Dollar Quartet is set on December 4, 1956, when Cash, Lewis, Perkins, and Presley unexpectedly gather at the Sun Records studio in Memphis. All four music legends got their start at Sun under the direction of the label's founder, Sam Phillips. As they reminisce, the men joke with each other and share their past struggles and current challenges with Phillips. The meeting turns into an impromptu jam session, featuring songs from rockabilly to gospel, with a few additional musicians in the studio and Elvis' girlfriend in tow. Recognizing the magic of the moment, Phillips wisely decides to record the session, capturing a piece of music history. This jam session was the only time the quartet ever performed together, and the recording that was made that evening wasn't commercially released until 25 years after that historic night. The plot of the show is relatively light, with the main conflict revolving around Phillips' attempt to convince Johnny Cash to sign a contract extension while Phillips also contemplates selling Sun to RCA so he can work with Presley again. While the tension between career ambitions and personal loyalty simmers beneath the surface, the musical primarily focuses on the camaraderie and shared history among these icons. A few flashback scenes are woven seamlessly into the plot, providing context for how Phillips helped each of these men find early success, shaping them into the legends they would become. The result is a heartfelt tribute to the formative years of rock and country music. Bookwriters Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott skillfully weave elements of real events into the show, such as the release of Presley's first feature film, Love Me Tender, and the fact that just a year prior, Phillips had to sell Presley's contract to RCA to keep Sun Records afloat. The book offers a snapshot of the lives of each member of the quartet and Sam Phillips on this day in 1956. Elvis has just made his first Hollywood film and is unsure of his next step. Perkins is searching for his next big hit, while Lewis is eager to prove he's destined for stardom. Meanwhile, Phillips is torn between selling Sun Records to RCA, which would reunite him with Presley, or staying independent, and he's also trying to find the right moment to secure a contract extension with Cash. While the dialogue isn't factual and the set list for the musical includes hits that weren't actually played that night, the show offers a compelling glimpse into the personal and professional lives of these five men at a pivotal moment in their careers. This production is in very capable hands, with Jason Cohen providing solid direction. Cohen played Lewis in the national tour of the show and also created and starred in the musical Great Balls of Fire about Lewis that previously played at ABT. In 1956, all four musicians were in their early 20s and at the start of what would become legendary careers and it's nice to see that ABT has cast the quartet with a group of young actors who not only appear to be in their early to mid 20s but also are fantastic musicians. From Cash's deep, soulful vocals to Lewis' wild piano antics, Elvis' sexy moves, and Perkins' brooding, the cast channel each legend with remarkable accuracy and passion. All four performers impressively deliver nuanced portrayals of these legendary musicians while playing their instruments live, without resorting to caricature or mere impersonation. Kevin W. Egan brings high energy and humor to the flashy role of Jerry Lee Lewis, showcasing excellent comic timing and remarkable piano skills. Corey McKinney expertly recreates both the clear, powerful voice and the signature dance moves of Elvis, delivering strong renditions of "That's All Right" and "Hound Dog." Brody Wurr captures Johnny Cash's stoic, sensitive nature with a commanding stage presence and deep voice that instantly evokes "The Man in Black." His strong performances of Cash's classics, "I Walk the Line" and "Folsom Prison Blues," are crowd pleasers. Julian James matches his exquisite guitar playing with strong vocals, giving a standout performance as Carl Perkins. Sam Phillips, often called "the father of rock 'n' roll" for discovering these legends (as well as Roy Orbison), is portrayed by Michael Santora with a perfect blend of uncertainty, doubt and determination. He narrates the story effectively, and his interactions with the cast and in flashback scenes feel genuine and grounded. As Elvis' girlfriend Dyanne, Quinn Tierney Vaira delivers a soaring and sultry rendition of "Fever." Under Cohen's expert music direction, the entire cast showcases stunning harmonies, especially in the gospel number "Down By the Riverside," while the lively mashup of "Sixteen Tons" and "My Babe" is a standout duet. Backing the group, bassist Jason Curtis Rivera and drummer Jeffrey T. Kelly provide exceptional support. Julian Joseph's scenic design effectively recreates the Sun Records studio, capturing the essence of its origins as a former auto parts store. Lorraine Barker's costumes and Chris Zizzo's wig designs beautifully reflect the era and personalities of these iconic musicians. Bret Reese's lighting design enhances the atmosphere with striking, vibrant visuals, while Jesse Worley's sound design ensures that the vocals and musical performances are crisp, clear, and consistently polished. Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of Million Dollar Quartet is a high-energy, crowd-pleasing experience that transports the audience back to the golden age of rock 'n' roll. The chemistry among the cast is electric, and their spirited performances create a thrilling atmosphere, capturing the spontaneity and excitement of that legendary jam session and offering a toe-tapping, nostalgic journey that is as heartfelt as it is entertaining. Million Dollar Quartet runs through November 2, 2024, at Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 West Paradise Lane, Peoria AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.azbroadway.org or call 623-776-8400. Director/Music Direction: Jason Cohen Cast: |
