On December 4, 1956 one of the great impromptu jam sessions in music history took place at the Sun Record Studios in Memphis, TN. Gathered were Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. This once-in-a-lifetime gathering of legendary musicians is the basis for the jukebox musical, Million Dollar Quartet. A production is rockin’ and rollin’ at ACT in Ridgefield, CT through March 23.
The plot, devised by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, is thin with small dramatic morsels. Sam Phillips, the owner of the label, has invited Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash to a recording session of Carl Perkins. Phillips wants to celebrate the holiday season with the acclaimed foursome, but also has an ulterior motive, namely looking to re-sign Johnny Cash to a multi-year contract extension. He is also wrestling with an offer from RCA Records to buy the Sun Studios. Within this framework, egos clash, individual self-esteem is bruised, and braggadocio reins supreme. Yet, in the end, the slights and wounds easily heal. Interspersed within the whirlwind of testosterone, audience members are treated to 22, mostly powerhouse songs, including some of the member’s biggest hits.
All of the principle actors, who play their own instruments, have portrayed their roles in previous productions of Million Dollar Quartet. This shows in the comfort level and professionalism in their performances under the sure-handed guidance of Hunter Foster (who played the role of Sam Phillips in the original Broadway production). The Director has created a production that is tightly focused with unforced banter and interactions that come across as real.
The four leads form a dynamic assemblage of talent. Alessandro Gian Viviano (7th time as The King) viably portrays Elvis Presley, giving him the swagger of a man at the top of his profession. The actor adds a layer of nuance to the role during the moments he lets down his guard, ruminating about the cost of success. Scott Moreau, who has portrayed Johnny Cash in more than 1,200 performances, adds a low-key, but effective performance as The Man in Black. Christopher Wren imbues Carl Perkins, a role he has played 13 other times, with an anxious, resentful air. An electric guitar virtuoso he, effectively portrays a man unsure of his future in the business. Nat Zegree (over 500 performances as The Killer), an unbelievable piano playing Jerry Lee Lewis, is slightly over-the-top with his unceasing histrionics and manic outburst.
Bart Shatto, who portrays Sun Record owner Sam Phillips and acts as narrator of the show, chatting with the audience every so often, shows the most range within the cast. At times he is fatherly to his charges, melancholy, ornery and, finally, forgiving as he strives to keep his studio alive. Megan Reinking, who portrays Dyanne, Elvis’ girlfriend who accompanies him to the festivities, has a gorgeous singing voice and more than holds her own in the manly environment. Nathan Yates Douglass (Brother Jay) and Matt Spencer (Fluke) provide ample backup to the musicians and an occasional comedic assist to the production.
Lighting Designer Kirk Bookman provides festive holiday lighting. Jeff Sherwood’s Sound Design keeps the theater awash in the sonic pleasures of early rock ‘n roll. Josh Smith’s Scenic Design of the Sun Records Studio is quite impressive, maybe a bit too dazzling for a studio on the brink.
Million Dollar Quartet, playing through March 23 at ACT. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
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