The musical is based on an actual event occurred on December 4, 1956, at Sun Records in Memphis. This show dramatizes the recording session of early Rock and Roll stars Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and newcomer Jerry Lee Lewis. The entire event was recorded by the sound engineer in the studio at the time.
Here is a well known photo of the four actual musicians taken that day at Sun Records.
The show played in various regional productions and had a run on Broadway from 2010-2011 and then at the West End (London) 2011-2012. It was nominated for three Tony Awards (Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical). Levi Kreis won the Featured Actor award for his portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis. Today you can see the show in Las Vegas, Chicago, and there is a touring company as well that may come to a city near you!
There is a lot to love about this show. These actors are amazing musicians who actually play the instruments and sing the well-known songs of these four performers. The Jerry Lee Lewis performer was unbelievable ... but honestly all of them were fabulous.
Additionally, we knew all of the songs in the show very well. Here is a partial list of them:
Carl Perkins: Blue Suede Shoes, Who Do you Love
Johnny Cash: Sixteen Tons, I Walk the Line
Elvis Presley: That's All Right, Long Tall Sally
Jerry Lee Lewis: Great Balls of Fire, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On
Check out Jerry Lee playing the piano behind his back.
We found this show very entertaining. And we are looking forward to seeing it again when we visit Chicago next August. This is one of the fabulous benefits of having a daughter who works in theatre! We have seen many great shows, but we especially enjoy musicals and this was one of the most enjoyable.
Website: www.milliondollarquartetlive.com
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