Million Dollar Quartet: The Show That Will Have You Smiling

 Million Dollar Quartet: The Show That Will Have You Smiling 

By David Pulvermacher

Experience Broadway-quality entertainment in an intimate setting with Million Dollar Quartet at the ACT (A Contemporary Theater) of Connecticut. Directed by Hunter Foster and written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, it is more than just a Tony Award winning musical; it is a live concert that gets everyone on their feet. 

 

Based on actual events, Million Dollar Quartet takes the audience back to 1956 Memphis, Tennessee when the kings of rock-n-roll came together to catch up with their manager & mentor for the holidays. Sam Phillips, owner of Sun Records, welcomes Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins back to the studio that started their careers. Phillips also introduces the men to his newest client, Jerry Lee Lewis. The men trade stories between performing takes of their most famous songs. However, each singer has an ulterior motive for returning to their roots. While enthralled by the fantastic musical performances, the audience remains captivated by the underlying story that unfolds throughout the night.

 

The entire company deserves recognition for their performances. Starring as Sun Record’s founder and the rock-n-roll family's patriarch, Bart Shatto plays the charismatic yet struggling Sam Phillips. Phillips is ecstatic to have his boys back with him where they all started. However, his battle with RCA Records has him worried if he’ll be able to keep the lights on.. From charm to fear, happiness, and anger, Shatto brings the audience on the same emotional rollercoaster his character experiences. 

 

It’s no simple task to play The King, yet Alessandro Gian Viviano effortlessly brings Elvis Presley to the stage. Performing Presley's signature dance moves, convincing vocal and guitar skills makes you feel like you’re watching Elvis perform live. In this story, Elvis is young and naive as he’s rising to fame. While already a household name, he is still a simple, humble kid from Mississippi. Viviano’s performance makes many fans of Elvis proud.

 

A force to be reckoned with, Nat Zegree compels the audience to smile with his take on Jerry Lee Lewis. New to the industry, Lewis is Sam Phillips' latest artist. While a phenomenal talent on the keyboard, Lewis has a long way to go if he wants to be respected by his fellow artists. Zegree captivates every moment he’s on stage, even when he’s supposed to be backup for the “real” stars like Carl Perkins. From playing the piano with his hands, feet, and more, Zegree’s athleticism brings a fun take on the legendary performer.

 

True to the style of Johnny Cash, Scott Moreau’s performance feels authentic to the icon himself. Cash is at the party to catch up with his old pal Carl Perkins and Elvis. However, Cash is the only one of the four artists who isn’t excited about catching up with Sam Phillips. Moreau’s bass-baritone voice resonates throughout the small theater. From “Sixteen Tons” to “I Walk the Line” , you feel the humble power of Cash’s singing. 

 

While arguably the least remembered in history, Carl Perkins is brought back by Christopher Wren’s performance. Perkins is struggling with his self-worth and tries to compensate by being the best in the room. Even if that room includes several of the best talents of a generation, Perkins tries to one-up his competition with his guitar and vocal skills. Wren’s performance is fun and engaging, especially when foiled with Zegree’s Jerry Lee Lewis. 

 

Along with the legendary artist, the supporting cast deserves recognition as well. Dyanne is Elvis’s latest girl. Played by Megan Reinking, Dyanne plays the devoted partner for Elvis Presley. However, when Dyanne takes center stage to engage the men in the room, she holds her own with her incredible voice. Renking plays a thoughtful and subtly powerful woman in a show dominated by the men. 

 

Along with Renking, Nathan Yates Douglass and Matt Spencer played key roles in the show's success. As Perkins’s brother, Jay (Played by Douglass) is a talented bass player. Jay is in the background for most of the show but is constantly active in most of the songs performed throughout the night. This is the same for Fluke, played by Matt Spencer. While limited in his speaking roles, Fluke makes up for it plenty with his excellent drumming abilities. 

 

The setting was beautifully constructed. The studio looks like it’s ready to record an actual album. Also ready for the holidays, the studio has Christmas lights in the ceiling.  With a cast of eight regularly on stage, they utilize the small space well. Phillips would direct from the sound booth while the singers performed. Without a scene change, the actors excellently demonstrate exiting the booth to have conversations outside the studio.

 

Million Dollar Quartet is an energetic, merrymaking show suitable for all ages. Due to popular demand, ACT (A Contemporary Theater) of Connecticut has added more performances. This Tony-Award Winning musical will be playing through March 23. Thursday performances begin at 7 PM, Fridays at 8 PM, Saturday performances at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM. Tickets can be acquired at the box office at 37 Old Quarry Road, Ridgefield, CT. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 475-215-5497, and online at https://www.actofct.org/