Rock and roll comes alive: 'Million Dollar Quartet' at Titusville Playhouse
Titusville Playhouse lets audiences travel back in time and witness a legendary jam session that rocked the music world. The musical "Million Dollar Quartet" opens Friday, Sept. 6 for a run through Sunday, Sept. 29.
Inspired by the true story of an impromptu recording session on December 4, 1956, at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, "Million Dollar Quartet" brings together four iconic figures: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. For one electrifying afternoon, these legends-to-be converge under the watchful eye of Sam Phillips, the visionary record producer who played a pivotal role in shaping their careers.
"The entire session was captured on tape and was released as a complete album," said director Landyn Shaw, "but not until 1987, years after the tapes were first discovered."
"The fun with this show is sharing this incredible story with an appreciative audience, as it is very much a crowd-pleaser, and not just ensuring we honor the real-life people within the show, but also guiding the cast to have that same camaraderie and sense of togetherness."
From the struggles of fame to the joys of creating music that resonates, "Million Dollar Quartet" celebrates the human stories behind the iconic songs.
"Using a variety of theatrical devices, the production shares a bit about each character and not only their lives before joining Sun Records, but for a few of the characters what happens beyond this legendary night," Shaw said.
Jake Pearce plays Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Opposite him, Bryant Cobb plays Johnny Cash. Joey Maltese-Miller plays the wild and unpredictable Jerry Lee Lewis, and Jack Supan plays rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins.
"Our cast is brilliant and were all hand-picked for not only their individual talents but their passion for the show and the artists they are portraying," Shaw said.
"All the music is live," said Titusville Playhouse's executive director, Steven Heron. "Each actor has to be... an incredible actor, singer and musician as well."
"On top of finding talent like that," Shaw said, "they need to also resemble and be able to capture the essence of the iconic stars they are playing, not just vocally or physically but also as artists and musicians."
"Million Dollar Quartet" promises to deliver toe-tapping tunes as well as a nostalgic journey through the golden age of rock 'n' roll. From the infectious energy of "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Great Balls of Fire" to ballads like "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Walk the Line," each song serves as a chapter in the larger narrative, offering insights into the lives and careers of these influential musicians.
Ultimately, the musical celebrates the power of music to connect and inspire.
"The show is so much fun!" Heron said. "[It] really takes you back to a simpler time, and just an evening of fun with the guys jamming familiar tunes everyone knows."
'Million Dollar Quartet'
Where: Titusville Playhouse, 301 Julia Street
When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 29
Tickets: Start at $32
Call: 321-268-1125
Website: titusvilleplayhouse.com
Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Step back in time with 'Million Dollar Quartet' at Titusville Playhouse
