The jukebox musical about a moment in rock history originated in Chicago in 2008. With a song list of hits from the 1950's in tow, Million Dollar Quartet played a Tony-nominated Broadway run (which transferred Off-Broadway to New World Stages, where it now resides), as well as a London production and U.S. national tour.
Million Dollar Quartet last extended through Dec. 31, but will now play an additional five months of performances through the end of May 2012.
The Chicago cast features Gabe Bowling (Carl Perkins), Brandon Bennett (Elvis Presley), Lance Pipinsky (Jerry Lee Lewis), Sean Sullivan (Johnny Cash), Brad Ber )Jay Perkins), Tim Decker (Sam Philips) and Heather Marie Marsden (Dyanne).
Eric Schaeffer (Follies) staged the musical based on the real-life 1956 recording that the foursome (Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis) made at Sun Records' studio in Memphis. Million Dollar Quartet has a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux; the latter conceived and originally directed the musical.
Million Dollar Quartet is set on Dec. 4, 1956, "where an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together," according to production notes. "The place was Sun Records' storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was Sam Phillips, the 'Father of Rock 'n' Roll,' who discovered them all. The four young musicians united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock 'n' roll jam sessions of all time." The musical "brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring an eclectic score of rock, gospel, R&B and country hits" including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Sixteen Tons," "Who Do You Love?," "Great Balls of Fire," "Matchbox," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Hound Dog," and more. The Apollo Theatre is located at 2540 North Lincoln Avenue. For tickets, visit www.milliondollarquartetlive.com.
