Musical Review: Million Dollar Quartet

Posted March 5, 2013 by shooting in Uncategorized / 9 Comments

Million Dollar Quartet, the musical


Review by Lauren

See it live! 


do not own any of these photos, using for promotional means only


Official Summary: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the new smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.

On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of rock hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog” and more.

Review: I figured I would enjoy Million Dollar Quartet going into the musical because I’m a fan of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. What I didn’t realize is that I’d also recognize songs by Jerry Lee Lewis, though unfortunately, Carl Perkins didn’t seem familiar (though still enjoyable). The one fault that this musical has is that you kind of have to be a fan of these artists (or at least one or two) to enjoy the show since all the songs are their own. Furthermore, while only taking place during one evening, it does delve a bit into the personal stories of these musicians…a welcome addition to make Million Dollar Quartet more than just a memorial rock concert.

To be honest, this isn’t my most favorite musical, but it was still enjoyable and worth seeing. I can see an older audience really enjoying it, especially if you grew up when these singers were in their hey-day.

 I will say that Jerry Lee Lewis was my favorite character, as he added most of the comedy and liveliness to the show. You’re sure to be amused by his antics! And he’s one amazing piano player! The actors did a phenomenal job bringing these musicians to life. Again, I know Presley and Cash better than the other two, but they were great…and I still felt that Lewis and Perkins were probably just as well done. It’s hard enough to lose yourself in a character, but imagine that character being based on a real person. You have to give these actors credit!

And finally, I leave you with the above photo…which shows the original quartet, taken during the infamous jam session that inspired the hit musical. This image is actually shown near the end of Million Dollar Quartet and it’s almost enough to give you chills. I’m certainly glad they decided to utilize it in the show.

9 responses to “Musical Review: Million Dollar Quartet

  1. Holy crap, this would be so fun to see! Because I worked in a nursing home, assisted living home and adult family home I became quite acquainted with these fab peeps because of the elderly folks that would watch anything and everything about them over and over and over again.

  2. Oh, I don't know, do you think you would HAVE to be a fan of these artists to enjoy this one? Hopefully the music and acting is still good enough to hold its own and provide enjoyment. Well, at any rate, I'm glad you had a great time!

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