Imagine, for one night, taking a trip back in time to experience one of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest jam sessions. Until Nov. 18 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, that dream can become reality.
Direct from Broadway, “Million Dollar Quartet” is a energetic musical inspired by the real life 1956 recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.
On Dec. 4, 1956, these four musicians, each discovered by the “father of rock ‘n’ roll” Sam Philips, gathered at Sun Records in Memphis, TN for what would become an unforgettable night. In the show, established musician Carl Perkins is recording a song with new up-and-comer Jerry Lee Lewis when Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, who both made their start at Sun Records, stop by. Soon after all four musicians are in the same room, a show of epic musical performances begins.
If experiencing the history of these legendary musicians does not sound thrilling enough, how about the score of rock hits that are sure to get stuck in your head? “Million Dollar Quartet” features popular 1950s tunes, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Walk the Line,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Hound Dog,” and much more.
This refreshing show is compacted into 90 minutes with no intermission and the cast transcends past simple impersonations. Each actor captures the essence of these famous musicians, without making the performance seem like some flashy karaoke. The best part is that besides belting out these classic tunes with their melodic voices, all the actors play their own instruments.
Actor Lee Ferris lets it rip on the electric guitar as the “the king of rockabilly” Carl Perkins. Martin Kaye single handedly brings down the house with his portrayal of the lovable Jerry Lee Lewis. Kaye flawlessly delivers all his lines with attention-grabbing humor, and his musical ability would test the skills of the finest pianist. With acoustic guitar in hand and a rich deep voice, Scott Moreau personifies the great Johnny Cash. Finally, with an uncanny resemblance and graceful dance moves, Cody Slaughter seems to have found his calling playing the “king of rock ‘n’ roll” Elvis Presley.
“Million Dollar Quartet” is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see, hear, and feel what it must have been like to be in a recording studio with these four rock ‘n’ roll hall of famers. The songs fill the theater with excitement, and the entire cast makes this show one that should not be missed.
