by Tony Annicone
Owner and Producer Bill Hanney opens his historic “Theatre by the Sea” after a two-year pandemic with “Million Dollar Quartet.” This Tony nominated musical is set on December 4, 1956, when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. It tells the tale of record producer, Sam Phillips, who brought these four stars together for a once in a lifetime jam session – before Jerry Lee Lewis became famous. Sam wanted Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash to sign future contracts with his record label. Elvis, whom Sam sold his contract to RCA and has become a Hollywood movie star, brings his girlfriend to the meeting, while Jay Perkins and their friend, Fluke are also there. This high energy musical extravaganza enthralls you from start to finish. Director Greg Santos picks the best performers for these roles so you can forget about your cares and woes to escape back in time to Memphis, Tennessee to witness Rock n Roll over 60 years ago.
Santos also choreographs this high octane jukebox musical. The show is narrated by Sam Phillips, who interacts with the other performers as well as speaking directly to the audience. Michael Santora plays this role and he commands the stage by capturing our attention from the get-go. Sam explains how he founded the record studio as well as being the founder of Holiday Inn. Sam wants Carl Perkins to write another hit song at the start of the show. Jerry Lee Lewis is young and overeager to show what a talented pianist and singer he is. The others keep putting him in his place. Johnny Cash enters the scene next and then the successful Elvis and his girlfriend appear. Act 1 is joyful and exuberant with song and dance while the start of Act 2 is the same until things take a turn. Santora’s most dramatic scenes occur in Act 2 when Sam confronts Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins about renewing their contracts with him. His anger during these two confrontations is brilliantly portrayed. The audience is empathetic to his plight but his next big star on the horizon is Roy Orbison. Santora joins the merriment of the four encore numbers and plays the harmonica in “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, the closing number of the show.
As the audience learns the history of each person, they are serenaded by them all night long. The songs highlight the turning point in each man’s career. The four fabulous performers who play these roles, are each given their moments to shine in the show. Not only do they sing, act and dance, they also play their own instruments. The hard drinking Carl Perkins is played by Colin Summers with strong vocals and guitar playing while singing his numbers including “Blue Suede Shoes” which he wrote but was unable to perform on TV due to an unfortunate car accident, “Matchbox”, My Babe” and the sensational “See You Later Alligator”. The cocky, irreverent Jerry Lee Lewis is played with high energy by Taylor Issac Gray who displays his prowess on the piano and in his numbers “Real Wild Child” which is apropos description of himself, “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” which closes the show with audience singing and dancing while giving a standing ovation.
The basso profundo, Sky Seals plays Johnny Cash wonderfully as he hits those low notes the audience wants to hear as he delivers the goods in “Folsom Prison Blues” after he tells the guys he learned how to drink beer and fight while in prison, “Walk the Line” and “Ghost Riders.” Sky also delivers a heartfelt scene where he discusses the death of his brother, Jack at the age of 14. Tall, dark and handsome, Alessandro Viviano shines as The King, Elvis Presley. He captures the charming youthful and earnest behavior of this talented man who is just starting on his climb to fame and fortune. Elvis still wants encouragement from his first mentor, Sam Phillips. Viviano also displays his strong voice, guitar playing and the signature dance moves of Elvis. He sells his songs “That’s All Right”, “Peace in the Valley” and the show stopping “Hound Dog” which made the crowd go wild. These four performers shine all night long.
Emma Wilcox as Dyanne, displays her voice in the sexy “Fever” and “I Hear You Knocking.” Music director and bass player, Kroy Presley knocks your socks off as he plays the bass like a guitar in this latter song and at the end of the show climbs on a piano bench while playing it. He’s astounding and taught all these classic numbers to the performers as well. Matt Rapiejko plays Fluke the drummer. He and Presley play splendidly all night long and they also deliver some clever banter while doing it. A word of praise to set designer Kyle Dixon for the realistic frontage of the Sun Studio Building which rises to reveal the indoor radio set with playing area for the instruments and a booth. And at the same time on a few outdoor scenes when the facade is lowered, the audience was able to see the characters on the inside of the building. The splendid 1950’s costumes are by Maine State Theatre Costume Rental and wigs by Trinity Repertory Company. “Million Dollar Quartet” is a magnificent way to start off the 89th historic season of Theatre by the Sea. This show transports you back to a simpler and carefree time to witness the magic of these talented performers of the past and become entranced by the expertise of these current performers to capture the essence for audiences of all ages to savor and enjoy. Be sure to run to the box office before this show is totally sold out or contact them online at www.theatrebythesea.com Tell them Tony sent you.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET (25 May to 18 June)
Theatre by the Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck, RI
1(401)782-8587
