[NEohioPAL] Review of "Million Dollar Quartet" at Great Lakes Theater

[Bob Abelman]

Great Lakes Theater’s rock ‘n’ roll tribute ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ 

worth every penny



Bob Abelman

Cleveland Jewish News, The News Herald, The Morning Journal

  

 “Million Dollar Quartet,” which opened on Broadway in 2010, reenacts that storied Tuesday afternoon in 1956 when a young Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley happened to gather at the Sun Records studio in Memphis, Tennessee for an impromptu jam session for the ages.  



Patrons of this Great Lakes Theater production should know that what appears on stage is more of a musical revue than a theatrical bio-musical. Only a tissue-thin back story about the boys’ early days with the record label, written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, is delivered between musical performances and directly addressed to the audience by an exuberant James Ludwig, who plays Sun Records owner and producer Sam Phillips. Phillips serves as our conduit to the four rock ‘n’ roll legends-in-the-making throughout the evening.



While bio-musicals are usually grounded in more truth than fiction and more story than songs, “Million Dollar Quartet” was written with ample creative license.  So much so that the fact that a young Cash, Lewis, Perkins and Presley happened to gather at Sun Records one day in Memphis may be the only fact to be found. 



While historical accuracy shouldn’t be expected (though Lauren T. Roark’s costuming is spot on), capturing the musicians’ look, manner and legendary musicianship is a must.  Anything less is merely impersonation.  Worse, it’s imposture.  And the true litmus test is if an audience leans in during the performances to get just a little bit closer to the genius that made this remarkable music, as if it was actually in the room.



For more of this review, go to:  www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/
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