Review: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Entertains at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse

The latest production entertaining audiences at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn, New York is the highly entertaining Tony-nominated musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Featuring the familiar and classic tunes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins, the rock n' roll musical provides loads of entertainment with a "whole lotta shakin'" going on.

The jukebox musical (book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux) takes us back to December 4, 1956 and the legendary jam and recording session that resulted when Elvis Presley (Luke Linsteadt), Johnny Cash (Justin Figueroa), Jerry Lee Lewis (Noel Carey), and Carl Perkins (James Bock) collaborated together in the famous Sun Records studio in Memphis. Sam Philips (the talented and captivating Luke Darnell), the founder of Sun Records, recalls that historic and magical night, and the audience is treated to numerous hits made famous by these men.

The talenTEd Scott Weinstein (Director) assembled a stellar cast to bring the music to life once again in a hypnotizing way. All of their many musical talents are put to good use.

Luke Linsteadt is instantly likeable as the "The King of Rock n' Roll" Elvis Presley. He has the look, voice, moves - and certainly the confidence and facial expressions - to pull off the legend flawlessly. He sings out the classic Elvis tunes like "Hound Dog," "Long Tall Sally," "Whole Lotta Skakin'" perfectly. While he provides the production with many standout moments, Linsteadt's rendition of "That's Alright Mama" is his shining moment for sure.

Likewise, Justin Figueroa brings "the Man in Black" Johnny Cash to life with such ease. Figueroa's voice is a natural fit for Cash's songs - it is deep, emotional, and mysterious just like Cash's. Every time he hit those legendary low notes the audience was instantly mesmerized. His renditions of "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Sixteen Tons" are definite highlights, but he has his most memorable moment on "I Walk the Line."

Noel Carey steals the show as the charismatic and lively Jerry Lee Lewis. His voice, acting chops, and "piano moves" allow him to instantly entertain the audience. Carey's confident performance is just pure fun and he captures the amazing entertainer that is Jerry Lee Lewis in an amazingly perfect way. Every note that he bangs on the piano and sings, and every line he delivers is captivating. Numbers like "Real Wild Child," "Brown Eyed Handsome Man," and "Great Balls of Fire" are all showstoppers.

James Bock entertains as Carl Perkins, the original singer of "Blue Suede Shows." Bock's vocals and acting allow him to deliver a top notch performance. Highlights include "Matchbox," "Who Do You Love," and "See You Later Alligator."

Dana Parker as Dyanne (Elvis' girl) also brings a sultry, lively, and entertaining female voice to the show. She dazzles in her solo moments "Fever" and "I Hear You Knockin'."

Carey and James Bock (as Carl Perkins) have great chemistry, and it's most entertaining to watch them onstage together. They are excellent as individuals, but when they are together, the audience is left wanting more of both of them. Linsteadt and Parker also have impeccable chemistry as a romantic pair. When Dyanne brushes Elvis away when she is having "her moment" at the microphone in the studio, it is very real.

The four actors are great on their own, but the true magic happens when they come together as a single unit. For this reason, the most breathtaking moment of the show is when the four men harmonize on "Down by the Riverside."

The production - which is really all about the music - also benefits from Julian Reeve's fabulous music direction, and two other onstage musicians - Michael Fittipaldi, as Brother Jay, on bass and Bryan Graber, as Fluke, on drums.

The artistic elements of the show all come together quite well to create that magical night in the Memphis studio. Tiffany Howard's costumes capture the fashion sense of each music legend perfectly - from the blue suede shows for Carl Perkins to the all-black garb for Johnny Cash. Brandon Wardell's is essential in making the ambiance feel more like a concert/show than your standard musical. David Arsenault's set is also, once again, spectacular at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is just one more professional, entertaining, and unforgettable show in this year's Finger Lakes Musical Festival at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. It is a must-see for everyone.

Running Time: Approximately one hour and forty five minutes with no intermission, including a ten minute encore for the opening night performance.

Merry-Go-Round Playhouse's production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET as part of the 2016 season of The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival runs through October 1, 2016. For tickets and further information, visit their website http://fingerlakesmtf.com/ or call 315-255-1785 or toll free at 1-800-457-8897.

Photo Caption/Credit: Cast of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET; by Ron Heerkens Jr.

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