Chicago's MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Extended Through December
By: Kelsey Denette Jun. 23, 2011
Million Dollar Quartet, now in its third year, announces a new block of tickets on sale for performances through December 31, 2011. The Tony-nominated musical inspired by the famed 1956 recording session that brought together legendary rock ‘n' roll icons Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, celebrates its long run in Chicago, a multiple Tony-nominated New York run and a long-running London production.
The Chicago production continues to break box office records at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. The new block of tickets from September 28-December 31, 2011 goes on sale Friday, June 24 at 10am at the Apollo box office, phone (773) 935-6100, and online through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.milliondollarquartetlive.com.
Million Dollar Quartet features Chicago musician and actor Gabe Bowling (Carl Perkins), accomplished musician/performer Lance Lipinsky (Jerry Lee Lewis), Jeff Award nominee Sean Sullivan (Johnny Cash), Chicago actor and musician Shaun Whitley (Elvis Presley), Tim Decker ("Father of Rock 'n' Roll" Sam Phillips), Kelly Lamont (Elvis' girlfriend Dyanne), Billy Shaffer (Fluke/Drummer) and Chuck Zayas (Jay Perkins/Bass).
Producer Gigi Pritzker comments, "Million Dollar Quartet is a hit in Chicago, New York and London, and it be embarking on a national tour in the fall. It is truly an international phenomenon, one that had its early roots in Chicago. We are grateful to our Chicago audiences for embracing the show and are thrilled to be extended the show through the end of the year. We hope to keep rocking here for a long time."
ABOUT THE CAST
Gabe Bowling (Carl Perkins) has been an understudy for Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley during the Chicago run of Million Dollar Quartet. A Wisconsin native, he has toured nationally as a musician and is currently the lead guitarist for the rock band Fat J and The Pinners, and has his own side project, Gabe vs. The Sad Kids.
Lance Lipinsky (Jerry Lee Lewis), a Texas native, grew up studying his dad's record collection of Elvis, Roy Orbison, and his hero, Jerry Lee Lewis. These influences never left him and now, at age 24, he combines these styles in his own original music similar to early Rock & Roll, classic Country and even a touch of 1960's pop. His energetic live shows have led him all over the world, even to making his national television debut at the original Ryman Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.lancelipinsky.com for updates on his first album recording, which with use all analog equipment to emulate the timeless 1960's sound.
Sean Sullivan (Johnny Cash) was nominated for a Jeff Award for Best Principle Role for Shattered Globe's Requiem for a Heavyweight. Originally from Ohio, he has been working in Chicago since 2002, where he has appeared at TimeLine in Fiorello! and The Children's Hour; Lifeline Theatre in The Island of Dr Moreau; and BackStage Theatre Co., where he is an ensemble member and designer.
Shaun Whitley (Elvis Presley) is a multi-instrumentalist, actor, composer, and music director. He was last on stage playing upright bass and mandolin in Cotton Patch Gospel with Provision Theater. Other Chicago credits include work with Drury Lane Theater - Oakbrook, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Drury Lane Theater - Water Tower Place, TUTA, BlindFaith Theatre, and Redmoon Theater. He studied in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where he composed an original score for a production of Twelfth Night and performed the role of Orsino. In Atlanta, he co-created and co-composed an original score for a neo-vaudeville adaptation of the fables of Jean de la Fontaine, Vive La Fontaine!, with the French-speaking theater, Theatre du Reve.
Tim Decker, longtime Chicago actor, stars in the role of Sam Phillips. He has appeared at Chicago Shakespeare, Goodman, Next, Milwaukee Rep, Touchstone, Shattered Globe, Stage Left, Famous Door, American Theatre Company, and American Blues (where he received a Principal Actor Jeff Award for his work in Toys in the Attic), among others.
Kelly Lamont, playing Elvis' girlfriend Dyanne, is a native of Chicago's south suburbs. She previously appeared at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Milwaukee Shakespeare, Wisconsin's Fireside Theatre and L.A.'s Fullerton Civic Light Opera, among others. She has a BFA from the University of Illinois.
Billy Shaffer (Fluke, Drummer) lives in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago and has been active in the Chicago blues scenes, playing upwards of 130 nights per year prior to his role in Million Dollar Quartet. He has played locally with notable Chicago musicians and has toured with Grand Ole Opry artists Billy Walker and Ferlin Husky.
Chuck Zayas (Jay Perkins, Bass player) has been performing on stage for more than 20 years as a bass player, singer, songwriter, band leader, sideman session player and producer. He has played rockabilly bass in Rocket 88 and is the frontman for his most recent project, The Midnight Ramblers. He performed with Million Dollar Quartet in the Seaside production and is an original Chicago cast member.
ABOUT Million Dollar Quartet
On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together. The place was Sun Records' storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll," who discovered them all. The four legends-to-be united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time.
Million Dollar Quartet features a treasure trove of the greatest rock 'n' roll, gospel, R&B and country hits from these music legends, including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Sixteen Tons," "Who Do You Love?," "Great Balls of Fire," "Riders in the Sky," "Whole Lotta' Shakin' Goin' On," "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line," and "Hound Dog." Million Dollar Quartet captures the infectious spirit, freewheeling excitement and thrilling sounds of a singular moment when four of the music industry's most extraordinary talents, all in their creative prime, came together for one of the most memorable nights in music history.
Directed by Eric Schaeffer and Floyd Mutrux, with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. Million Dollar Quartet is produced by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions and Northern Lights Inc.
Million Dollar Quartet had its world premiere at Florida's Seaside Music Theatre, and was subsequently staged at the Village Theatre in Washington, breaking box office records. In Chicago, the production moved to the Apollo on November 5, 2008, following its sold-out, limited engagement at the Goodman's Owen Theatre. The Broadway production garnered three Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Levi Kreis; three Drama League Award nominations; and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination. Million Dollar Quartet is currently playing in London at the Noel Coward Theatre and will embark on a national tour in the fall.
TICKETS
Million Dollar Quartet tickets are now on sale through December 31, 2011. Tickets to Million Dollar Quartet at the Apollo Theater are available through the Apollo Theater box office, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave, (773) 935-6100. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com.
Tickets are $25-$77.50. (Standard ticketing fees apply.)
Rush student tickets for select performances (Wed-Fri and Sun evenings only) are available 2 hours prior to curtain at the box office with valid Student ID. Student rush tickets are subject to availability.
The Apollo performance schedule is as follows: Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Sunday performances are 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Beginning June 26 through the summer months, Sunday performances will be at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
There will be no performances on Wednesday, August 3. Performances have been added on Tuesday August 9 and 23, 2011.
Million Dollar Quartet will offer special family discounts on select Sundays. Family nights are currently scheduled for June 26, July 17 and August 14 at 5:00 p.m.
Tickets to Million Dollar Quartet Family Nights are buy one, get one free. (One child under 17 will be admitted free with each adult ticket purchase.) The evenings will feature giveaways with special gifts from Million Dollar Quartet. Check www.milliondoallarquartetlive.com for upcoming Family Nights.
Million Dollar Quartet is a 90-minute, family-friendly production. Audience members of all ages are invited to laugh, clap-and even dance-during the show.
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