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MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Extends Through March 30, 2014 at Apollo Theater

By: Oct. 24, 2013
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Million Dollar Quartet, now the longest-running Broadway musical production in Chicago's history, has extended through March 30, 2014. With over 2,000 performances and 5 smash years in Chicago, the Tony Award-winning rock 'n' roll musical has set a new record for the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago.

The Chicago production continues to break box office records at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Tickets are now on sale through March 30, 2014 at the Apollo box office, phone (773) 935-6100, and online through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.milliondollarquartetlive.com.

Producer Gigi Pritzker comments, "After five incredible years, 500,000 tickets sold, 1,949 performances, 6,000 guitar picks, and 500 cans of hairspray it's an absolute thrill for MDQ to take its place as the longest-running musical in Chicago history. Since the very beginning, Chicago has embraced Million Dollar Quartet and we are grateful for the continued and enthusiastic support of our home town audiences. It's been a hit in Chicago, New York, London, Japan, Las Vegas and on the national tour. The show remains as exciting and engaging as always-partially due to the more than 20 rock 'n' roll hits in the show and the tremendous talent on stage."

Million Dollar Quartet has extended performances through March 30, 2014, with cast members Brandon Bennett (Elvis Presley), Shaun Whitley (Carl Perkins), Lance Lipinsky (Jerry Lee Lewis), Adam Lee (Johnny Cash), Jason Bradley (Sam Phillips), Aja Goes (Dyanne), Marc Edelstein (Jay Perkins/Bass player) and Dan Leali (Fluke/Drummer). The Tony Award-winning 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 Tony Award-winning New York run, a long-running London production, a newly-opened production in Las Vegas, and a national tour that kicked-off in October 2011.

Brandon Bennett (Elvis Presley) a native of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, has performed with legendary stars like The Jordanaires, DJ Fontana and The Sweet Inspirations. Brandon has been honored with several international awards, including prestigious honors from Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. He joins the cast of MDQ after performing for the past two years with the stage production The Elvis Story in Quebec, Canada. Brandon recently appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Shaun Whitley (Carl Perkins) is a musician, actor, composer, and Jeff nominated music director. Some Chicago credits include: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Flute/Thisbe) with Chicago Shakespeare Theater; PumpBoys and Dinettes (Jim) with Drury Lane Theater; Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Tommy, u/s Buddy Holly) with Drury Lane Theater; Uncle Vanya (Telegin) with TUTA; and Cotton Patch Gospel (Bass/Mandolin) with Provision Theater. He studied acting at RADA in London.

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.

Adam Lee (Johnny Cash) has always loved two things -- music and an open stretch of highway. Growing up an Air Force brat, he spent his youth travelling the world and got that ramblin' fever early. He hit the road as a drummer at age 20 and never looked back. An accomplished songwriter with three releases of original material, he's spent the past six years touring the U.S. and Europe promoting his own brand of Americana.

Jason Bradley (Sam Phillips) is excited to join the talented cast and creative team of Million Dollar Quartet. Previous Chicago area credits include Steppenwolf Theatre (The Diary of Anne Frank), Writers Theatre (To the Greenfields Beyond), and Circle Theatre (Stripped, Jeff nomination, best actor). Regional credits include many wonderful productions at Indiana Rep; three years in The Acting Company at the Asolo Theatre; Cleveland Playhouse; Geva Theatre Center; and, in his home state of Wisconsin, at Madison Rep, Milwaukee Rep, and American Players Theatre. Jason is proud to be celebrating his 10th year as a member of Actors Equity Association.

Aja Goes (Dyanne) is thrilled to be joining the Chicago cast of Million Dollar Quartet! She recently earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts. Some of her favorite roles include Rosemary in How to Succeed, Maureen in Rent, and the Younger Woman in Putting it Together. Aja can be heard on two reference recordings for Music Theatre International including RENT: School Edition and Forever Plaid: The Sound of Plaid.

Dan Leali (Fluke, Drummer) a native of the Chicago area, has performed with jazz trumpeter Randy Brecker; songwriters Jewel, Liz Phair, Peter Himmelman and Robbie Fulks; Poi Dog Pondering; Fareed Haque; bluesman John Primer; and Liquid Soul. He has performed on television and radio jingles, as well as arcade and video game soundtracks, and maintains a private teaching practice. Dan is also a founding member of the band Tributosaurus.

Marc Edelestein (Jay Perkins, Bassist) Devoted to American roots music, Marc has performed internationally in rockabilly, bluegrass, country, and folk projects. Performances include altcountry's Robby Fulks Band; 7 years with Special Consensus Bluegrass Band; musical revue Women In My Life with singer-songwriters Bob Gibson and Michael Smith; Chicago Symphony Orchestra's country & western auxiliary CSOakies; and numerous recordings. Marc made his theatrical debut as string bassist and vocalist in the Jeff Award winning Woody Guthrie's American Song (Northlight, Briar Street Theater), and performed in Shakespeare's As You Like It (Goodman Theater).

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," "Ring of Fire," "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 the longest-running production in Chicago's history and is also currently playing in Las Vegas and on tour.

Million Dollar Quartet tickets are on sale through March 30, 2014. 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-$85. (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.; and Sundays at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. .

Million Dollar Quartet will offer special family discounts on select Sundays. Family nights have extended through the season; performances are on November 10, 2013 at 6:30pm.

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/family for information about 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.

For more show information, visit www.milliondollarquartetlive.com.



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