MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET to Bid Farewell After Eight Years in Chicago

BroadwayWorld has learned that with almost 3,000 performances and now in its eighth year in Chicago, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, Chicago's longest-running Broadway musical, is set to close on January 17, 2016.

"When MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET opened at the Goodman Theatre in 2008, we were hoping for the best for our 4-week run at the Owen. To quote Sam Philips, the Father of Rock 'n' Rock, 'We've enjoyed success beyond our wildest imaginings,'" comments producer Gigi Pritzker.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET has extended performances in Chicago through January 17, 2016, with extraordinary cast members Brandon Bennett (Elvis Presley), Shaun Whitley (Carl Perkins), Colte Julian (Jerry Lee Lewis), Adam Lee (Johnny Cash), Andy Ahrens (Sam Phillips), Kelly Lamont (Dyanne), Chuck Zayas (Jay Perkins/Bass player) and Patrick Morrow (Fluke/Drummer). The Tony Award-winning musical is 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 for the first and only time.

"We now look forward to the next chapter in MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET's history," continues Pritzker. "It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Chicago. Mostly, we celebrate the overwhelming support and success this production has received. We celebrate the many artists who have performed with us, we celebrate our crew, staff and community partners who have been instrumental in the success and long run of the show."

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET continues to thrive in its third year at Harrah's Las Vegas, and has a future across the country, internationally, and at sea. A new national touring company of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET kicked-off its fifth year of touring on Thursday, October 1, 2015 and will continue to more than 40 cities throughout the 2015-2016 season. Theatrical Rights Worldwide (Jersey Boys, Spamalot) recently acquired exclusive representation of stage performance rights for MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and the show just opened the first of many planned licensed productions at high profile regional theatres across the country. An all-new production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, which opened to excellent reviews on June 25, 2015 at Welk Resort Theatre in Branson, MO, will play through December 31, 2015 and then reopen March 2016 through December 2016.

Continuing with its commitment to excellence in entertainment, Norwegian Cruise Line will feature MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET on board its largest ship ever, Norwegian Escape. Norwegian Escape will sail weekly seven-day cruises from her year-round homeport of Miami to the Eastern Caribbean, beginning on November 14, 2015. The 164,600 gross ton ship will be the largest ever to homeport year-round in Miami, carrying 4,200 guests to tropical Caribbean destinations including St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas.

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," "Great Balls of Fire," "Sixteen Tons," "Who Do You Love?," Whole Lotta' Shakin' Goin' On," "Fever," "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 (winner); three Drama League Award nominations; and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago's history.

Director Eric Schaeffer is the acclaimed co-founder and artistic director of the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, where his work has been honored with numerous Helen Hayes Awards including Outstanding Direction. He directed Putting it Together and Glory Days on Broadway, the first national tour of big, The Musical, and the West End debut of The Witches of Eastwick. He also served as artistic director for the Kennedy Center's recent Sondheim Celebration.

Playwright Colin Escott, noted Grammy Award-winning author and music historian, is author of numerous books including Good Rockin' Tonight - Sun Records and the Birth of Rock 'n' Roll, was awarded a Grammy for producing The Complete Hank Williams, and was nominated for a Grammy for producing B.B. King - King of the Blues.

Floyd Mutrux is the co-author of the book to MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Mutrux has written, directed or produced numerous films, including the classic biopic of early rock 'n' roll American Hot Wax, Dick Tracy and Mulholland Falls.

Musical Director Chuck Mead, with multiple hit records, has stood at the forefront of the alternative country music explosion as founder and lead singer of BR549, the three-time Grammy Award nominated country band.

Relevant Theatricals (Producer) is a commercial production company headed by Gigi Pritzker and Ted Rawlins, dedicated to developing new work for the stage. Their latest project, Snapshots, is a new musical with book by David Stern and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (creator of Wicked, Pippin and Godspell). It recently concluded a very successful production at the nationally renowned Goodspeed Opera House and is being featured this season at the Village Theatre in WA and the Arizona Theatre Company prior to a national tour launching next year. Relevant Theatricals is proud to be part of the producing team that developed MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Relevant's sister company, OddLot Entertainment, develops and produces outstanding new film properties including the NFL-themed dramatic comedy Draft Day; and Jon Stewart's directorial debut, Rosewater. Separately, Pritzker is part of a consortium that recently launched a next-generation film studio founded by producer Robert Simonds.

John Cossette Productions (Producer) was founded by John Cossette whose 30 year career in the music industry as an innovative producer of large scale events was legendary. John produced the Grammy's, the BET awards, the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and a star-studded concert in Central Park. He was deeply involved with MusiCares and the EJ Jackson Foundation, which helps to feed the homeless in Los Angeles. Under the direction of Rita Cossette the company will continue to develop and produce music related entertainment.

The Tony Award winning rock 'n' roll musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET has been breaking box office records at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. where it will be running for twelve more weeks only. Tickets are available at the Apollo Theater box office, by phone (773) 935-6100, and online through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.milliondollarquartetlive.com.

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