'Million Dollar Quartet' at the Goodman Theatre

Limited Engagement of this Celebration of Rock 'n' Roll to run
Sept. 26 – Oct. 26

Million Dollar Quartet, a new musical inspired by a famed 1956 recording session that brought together four of the most legendary figures in the history of music – Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley – will make its Midwest debut directed by Eric Schaeffer and Floyd Mutrux. Preview performances begin Sept. 26; the press performance will be Oct. 5. Performances for the limited engagement continue through Oct. 26. Million Dollar Quartet will be presented in the Owen Theatre at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 6 at 10 a.m.

On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. The place was Sun Records' storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was the "Father of Rock-n-Roll," Sam Phillips, who discovered them all. The four legends-to-be united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording session that embodied the birth of rock 'n' roll and has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time. Featuring a treasure trove of the greatest rock, rockabilly, gospel, R&B and country standards of the 1950s, including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Sixteen Tons," "Who Do You Love?," "Great Balls of Fire," "Ghost Riders in the Sky," and "Whole Lotta' Shakin' Goin' On," Million Dollar Quartet captures the infectious spirit, freewheeling excitement and thrilling sounds of a singular moment when four of popular music's most extraordinary talents, all in their creative prime, came together for a night that would raise the roof. 

Eric Schaeffer is the acclaimed artistic director of the Signature Theatre, where his work has been honored with numerous Helen Hayes Awards. 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.
 
Floyd Mutrux is also the co-author of the book to 'Million Dollar Quartet', sharing writing credits with noted author and music historian Colin Escott.  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.  Escott, the 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.

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

Million Dollar Quartet is produced by Dee Gee Theatricals and John Cossette Productions. 

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.

Casting and additional members of the creative team will be announced at a future date.

The performance schedule is as follows:  Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 6 p.m. The press performance will be Sunday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.  Please note: There will be a 2 p.m. matinee on Thursday, Oct. 2 and no performances other than the press performance on Oct. 5.

Tickets to Million Dollar Quartet are priced from $20 to $47 during previews, and $20 to $49 for regular performances. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 6 at 10 a.m. and are available by calling the Goodman Theatre box office at (312) 443-3800 or by visiting goodmantheatre.org. Group tickets are also available. For tickets for groups of 10 or more, call Group Theater Tix: (312) 423-6612 or visit www.grouptheatertix.com.
 

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