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Million Dollar Quartet: the hit musical with productions in Las Vegas is now seeking actors to cover the roles of Elvis Presley,Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.
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 and Roll,” who discovered them all. The four young musicians 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. Inspired by the true story, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET features a treasure trove of the greatest rock and roll, gospel, R&B and country hits from these musicians, including such iconic songs as “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Riders in the Sky,” “I Walk the Line,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” 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 the music industry’s most extraordinary talents, all in their creative prime, came together for one of the most memorable nights in music history.
Actors will be asked to prepare specific songs made famous by one of the four members of the MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and, if applicable, be able to accompany themselves on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, or piano. Actors must be able to convincingly portray the characters. Candidates for Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash should bring their own guitar (acoustic or electric). A piano will be on site for anyone auditioning for the role of Jerry Lee Lewis.
ELVIS – 20s male. Actor/singer/guitar player to portray Elvis in his 20s at the beginning of his career. Must be familiar with his music and be able to play basic guitar; should sound and look somewhat like Elvis without being an “impersonator”. Songs include “Memories Are Made Of This”, “That’s All Right”, “Long Tall Sally”, “Peace In The Valley”, “Party”, “Hound Dog”. PRINCIPAL
JERRY LEE LEWIS – 20s male. Actor/singer/pianist; he was rock & roll’s legendary piano prodigy and celebrated “Last Man Standing.” Must be a superb piano player, able to play like Jerry Lee Lewis; fun, energetic; comic skills a plus. Songs include “Real Wild Child”, “Great Balls Of Fire”, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”. PRINCIPAL
CARL PERKINS – mid 20s male. Actor/singer/guitar player (lead guitar); he was the American pioneer of rockabilly music and best known for his song “Blue Suede Shoes”; Must be an excellent lead guitarist. Songs include “Matchbox”, “Who Do You Love?”, “My Babe”, “See You Later, Alligator”. PRINCIPAL.
JOHNNY CASH– mid 20s male. Actor/singer/guitar player to portray Johnny Cash at the dawn of his epic career. Must be familiar with his music and be able to play guitar; tall; should sound and look somewhat like Johnny without being an “impersonator”. Songs include “Folsom Prison Blues”, “Sixteen Tons”, “I Walk The Line”, “Riders In The Sky”. PRINCIPAL
SAM PHILLIPS– mid 30s male. Father of Rock’n’Roll and founder of Sun Records who discovered Elvis, Johnny, Jerry, Carl, and many others including Roy Orbison and B.B. King. A charismatic figure in American music. THIS IS A NON-SINGING ROLE! PRINCIPAL.
DYANNE – mid 20s female. She was an aspiring singer and Elvis’s girlfriend. Attractive, great singer with a wide range. Sings solos and back-ups through the show – sings “Fever” in her alto range and covers the high soprano part (3 “Gs” above middle “C”) of “Riders In The Sky” (Johnny Cash song). Also sings “I Hear You Knockin.” PRINCIPAL
CARL PERKINS – please accompany yourself on guitar to BLUE SUEDE SHOES and MATCHBOX, as well as a rockabilly tune of your choosing. Please bring your own guitar!
ELVIS – please accompany yourself on guitar to THAT’S ALRIGHT MAMA and PEACE IN THE VALLEY, as well as any other Elvis song of your choosing. Please bring your own guitar!
JOHNNY CASH – please accompany yourself on guitar to FOLSOM PRISON BLUES (the show’s version of 16 TONS) and any other Cash song of your choosing. Please bring your own guitar!
JERRY LEE LEWIS – please accompany yourself on piano to GREAT BALLS OF FIRE and WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN, as well as another song of your choosing. A piano will be provided.
DYANNE – please prepare FEVER and I HEAR YA KNOCKING and bring your book, as well. An accompanist will be provided.
SAM PHILLIPS – Please request sides
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