Review: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at The Gateway

After a spectacular season kick-off Tony winning classic Anything Goes, the Gateway continues to dazzle with a rocking rendition of Tony nominee Million Dollar Quartet. On Broadway during the 2010/2011 season, this is the story of the historic jam session that included legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. Gateway's terrific incarnation of the jukebox musical by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott runs through June 25th at the bustling Bellport, Long Island, venue.

Immediately you can tell that this production has a lot of heart as it is masterfully directed by Hunter Foster who portrayed Sam Phillips for the Broadway company. Here, Sam is wonderfully portrayed by Jason Loughlin. Sam is the "Father of Rock'n'Roll". He is the founder of both Sun Studio - where this jam session takes place - and Sun Records as well as our narrator throughout the show. Sam is also the one who orchestrated this epic jam session. It is very interesting to see the frustrating side of music and the different conflicts they go through including Sam being courted by another record label and the musicians signing with other labels once their contract ends, but there is no animosity.

The entire Broadway caliber ensemble cast is outstanding.

The King of Rockabilly, Carl Perkins, is superbly portrayed by James Barry, who also serves as the production's Music Director. The Man In Black, Johnny Cash, is rather convincingly (at least in this 34-year-old's opinion) portrayed by Chris Damiano. His smooth, deep octave voice certainly makes him a natural for the role. As for Dominique Scott, it is safe to say that he is having a lot of fun in his role as Jerry Lee Lewis. You seriously can't help but smile at his endearing performances. Strongly completing the quartet is Ari McKay Wilford portraying The King, Elvis Presley. Mr. Wilford's charisma and vitality make him an excellent young Elvis. And finally, Bligh Voth exquisitely portrays Dyanne, Elvis' girlfriend. Ms. Voth has two stellar songs - "Fever" and "I Hear You Knockin'" - in addition to accompanying the guys on several numbers.

The rest of the brilliant cast is completed by Sam Weber, who portrays Brother Jay (Carl's brother who plays the bass for Carl's recording sessions) and David Sonneborn on drums. What is cool to see is that the cast is, in essence, the orchestra, to, as they are playing the guitars, percussion, and piano (or pie-ano as Carl calls it) along with their singing. The energetic finale was additionally well received by the sold-out crowd.

As for Mr. Foster's creative team, Derek McLane puts his spin on Sun Studio. An elevated studio sits upstage and microphones and other studio equipment make up the jam session floor. This is enhanced beautifully by Marcia Madeira's lighting and Milly Wall's spot on costumes. The overall look of the production is really stunning.

And so, Million Dollar Quartet is indeed another hit for The Gateway. Some good old rock'n'roll and a top-notch cast make for a thrilling night of theatre.

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Million Dollar Quartet is presented by The Gateway through June 25th.

By Floyd Mutrux & Colin Escott, Directed by Hunter Foster, Additional Staging by Jen Cody, Production Management by Brian Loesch, Casting by Michael Baker, Company Management by Bethany Sortman, Scenic Design by Derek McLane, Costumes Design by Molly Walls, Sound Design by Don Hanna, Musical Direction by James Barry, Stage Management by Christopher Flores, Lighting Design by Marcia Madeira

Starring Ari Mckay Wilford (Broadway's Once), Christopher Damiano, Dominique Scott (Rock of Ages Tour), James Barry (Broadway's Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson), Jason Loughlin (Broadway's The Audience), Sam Weber, David Sonneborn, and Bligh Voth.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 286-1133 or visit www.thegateway.org

Photo by Jeff Bellante; (left to right) James Barry as Carl Perkins, Ari McKay Wilford as Elvis Presley, Dominique Scott as Jerry Lee Lewis and Chris Damiano as Johnny Cash in Million Dollar Quartet

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