FRIDAY 5 (+1): Griffin, LaCardo and Horst from CCP's MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Million Dollar Quartet seems a natural for Tennessee theater companies: it's set in Memphis (at the world-famous Sun Recording Studios), it features four of the most famous musicians in history (all of whom called Tennessee home at some point in their lives), and it's filled with the music that has provided the soundtrack for the lives of millions of people the world over. And there are three productions scheduled in the next few months in the Volunteer State - at Memphis' Playhouse on the Square, Woodbury's Arts Center of Cannon County and the show that opens tonight at Cumberland County Playhouse.

Directed by Bryce McDonald and featuring a cast that includes Ross Griffin (as Jerry Lee Lewis), Daniel W. Black (Carl Perkins), Edward LaCardo (Elvis Presley) and Steven Horst (Johnny Cash) as the titular quartet, Million Dollar Quartet is sure to set box office records in Crossville where you are likely to find the very best musical theater this side of Broadway.

Today, in anticipation of their opening night, Griffin, LoCardo and Horst share some of their own musical theater history, letting us get to know them better before taking to the iconic CCP stage, in this, the latest Friday 5 (+1), our favorite way of getting to know the people who dazzle us with their talents every time they step into the spotlight...

Ross Griffin (Jerry Lee Lewis)

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? I was about 11 years old, and my local community theater was doing Oliver! I was taking some acting classes on a whim to fill my after-school time, and my teacher suggested I audition. I went in with no experience, not expecting much outcome, and a few days later I got the call that I was cast as Oliver himself. It was both exciting and terrifying to be cast as the lead in my first show, but it ignited in me a passion for theatrical storytelling that I've never abandoned. That unexpected role shaped the course of my entire life.

What is your favorite pre-show ritual? Surprisingly enough, I don't have any one specific pre-show ritual. It changes from one show to another. For my role as Jerry Lee Lewis, besides the typical body warm up (and hand/finger warm ups for that little bit of piano he plays), I have to find a quiet place to tap into the odd and eccentric world that is Jerry's mind. His ladies' man charm, his cocky ego, and his borderline sociopath attitude is a combination that is not always easy to possess. It's a character I can't pick up and drop easily.

What is your favorite "the show must go on" moment? Last year, I played Max in "Lend me a Tenor" and there was a bit in which I had to take a stuck shoe off of another character. The idea was the shoe would detach from the foot, fly in the air, and I was to follow it backwards and catch it as I landed in a seat onstage. It was a stunt that I couldn't manage to get right - I drilled it 10 times a night during fight call, but it never went quite as planned during the show. Well, in this particular black box theater with a very intimate thrust seating arrangement, that shoe was dangerously close to patrons' heads every night. Finally, one performance, I royally screwed up this throw, and the shoe went flying into the audience about 5 rows up. Thank Dionysus it landed in an empty seat, but not only did I almost injure the audience, but that shoe was now gone for the rest of the act. I sheepishly apologized to the nearby patrons (luckily this was a farce, so breaking the fourth wall wasn't too devastating), felt my face get beet red, and the show went on. We changed the shoe gag after that performance.

Who is your theatrical crush? I've gone through phases (as everyone does) depending on what show I'm currently obsessed with. Who hasn't had a crush on Sherie Rene Scott at some point in their lives? I saw the revival of A Chorus Line when I was in high school, and ever since I have been enamored with the voice of Mara Davi. Her final notes in "At the Ballet" are just out of this world - she had me in tears and I still gush when I hear her voice. However, if I have to pick only one incredible woman who stands the test of time, I have to say it remains Bernadette Peters. She can do no wrong in my eyes.

What is your dream role? For years, I have been desperate to play Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors - the role always seems to avoid me. Theaters either have already done it before I arrive, or they do it as soon as I leave. Someday, maybe. Fingers crossed!

Why should people come see Million Dollar Quartet? This show really is spectacular. It's a beautiful combination of legendary music, age-old struggles of humanity and faith, and an important retelling of these iconic characters before we knew them as gigantic stars. It reveals the deep difficult realities of these stars as real people. This roller coaster of emotions is guaranteed to have you laughing, crying, and dancing in your seat for the entire length of the show.

Edward LaCardo (Elvis Presley)

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater My first taste of live on stage theater happened when I was nine years old playing Tommy Djilas in The Music Man in my hometown grammar school.

What is your favorite pre-show ritual? My favorite preshow ritual would have to be staring into my dressing room mirror making ridiculous faces.

What is your favorite "the show must go on" moment? My favorite show must go on moment would be when I was doing Sugar, in drag, a sock flew out of my bra, aka my boob, mid-scene. I chose to ignore it and move forward.

Who's your theatrical crush? My theatrical crush would probably be Sierra Boggess.

What is your dream role? One of my favorite dream roles would have to be Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Why should people come see Million Dollar Quartet? Everyone should come see Million Dollar Quartet because it's just a guaranteed great night out - come sing, laugh, and shake with us!

Steven Horst (Johnny Cash)

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? Although my first time on stage was at a young age, performing in opera with the Maryland Boy Choir, I remember with great clarity the first time live theater gripped me. I was about 10, and my father took me and my three brothers to see Miller's All My Sons while we were on vacation in California. I got lost in that production - utterly consumed by story and character - and by the final moments of the play, something about me had changed. I'll never forget that feeling. It's what all theatre artists chase.

What is your favorite pre-show ritual? Being alone.

What is your favorite "the show must go on" moment? In fifth grade, I played Tommy Djilas in The Music Man. Just before the scene where he unveils the infamous music stand for the marching piccolo player, I could not locate the stand I had made out of a coat hanger wire. I immediately made another one, went on stage, and the stand fell off my arm (this was not supposed to happen). I had my first ad lib that night, it got a laugh, and it was my first lesson of many that the show must go on.

Who is your theatrical crush? Emily Blunt.

What is your dream role? Biff Loman in Death of a Salesman.

Why should people come see Million Dollar Quartet? This production captures the full spectrum of why people go to the theatre - it's a good story, with iconic characters, humor, and drama. And then, of course, there's the music that changed a generation. "Ain't nothin' more fun than Rock N' Roll"!

About the show: Cumberland County Playhouse will present Million Dollar Quartet, the Tony Award-winning musical that electrified Broadway, on the Mainstage in Crossville, running April 28-June 9.

"I'm so excited to work with these talented artists as they bring these music legends to life and relive rock 'n' roll history," said CCP producing director Bryce McDonald, who directs the show. "This show is filled with an amazing energy and I'm confident that Playhouse audiences are going to love it!"

The Playhouse has assembled a group of multi-talented artists from across the country for this production of the hit musical, inspired by the incredible true events of December 4, 1956, when Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll," brought together four music giants - Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley - for one of the greatest impromptu recording sessions ever.

Playhouse stalwart Daniel Black (The Addams Family) will play the "King of Rockabilly" Carl Perkins, and Ross Griffin (A Sanders Family Christmas) will perform as the feisty and flamboyant Jerry Lee Lewis. Two Playhouse newcomers complete the legendary quartet: Edward La Cardo as Elvis Presley and Stephen Edwards Horst as Johnny Cash.

McDonald's cast also includes Molly Dobbs (A Chorus Line) as Presley's girlfriend, Dyanne, and Playhouse artistic director Britt Hancock (The Odd Couple), who will portray Sam Phillips, who brings the group together for this historic jam session.

"I'm thrilled at the opportunity to play this visionary producer," said Hancock. "And it's truly a privilege to be working with such a talented cast."

Playhouse musicians Tony Greco and Chet Hayes round out the cast as bassist Brother Jay and Fluke the drummer. All of the performers in Million Dollar Quartet will be playing instruments live on stage as their iconic characters, under the musical direction of Ron Murphy.

Million Dollar Quartet tickets are available by calling (931) 484-5000 or online at www.ccplayhouse.com.

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