Get Ready to Rock with Broadway San Jose's MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, May 8th-13th

“One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready now go-go-go!” to Broadway San Jose to experience Million Dollar Quartet, May 8 through May 13, for a limited engagement.  It’s a good bet that you’ll be dancing all night long with rock and roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis as they bring you along on their famous jam session.

These four musicians were The Kings Of rock ‘n’ roll and Million Dollar Quartet, which was nominated for the Tony in 2010 for Best Musical, is inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought these four legendary icons together for the first and only time.

On December 4^th, 1956, the “Father of Rock and Roll” Sam Phillips, gathered these four young artists at Sun Records in Memphis for one of the greatest jam sessions of all time.  Million Dollar Quartet tells the tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, and celebrations featuring timeless hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog” and many more.

What to watch for: from Nick - These four guys are legends of rock ‘n’ roll so their voices are extremely well known and maybe just as well known, were their legendary personalities.  They each had their own charisma and style and that’s what made them so awesome!  I will be looking to see if that style and character is vibrant and distinct – without being cheesy.

What to watch for: from Linda – Million Dollar Quartet is one of the so-called Jukebox musicals whichtypically strings together well-known songs by a particular artist or group around a loose storyline.  Think Jersey Boys or Mamma Mia!  I’ll be watching for what made this musical get nominated for one of the top Tony awards - Best Musical.  Will the storyline be riveting?  Where will the tension come from?  And how will the narrator, who plays legendary Sun Records owner Sam Phillips, interact with the artists he discovered and made kings?

Have some rock and roll fun before the show. Put on your blue suede shoes and head to some rockin’ restaurants that are sure to get you milk-shakin’.

Peggy Sue’s

This San Jose gem is a 1950s-inspired restaurant that allows guests to take a step back in time to the days of drive-in movies, rock ’n roll, and deliciously cold and creamy milkshakes.  www.peggysues.com

Johnny Rockets

Jonny Rockets is a great place where you can escape from today’s complicated world and experience the uncomplicated goodness of classic Americana with a burger, fries and of course, a classic shake. The name of the restaurant originated by combining the timeless Johnny Appleseed story with the classic Oldsmobile Rocket 88. Together, they make an all American burger and a great experience. http://www.johnnyrockets.com

City Diner San Jose – a Fab 50’s diner!

This fab diner features classic American favorites and, get this, 66 different milkshakes.  Named for the famous Route 66 that brought millions west, these nostalgic milkshakes include, 50/50 Dreamsicle, Chocolate Malt and Butterscotch Cherry to name just three.  Hula-hoop down and have a slurp.  And gosh, while you’re there, get your picture taken with the large cut-out of Elvis!  http://citydiner-sanjose.com/

Hey Daddy-o, we’ll see you at a Drive-in Movie!

Remember the drive-in movie scene from Grease?  Classic 50’s!  Well, take a drive down memory lane and head to West Wind Drive-In theatres, one of the last bona fide outdoor drive-ins in the country.  Double-features of the latest and greatest play every night, projected in crystal clear Technalight with Dolby Digital sound right through your car stereo!  Cozy up to the concession stand for popcorn and soda and you’re set for the night. http://www.westwinddriveins.com/di-index.html

Local connections to the original Fab Four – Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis:

Elvis Presley:  The top seat for Elvis’ Oakland 1956 concert appearance was two dollars and fifty cents!  Teenage girls and guys went crazy.  One reporter wrote, “His musical performance is as elemental as the gyrations of an "exotic" dancer in a Tenderloin joint.”

Johnny Cash:  The 'Man in Black' played the San Quentin Prison in 1969 against the advice of pretty much everyone.  But he had great compassion for the prisoners and so, he went, sing, among his other hits, his recent hit single “A Boy Named Sue,” and the inmates loved it.  The live album, “Johnny Cash at San Quentin” went on to become a huge hit as well.

Carl Perkins visited San Francisco in 1991. "There are three stages of life," he said in an interview at the time, "youth, middle-age and `you sure are looking good.' I've been a hearing a lot of that since I got to town."

Jerry Lee Lewis:  He’s the last surviving member of the famed quartet.  He played the Bay Area in 1979 and brought down the house.  And this just in, Lewis, (in)famous for marrying his 13-year old second cousin Myra Gale Brown when he was only 23, just tied the knot with wife number seven.  She’s Myra’s former sister-in-law Judith Brown. Yes, Judith Brown was married to Myra’s older brother Rusty.  Judith is 62, making her 14 years younger than the 76-year-old rocker.  We wish them a wonderful life together!

HODGES AND HODGES will see you in San Jose!

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux
Musical Arrangements by Chuck Mead
Playing May 8-13
Broadway San Jose – www.broadwaysanjose.com
Tuesday – Thursday – 7:30 p.m.
Friday – 8 p.m.
Saturday – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday – 1 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.