BWW Reviews: Rockin' Good Time at the Fox with MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

It's true that on December 4, 1956, Sun Records was host to an incredible meeting of four gentleman (Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis) who would go on to lay the foundation for Rock 'n' Roll, but a listen to the actual recording made that day prove that it was a much simpler affair than what's presented in the stage musical Million Dollar Quartet. Still, the inspiration that story provides (book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux) makes for a rockin' good time, and this award-winning show is fun from start to finish.

Though really a tribute to the late Sam Phillips, and his knack for discovering and nurturing talent, Million Dollar Quartet mixes in a lot of factual information that manages to add a little bit of tension here and there. There's the "fact" that this get-together is being organized so that Sam can present Johnny Cash with a new 3-year contract, even though Johnny is being wooed by Columbia. There's the "fact" that Carl Perkins resented Elvis Presley's hit record of "Blue Suede Shoes", since he wrote it and was banking on his own version being his breakthrough. There's also the "fact" that Sam Phillips was being courted by RCA to groom and sooth Elvis as a kind of consultant. All told, this neatly allows for the tunes to be played with minimal interruption, but also acts to fill us in on details that were occurring at the time.

James Barry has an arsenal of rockabilly licks at his fingertips as Carl Perkins, and he unleashes them with fury and passion on his Les Paul goldtop. He may not be your exact image of Perkins, but the man can play some serious guitar, and he brings solid acting to the role as well. David Elkins is truly excellent as Johnny Cash, capturing the man's voice and personality in the kind of laid-back manner one would expect. Ben Goddard doesn't really look like Jerry Lee Lewis to me, but man can he tickle the ivories. Goddard's brash and cocky portrayal does add a considerable amount of comic relief to the proceedings, though. Cody Slaughter (Billy Woodward on certain dates) is soft spoken, but quietly commanding, as Elvis. Slaughter has the moves, the look, and the voice of the King in his prime. Corey Kaiser (bass) and Billy Shaffer (drums) keep the rhythm rock solid throughout the evening. Vince Nappo (Scott Moreau on certain dates) is very good as Sam Phillips, carrying a bit of a chip on his shoulder for the acts he's seen take off without him, but determined to move forward with his operation. Kelly Lamont contributes as Elvis's girlfriend, Dyanne, and does nice work on "Fever" and "I Hear You Knockin'".

Eric Schaeffer's direction is well done, and he keeps the action moving from moment to moment and song to song. Chuck Mead's arrangements are faithful to the original spirit, and Jane Greenwood's costumes fit each character nicely. Derek Lane's scenic design is eye-catching, with Sun Studios never looking better. Howell Brinkley's lighting captures it all with aplomb.

If you're looking for a rockin' good time, then head out to the Fox Theatre to check out Million Dollar Quartet, playing now through May 5, 2013.

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