'Million Dollar Quartet' dramatizes chance 1956 meeting that made rock 'n' roll history

At Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, on Dec. 4, 1956, an impromptu jam session made for a million-dollar moment. Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and newcomer Jerry Lee Lewis by happenchance ended up at the studio about the same time and made for a notable event in rock 'n' roll. “Million Dollar Quartet,” a musical which opened on Broadway in 2010, dramatizes this event and will take the stage at the Hoogland Center for the Arts this weekend and next.

The Hoogland’s production stars Damien Kaplan as Jerry Lee Lewis, Gavin Gardner as Elvis Presley, DJ Shultz as Johnny Cash, Scott Lecocq as Carl Perkins, Rich Beans as Sam Phillips, Cami Kern as Dyanne, Blake Martin as Brother Jay (played by Tom Myers opening night), and Brandt Sitze as Fluke.

Lecocq said the show intersperses some true events from that day in December with glimpses of the members of the quartet before they were household names. “They were just everyday people with a need to play music, and Sam Philips (producer) saw a spark in each one and nurtured it in a way only he could. There are also allusions to what the future held for each of them. It's also a heck of a rock concert.”

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Director Stephan Kaplan added that it was the first and only time the four stars played together, and the session is considered iconic in rock 'n' roll history. Directing this production appealed to Kaplan because he had seen the show and “knew it was very special. The cast was small and it required a unit set with minimal special effects. The actors needed to be extremely talented in acting, singing and musicianship. I love working on character development and this script checked all the ones.

“The cast is incredible,” Kaplan continued. “They are all gifted actors with wonderful singing voices who play their musical instruments with passion. The audience will love their energy, be inspired by their sincerity, and wear out their toe tappers. They flood the theater with a spirit that envelopes you. At evening’s end you will be wanting more. I guarantee it!”

Among those actors are Kaplan’s son, Damien, who along with HCFTA Executive Director Gus Gordon impacted Kaplan’s decision to direct. “If it had not been at their request, I may have been too busy. But I also love the musical, and the combination of all factors was too much to let pass.”

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For Lecocq the draw was the opportunity to sing, act and play guitar. “I get to do three of my favorite hobbies in a single role. It also doesn't hurt that I get to share the stage with some incredibly talented people. … Of the four members of the quartet, Carl Perkins is probably the least well known. People know his name and music but he wasn't near as flamboyant as Elvis or Jerry Lee Lewis. He had his personal struggles, but they weren't as public or as publicized as the other three. Getting the chance to learn about his life and try to bring his persona and mannerisms to the stage was an interesting opportunity that I couldn't pass up.”

Audiences can expect some familiar tunes: “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Hound Dog,” “Who Do You Love,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and more. “There are also lots of little asides that allude to later songs or events in the quartet's lives,” said Lecocq. “Lots of little aha! moments. All of the songs are timeless and instantly recognizable by anyone of any age.”

Kaplan added, “This has been a labor of love. If anything was a challenge, it was to tap this cast’s unlimited abilities. They didn’t always know how good they are. From an enjoyment perspective, every night has been joyous. My cast is a director's dream. … Joy and happiness are not always easy to find. In two hours, this production will lift you up and send you home with a smile on your face.”

About 'Million Dollar Quartet'

When: 8 p.m. Aug. 26-27, 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28; 8 p.m. Sept. 2-3; 2 p.m. Sept. 4.

Where: Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield

Tickets: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (over 60) and students

Visit www.hcfta.org or call 217-523-2787

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: 'Million Dollar Quartet' dramatizes meeting that made music history