Review: 'Million Dollar Quartet' Is 'Sixteen Tons' Of Fun
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
WABASH – A Broadway musical can transport you to a different time or place when it’s a great story with an amazing cast performing at its best. That’s exactly what audiences got Feb. 26 when the national tour of “Million Dollar Quartet” stopped for one night only at the Honeywell Center in Wabash. From the first note of the company performing “Blue Suede Shoes” to the last note of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” in the encore, the musical took the audience back to Sun Records in Memphis, Tenn., on Dec. 4, 1956. That night was the first and last time legendary rockers Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley gathered together at Sun Records studio and jammed. But while it’s the music of those four legends that vibrated the theater, the true story really is about Sam Phillips, the man who discovered and produced the foursome. For this show, Warsaw Community High School 2006 graduate Skye Scott played the role of Presley. Scott is the understudy for the role, meaning he takes the stage when Jacob Rowley is sick, on vacation or whatever – but being so close to his hometown for this performance, the showrunners let him take the stage. And Scott demonstrated how much he’s grown on the stage as an actor and singer from his days at the WCHS Performing Arts Center and Wagon Wheel Theatre. Scott really embodied the spirit of Presley, from the shaking hips to the energetic delivery of songs like “That’s All Right,” “Peace in the Valley” and “Hound Dog.” In 1956, Presley was about 21 years old and Scott really can play him. I’m sure if Presley were alive today, he would tell Scott, “Thank you. Thank you very much.” But Scott wasn’t the only phenomenal actor/singer/musician on the stage (and, yes, they all played their instruments live on stage). If you closed your eyes and just listened to Scott Moreau sing Johnny Cash’s songs, you could swear he was in the building. He hit “Folsom Prison Blues” right on the head, and continued his impressive performance with “Sixteen Tons,” “I Walk The Line” and “Riders in the Sky.” I would happily see Moreau do a one-man show of Cash’s songs. Many people think “Blue Suede Shoes” was Presley’s song originally, but that’s not true. Carl Perkins recorded it first and had a hit record with it. So when Presley re-recorded it and people started telling Perkins he was covering Presley – well, that didn’t sit well with Perkins. As Perkins, actor Gabe Bowling really brings the house down. He’s not only a great actor in this show, but also a rocking singer. I loved listening and watching him sing “Who Do You Love?” and “See You Later Alligator.” His performance made me want to seek out more of Perkins’ music. Then there was Colte Julian playing Jerry Lee Lewis. His flaming red hair matched Lewis’, but he also rattled the 88 keys like he was born on a piano. In the show, Lewis is young and starting out, but already has a gigantic ego. Lewis sells himself like a used car salesman, but when he plays it’s like the devil has a hold of him – he’s on fire. Julian doesn’t miss a beat – he is a “Real Wild Child” throughout the show and keeps a “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” as he plays “Great Balls of Fire.” Again, Julian could make a one-man show out of his portrayal of Lewis and it would be great. Of course, those four men only make up half of the cast. The other four include Dyanne (Laura Obenauf), Sam Phillips (Bryan Langlitz), Fluke the drummer (Patrick Morrow) and bass player Jay Perkins (Chuck Zayas). Phillips is the narrator of his own story, telling people what happened beforehand and afterwards. Langlitz makes Phillips out as a likeable guy who truly was in the business to make unforgettable rock music. Dyanne was Presley’s girlfriend at the time. In the show she sings two solos, “Fever” and “I Hear You Knocking.” She delivers both numbers with more sex appeal than an advertisement for Victoria’s Secret. She has just an incredible voice. Jay Perkins is Carl Perkins’ brother and bass player, but he and Fluke are an integral part of the music on the stage. Morrow and Zayas add to the excitement in the show with their natural musical abilities. With the music of Perkins, Cash, Lewis and Presley, I figured the show had to be pretty good. It was beyond that. I would rush to go see this show again, especially with these eight performers. They really brought down the house and throw a “Party” that “Memories Are Made of This.” Some of the other classic rock songs audiences will enjoy hearing in this show include “Brown Eyed Handsome Man,” “Down by the Riverside,” “Long Tall Sally” and “Matchbox.” If you ever get an opportunity to see this Broadway musical, especially with this cast, I highly recommend it. My rating of “Million Dollar Quartet” (out of four): 4. For more information about the show, visit the official website at milliondollarquartetlive.com For more information on upcoming shows at the Honeywell Center, visit its website at www.honeywellcenter.org
