Be prepared for a rockin’ good time at “Million Dollar Quartet,” which kicks off the Bill Mutimer Summer Theatre Series’ 2025 season with a jolt of high intensity energy.
Northampton Community College summer theater series has a surefire hit with “Million Dollar Quartet” through June 15 at Northampton Community College’s Lipkin Theater in Bethlehem Township.
The jukebox musical recreates the real moment on Dec. 4, 1956, when Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley had an impromptu recording session at the Sun Records recording studio in Memphis. So the actors have to recreate these musicals icons and they are all up to the task.
Impressively, the actors who portray the four stars all play their own instruments very well, as do the actors playing bassist Jay Perkins and drummer Fluke Holland.
The performers also have a palpable rapport on stage and obviously enjoy playing together.
Tommy Bergeron has the showiest role as the flamboyant Jerry Lee Lewis. Bergeron makes the most of the roles, making Jerry Lee Lewis a tightly-wound ball of energy ready to explode. Bergeron seems to be in constant motion, especially when at the piano, where he showily plays the keys with his feet, elbows, hands behind his back and while balanced on one leg. He nails Lewis’ youthful cockiness and is memorable on Lewis’ songs like “Great Balls of Fire,” "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," and “Real Wild Child.”
Cason Day (who also doubles as music director) is moody and mercurial as Carl Perkins. He is the most impressive guitarist, even playing the guitar behind his back at one point and sounds good on "Who Do You Love?" “My Babe” and “See You Later, Alligator.” He and Bergeron as Lewis have a believably antagonistic relationship on stage.
As Johnny Cash, Bryant Cobb is reticent and brooding. Cobb ably delivers on Cash’s rockabilly guitar and gritty low notes in "Folsom Prison Blues," “Walk the Line,” and “Sixteen Tons.”
Brian Steinberg as Elvis Presley, physically embodies the King’s wild hip- twitching and leg-shaking dance moves. Steinberg also conveys Presley’s insecurity, even as he wails on songs like "Blue Suede Shoes" (ironically written by Perkins, but made famous by Presley), "Hound Dog" and Long Tall Sally.”
Lydia Walker reveals a strong and sultry voice and an electric presence as Elvis Presley’s girlfriend Dyanne on “Fever” and “I Hear You Knocking,” as well as providing high harmonies in “Ghost Riders.”
Kyle Lahr has some impressive moments on the bass as Jay Perkins and Mike Lucchetti’s percussion timing is impeccable as Fluke Holland.
Rounding out the cast is Travis Nugent as an earnest and dedicated Sam Phillips, Sun Records producer.
Brett Oliveira’s set of the Sun Records’ recording studio looks great and works well.
Director Clair M. Freeman gives the audience a musical party that you don’t want to end with “Million Dollar Quartet.”
Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. June 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14; and 2 p.m. June 8 and 15 at Lipkin Theater, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.
For information, call 484-484-3412, or go to www.ncctix.org.