The amazingly talented performers rock the stage with explosive energy in Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s thrilling “Million Dollar Quartet.”
The musical inspired by an impromptu jam session by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins runs through June 28 on the Main Stage Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley.
“Million Dollar Quartet” tells the story of December 4, 1956, when the four great musicians all happened to visit visionary producer Sam Phillips, known as the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” at his Sun Studio in Memphis.
Somewhere between a concert and a musical, the performers portraying the four famed musicians all sing and play their own instruments with extreme skill on familiar rock and roll songs.
Dominique Scott, who also is music director, plays the green and cocky Jerry Lee Lewis and his keyboard skills are undeniable. Scott’s Lewis struts around the stage full of himself and well aware of just how talented he is. He provides some of the humor throughout the night with his country bumpkin antics. But on the “pie-ano,” watch out. Scott’s staccato chords and full keyboard glissandos are impressive enough on songs like “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” but then he gets acrobatic, playing behind his back, with his feet and even with his derriere.
Chance Michael Wall is a dark and moody Johnny Cash and delivers deliciously on that distinctive gravelly texture and resonant lower register for which Cash is known, on songs like “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Sixteen Tons” and “I Walk the Line.”
As rockabilly star Carl Perkins, Jeremy Sevelovitz delivers Perkin’s signature grit and twang on “Blue Suede Shoes” and "Who Do You Love?" However, Sevelovitz really shines in his outstanding guitar playing as he lays down finger-twisting rocking riffs.
As Elvis Pressley, Nick Voss has the jelly legs and hip swivels of the King down pat. Voss’ velvet baritone is on display in songs like “Hound Dog” and “Long Tall Sally.”
As Presley’s girlfriend Dyanne, Shannon Mullen brings a welcome woman’s voice to the proceedings and her smokey is well served on “Fever” and “I Hear You Knockin’.”
The night I was there understudy Michael Covel was in for John Gardiner as Sam Phillips. Covel conveys Phillip’s passion for the music and his uncanny ability to be able to see the raw talent in performers. Covel’s Phillips stays focused and committed to his principles in the face of unexpected disappointments.
Even the back up band is impressive. Chuck Zayas is bassist Jay Perkins (Carl’s big brother) and he spins and plucks the big string bass with aplomb, while Mike Lucchetti as drummer Fluke rocks the rhythms.
The cast has great chemistry from the irritated competitiveness that turns to grudging respect between Scott’s Lewis and Sevelovitz’ Perkins, to the warm camaraderie of Wall’s Cash and Voss’ Presley.
Particularly nice are the quieter moments when the four harmonize on the spiritual “Down By the Riverside” and the gospel song “Peace in the Valley” (joined by Mullen’s Dyanne).
Director Jim Helsinger keeps the pace moving and the show flies by. The final 15 minutes become an all-out on-stage concert that the audience has been waiting for.
Scenic designer Burt Scott has created an attractive Sun Studio, punctuated by the color changing checkerboard wall. The costumes by Lisa Zinni are lifted right from the 1950’s, until the eye-popping finale.
Meet the actors for an informal talk-back after the June 18 and 25 shows.
There will be an audio described and open captioned performance for the blind or visually-impaired and the deaf or hard-of-hearing June 20.
“Epilogues” a free discussion and a behind-the-scenes look at the show at 10 a.m. June 20 will allow audience members to gain deeper insight and ask questions.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. June 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26; 2 and 7:30 p.m. June 17 and 27; 2 p.m. June 21 and 28, and 6:30 p.m. June 16 and 23.
For information, call 610-282-9455 or go to pashakespeare.org/.