Million Dollar Quartet in Charlotte, NC
By Beth Goodwin, Public Relations Manager at Walton Arts Center
Although this was my second time to see the show, knowing THIS cast would soon grace the stage of Walton Arts Center coupled with our front row seats, certainly added an element of excitement and reality to the experience!
If I had to summarize, I would say, Million Dollar Quartet is a 95-minute, historically relevant jam session, filled with the energy of a concert and the spirit of Broadway! Set in Memphis on December 4, 1956, it's about the magical night Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley all came together for an impromptu recording session with producer, Sam Phillips of Sun Records. The show was inspired by the actual event-- and specifically the photo of that night.
Although its a Broadway show, MDQ is a stripped down performance featuring a bevy of Rockabilly, gospel, rock and country music. Songs like "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," and "Great Balls of Fire" take you on an intimate journey through the 1950s and the birth of rock n roll.
Aside from the southern charms of the setting, Million Dollar Quartet has several ties to Arkansas including Johnny Cash's hometown of Kingsland, AR. But what the Natural State can be most proud of is, Cody Slaughter the young rising star from Harrison, AR, who plays Elvis. From the lip curl to the hip swirl, he nails the part of a young E, home visiting his mother for the holidays. Here's a photo with Cody Slaughter, myself and Jill Holcombe after the show on Wednesday evening.
I absolutely fell in love with the history and soul of the show and can not wait till opening night...NWA is in for a treat! For more info about Million Dollar Quartet, coming Feb. 21-26, go online or call the Box Office at 479.443.5600!
Here's a little video preview from the 2010 Tony Awards, ENJOY: