Million Dollar Quartet rocks Barter stage
In 2017, I had tickets to see Million Dollar Quartet at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon. I was more than a little excited to catch this local adaptation of the historic night of December 4, 1956, when four pioneers of the rock and roll genre gathered under one roof for the first and only time in history. The mix of reality and myth surrounding the impromptu jam session between Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash at the iconic Sun Records—founded by Sam Phillips—has fascinated music lovers for decades. This remarkable night has inspired an equally amazing production. Million Dollar Quartet had just debuted on Broadway in June 2010 when my wife and I, newly engaged, visited New York City. But when I was supposed to see the show eight years ago at my favorite local theater, the lift on my wheelchair van broke down, causing me to miss what I assumed was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Fast-forward eight years: my wife, our 10-year-old daughter, our dear friend Jeremy Miller, and I finally had the chance to experience this unforgettable show at the Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia. Directed by Assistant Artistic Director Nicholas Piper, this electrifying 100-minute production is pure energy and joy from start to finish. It’s easy to imagine the thrill rock and roll brought to American teenagers during its explosive rise in the mid-1950s. After seeing Million Dollar Quartet, you feel as if you’ve lived through one of those groundbreaking early concerts. The actors portraying these legendary figures truly embodied their characters—not just mimicking their talents but channeling their spirits. As “The Father of Rockabilly,” Carl Perkins, Will Riddle was the true standout of the show. The story always leaves me with the deepest sympathy for Perkins. He wrote “Blue Suede Shoes,” which became the first record to top the pop, country, and blues charts. Yet, it was Presley who became forever linked to the song after performing it on national television during an appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” By 1956, some critics were already accusing “The King of Rock and Roll” of selling out to the movie industry, overshadowing his incredible musical versatility. Johnny Cash later recalled in his memoirs that Carl Perkins, could upstage Elvis in those early traveling rock shows. But after Presley exploded onto the scene as the first Caucasian to sing African American music, Perkins was largely forgotten. Meanwhile, in the distant town of Ferriday, Louisiana, another musician was listening: a wild, explosive pianist named Jerry Lee Lewis. Lewis had just signed with Sun Records and was on the cusp of releasing his career-defining hit, “Great Balls of Fire.” Played by Dominique Scott, “The Killer” is portrayed with breathtaking energy, acrobatic stunts, and a truly insane level of musical skill. He flips over the piano, plays it with his feet, even straddles it backward. When Phillips hushes him, he bites his fingernails nervously, as if barely able to contain the fire burning within him. Nick Voss brings swagger and charisma to his portrayal of Elvis Presley, capturing the essence of a man who changed music forever. Peter Oyloe plays Johnny Cash, the more grounded, big-brother figure of the group. “The Man in Black” serves as a mediator between the high-strung personalities of Perkins, Lewis, and even Elvis. At the time of the session, Sam Phillips—played by Adam Poole—is faced with a major decision: whether to sell his beloved Sun Records, which he built from scratch in a former auto parts shop, to RCA (where Presley is now signed). Phillips also hopes to renew Johnny Cash’s contract for another three years, unaware that Cash and Perkins have already signed with Columbia Records. The drama is driven by egos as big as the talent, making for a compelling and emotionally charged storyline. The supporting cast is equally impressive. Bassist Justin Bendel plays Carl Perkins’s brother Jay, while Mike Luchetti brings great rhythm as Fluke, the drummer. Cali Newman portrays Dyanne, a fictionalized version of Elvis Presley’s girlfriend, who contributes sultry renditions of “Fever” and “I Hear You Knocking.” Of course, all the beloved hits are here: “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “That’s All Right,” and “Hound Dog,” among others. But the most touching moments are the gospel numbers, which feature stunning four-part harmonies from the quartet. “Peace in the Valley” and “Down by the Riverside” are highlights that remind us, at their core, these young men were not just stars—they were Southern gentlemen and friends. Set designer Derek Smith delivers a visually striking version of the Sun Records studio, immersing the audience in the sights and sounds of that unforgettable evening. Every second of this show makes you feel you were there—not just at the studio, but at the dawn of something powerful and new in American culture. Million Dollar Quartet runs through May 11 at the Barter Theatre. Visit www.bartertheatre.com or call the box office at 276-628-3991 to reserve your seats. I’m beyond grateful I finally got to see this production. It was worth every minute of the eight-year wait. But trust me—it’s not an opportunity you want to miss. Thank you so much to my lifelong friend Barter Theatre Marketing Director Amber Fiorini and the wonderful Associate Director of Sales and Services Nikki Goodman for making it all possible. No organization in the world does theater like the Barter and I feel privileged when these incredible folks make my family feel like an extended part of theirs. All of my Barter experiences serve as lifelong treasured memories. This one certainly ranks among the greatest of all time.
