MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET - Village Theatre Everett - Event Review 6/29/19

Million Dollar Quartet pre-production photo.
© 2019 Mark Kitaoka
Property of Village Theatre.




Village Theatre Everett
Everett Performing Arts Center
Everett, WA
6/29/19 



Jason Kappus (Elvis Presley) and Cayman Ilika (Dyanne).
Million Dollar Quartet production photo.
© 2019 Mark Kitaoka
Property of Village Theatre.


Greetings,



I was stoked to finally see this production last Saturday night. I had heard so many good things about it over the years that I wanted to know what all the fuss was about. Well, let me tell you - there is good reason for that fuss! "Million Dollar Quartet" was absolutely stellar!



The legendary night in 1956 when Sun Records artists (or former artists of the label/studio) Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley jammed at Sam Phillips' studio.




Brian Grey (Johnny Cash), Chris Jones (Brother Jay), Skye Scott (Carl Perkins) and James "Rif" Reif (Fluke).
Million Dollar Quartet production photo.
© 2019 Mark Kitaoka
Property of Village Theatre.



Many members of the cast and crew have connections to the show over the years. From Broadway, the national tour, and the original show at the Village Theatre twelve years ago - the list goes on and on. So, to bring all of these talents together for this new production was a total treat.



Matt Wade (Sam Phillips), Skye Scott (Carl Perkins), Brian Gray (Johnny Cash), Jason Kappus (Elvis Presley), John Countryman (Jerry Lee Lewis), Cayman Ilika (Dyanne), James Reif (Drummer/Fluke), and Chris Jones (Bassist/Brother Jay) rounded out the amazing cast.




The cast of Million Dollar Quartet.
Million Dollar Quartet production photo.
© 2019 Mark Kitaoka
Property of Village Theatre.
 



For the musicians in the audience (like myself) it was astounding watching the performances of all involved. It's such a unique casting responsibility to not only find talented musicians but also those that can act. They have to be a duel threat. And again this cast was playing their hearts out and could back it up when it came time for the dialogue.



If you're new to the show - please know that yes there is a story but the majority of the time the show is about the music. So, if you're expecting a more traditional/dialogue heavy play, that's not this show. I reviewed a touring musical last year that many didn't like, as it was almost all music with very little story. So, fair warning folks - it's more like a concert, which suited me just fine.



There's a lot of comedy throughout the play and that just sweetened the deal. What a show!




 John Countryman (Jerry Lee Lewis), Skye Scott (Carl Perkins), Chris Jones (Brother Jay), Brian Grey (Johnny Cash) and Jason Kappus (Elvis Presley).
Million Dollar Quartet production photo.
© 2019 Mark Kitaoka
Property of Village Theatre.






"Million Dollar Quartet" will have you humming, swaying, and eventually dancing when the show reaches it's climax. This absolutely, positively, is one show not to miss!



See you all next season!
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts
EA on FB
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Special Thanks: Ann for the credentials - thank you so much for the opportunity!


VILLAGE THEATRE OFFICIAL SITE


PURCHASE TICKETS FOR "MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET" HERE: TICKETS!



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