Million Dollar Quartet is the other musical I saw that received a Tony nomination (see below). It’s a jukebox musical! Much to my utter delight, Mrs. Wife joined me for this one.
On December 4th, 1956, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins gathered in Sun Records for a one-time only jam session. This show is not a recreation of that session. It merely uses this meeting as a jumping off point. There’s a loose plot line that involves Sun owner Sam Phillips and a contract with Johnny Cash, but the meat of the show is four actors recreating the hits of these Godfathers of rock and roll.
It is with a great sense of relief that I can report the show is a lot of fun and worth seeing. Why a relief, you might ask? Because this music is deeply important from a cultural standpoint and it isn’t being played anywhere. What radio station plays Carl Perkins songs? None! That Broadway is the vehicle through which it’s kept alive is fine by me. And aside from its legacy, when you hear these songs, you feel a lot better about life and love and loss.
In addition to the Best Musical nomination, Levi Kreis received a Tony nomination for his portrayal of loose cannon Jerry Lee Lewis. To me, his was the most fleshed-out character. But that may be because it’s the flashiest role.
Here’s a clip of the cast performing a medley from the show on David Letterman. Turn it up!
Exile on Pain Street 
THAT WAS FANTASTIC!!!! seriously, talk about chair dancing, sugar, i could not keep still! i don’t care who you are, everyone knows this music – if you can’t tap a beat to this or understand it, you ain’t right! xoxoxoxo
About the time those boys were jamming in the studio…my Dad bought a radiogram (google it, kiddies) that played up to 10 45rpm s and Jerry Lee was one of my early purchases.Thanks for the memory.
I’m not familiar with Carl Perkins but the other three were so right.
seriously badass for broadway! makes me wanna play slap bass… oh, and johnny cash might resemble kd lang just a leeetle bit! thanks for this one…
Savannah: The ENTIRE SHOW was like that! Two hours of solid fun.Dina: No charge for the memory. Do you still have those 45s, by any chance?Pat: Ever hear of “Blue Suede Shoes?” That’s our Carl.Daisy: This stuff is right up your rock n’ roll alley. Look at the video again and in the close-ups of Johnny you can see where the wig is pasted on.
Bastard!What a party!(Check out ‘The Baseballs’, a European group doing R&R versions of modern pop. You’ll have to YT them yourself, I just too stoopid to do links!) :¬?Bastard! :¬)
Off topic: what’s the news on the phone. And why put it in rice? (To absorb the moisture? If so: desperate!) 🙂