North Shore Music Theatre's 'Million Dollar Quartet' - A Rocking History Lesson

What is the definition of rock ‘n roll?

Million Dollar Quartet smashes onto the stage of North Shore Music Theatre. The show is based on a historical jam session recorded by rock n’ roll legends, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley at Sun Records on December 4, 1956. The musicians share their music, clash in personalities, and make defining career decisions.

I had no idea what to expect when I walked into North Shore Music Theatre’s production of Million Dollar Quartet. This show is a fun, lively, and rocking musical history lesson. Million Dollar Quartet is an unforgettable nostalgic rock concert that resonates throughout the theater.

Sam Sherwood (Carl Perkins), Blake Burgess (Johnny Cash), Brandon Fillette (Jerry Lee Lewis), and Noah Barnes (Elvis Presley) are astonishing as the quartet. Their chemistry rang off the music charts. Each actor gets a chance to shine, never overshadowing one another. Their energy levels are wild, jumping over pianos and performing exotic dances.

The actors did their homework, researching every aspect of their real-life counterparts. They made excellent impersonators from Barnes’ notable hip swivels to Fillette’s maniacal piano playing. The actor’s voices matched their counterparts in tone and range. They make it easy to forget you’re watching impersonators.

The actor’s chemistry made for comedic moments and character interactions. Lewis’s naive demeanor is funny as Cash patiently puts up with the youngster's antics. The musicians' ideas on music vary, which makes their dynamic so appealing to watch. They realize they’re not so different after sharing their breakthroughs in music and family tragedies.

Zach Cosman narrates the story as Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records. As Sam tries to manage a room full of big egos, he learns a bigger lesson than expected. Cosman treats audiences to an excellent harmonica solo.

Hailie Lucille is magnificent as Dyanne, Elvis’s fictional girlfriend. Her solo ‘Fever’ achieves impressive range. Dyanne is an important character, keeping everyone grounded and helping each member see the bigger picture. Dyanne is a strong female voice in a time when many were ignored.

Credit also goes to Joe Bentley (Brother Jay) and Stephen Blauch (Fluke), providing musical interludes on the drums and bass.

The stage of NSMT is set up to resemble the Sun Records recording studio. The impressive lighting design creates an intimate setting, especially for their concert scenes. A drum set, piano, and guitars sit onstage when audiences walk in. These instruments are the most significant part of the show. All actors perform live onstage.

Million Dollar Quartet is packed with familiar classics, like ‘Hound Dog,’ ‘Great Balls of Fire,’ ‘Folsom Prison Blues,’ and ‘Who Do You Love?’ This music was before my time, but I was still tapping my feet and having a good time.

Greg Santos didn’t just direct a story about musicians. Million Dollar Quartet is a historical lesson brought to life from a moment that is now only a snapshot. He captured the era’s vibrant energy and worked closely with the actors in their depictions.

The show is not over when you think it is, ending with an exciting concert. One of the most memorable parts of my experience was witnessing the audience's reaction. When exiting, a group of older women were gossiping about the music, feeling young at heart again. Music brings people together to share these experiences.

North Shore Music Theatre’s Million Dollar Quartet is a rocking good time! Every moment was a surprise for me. I highly encourage you to buy a ticket and see Million Dollar Quartet on the NSMT stage playing until October 6.