Garrett Forrestal, Will Riddle, LJ Benet, Peter Oyloe and Adam Poole (Photo by Veronica Slavin)
Reviewed by Julia Stier
5-Star Theatricals
Through March 24
RECOMMENDED
One rockin’ night in December of 1956, four rock-n-roll legends gathered at Sun Records — the very place that gave each of them their big break — and participated in one hell of a jam session.
The Tony-nominated Million Dollar Quartet takes us through the humble beginnings of four of the early founders of rock-n-roll — Jerry Lee Lewis (Garrett Forrestal), Elvis Presley (LJ Benet), Carl Perkins (Will Riddle), Johnny Cash (Peter Oyloe) — and the man who took a chance on each of them, their producer, Sam Phillips (Adam Poole).
A jukebox musical, directed by Tim Seib and with book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, the show is a tribute worthy of the real-life stars the actors emulate. While the storyline is a bit sparse, the musical prowess of the performers more than makes up for it.
Hats off to the casting team, because it could not have been easy. Not only did each cast member have to resemble their star in both looks and vocal intonation, but they also needed to be highly skilled on the instruments each of their singers played!
Forrestal as the braggadocio, Jerry Lee Lewis, is a particular standout. As the Sun Records newbie, he brings a swagger along with his skill, while his talent on the piano is a particular highlight. Benet is swoon-worthy as the low singing, hip swinging Elvis. Riddle plays a hot-headed Carl Perkins, and is balanced out nicely by Oyloe’s calmly-demeanored Johnny Cash. Poole, as Sam Phillips, serves as our show’s narrator, and swiftly guides us through the story of the four musicians.
Summer Nicole Greer as Dyanne, Elvis’ love interest, is another standout. Her soaring vocals turn her renditions of “Fever,” and “Hear You Knockin’,” into showstoppers.
Overall, the book could use more substance when it comes to the plot. Where this show excels is when it allows itself to be what it really is: a showcase of the songs we love. The fun culminates after the curtain call, with one last song from each of our guys. Be sure to stick around — you won’t want to miss it.
Bank Of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Thurs.-Sat., 7: 30 pm, Sat.-Sun., 1 pm; thru March 24. www.5startheatricals.com. Run time: two hours and ten minutes, with a fifteen minute intermission.
