Review: Firehouse Theatre MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will blow you away!

Million Dollar Quartet 

by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux

Directed by Owen Beans

Produced by Firehouse Theatre

Audience Rating: PG (mild language, drinking, smoking)
Running Time: 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not available
Sensory-friendly Showing: Not available
ASL Showing: Not available
Noises and Visuals to Prepare For:  Loud music, drinking, smoking
Production Sound/Lighting Level: Comfortable

Reviewed by Eddy Herring

Walking into the Firehouse Theatre for opening night of Million Dollar Quartet, I knew nothing about the show. As the title would suggest, I anticipated something similar to Forever Plaid, with four sharp vocalists and some tight barbershop-style 4-part harmonies. Boy was I wrong!

Million Dollar Quartet tells the story of the humble beginnings of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins as each were discovered by Sam Phillips in a small converted studio. They have all come back together for a reunion of sorts that, sadly, would only happen once. What I didn’t expect was to witness a musical extravaganza that would rival any small-venue concert, where the actors delivered spot- on physical and vocal representations of their characters…AND played their own instruments as if they had been performing together for years. The result was an electric performance with exuberant cheers and applause from a very appreciative audience.

Preston Isham (Sam Phillips) skillfully leads us through the story, introducing us to the backstory of each icon. His smooth delivery and charismatic portrayal of Phillips was reminiscent of time and layered with heart and passion. Krystal Rodriguez was stunning as Dyanne, Elvis’ girlfriend at the time, and brought a welcome vocal diversity to this all-male quartet. Her sultry performance of "Fever" and contribution to "Ghost Riders" were chilling. I was particularly impressed with her choice to portray Dyanne with intelligence and depth.

And now to the quartet...Gideon Etheridge (Elvis), Bryson Morlan (Carl Perkins), Ben Meaders (Johnny Cash) and Joey O’Reilly (Jerry Lee Lewis). The casting of this ensemble of actors is sheer perfection. Owen Beans directed these men showcasing the best of their talents. The level of performance he was able to raise these actors to is unlike anything I have seen in a small theatre setting. They each embodied their character without overdoing the voice or the physicality, which is often the case with impersonations. Their performances are genuine with perfectly subtle nods to the legends they play. Etheridge delivers the right amount of Elvis swagger and style, nailing the voice and the signature moves with great ease. Morlan is delightful as the simple man turned star with a fantastic voice and heart of gold. Meaders portrayal of Cash is endearing, and the range of his voice is mesmerizing. And O’Reilly on the piano is a sight to behold! These four men are incredible actors and singers, but put an instrument in their hands, and you have four triple threats that put on a performance like a professional band.

Music Director, Bryce Biffle, elevates this musical to a whole new level. Add in Brian Lindsey (Fluke) on drums, and Daniel Davidson (Brother Jay) on upright base, and you have one heck of a band! I, and my fellow audience members, were taken on a musical journey from the past that was wildly entertaining. I was blown away.

Costumes by Dayna Rae Dutton were understated and appropriate and work perfectly on the set designed by Logan Uhtenwoldt. Sound by Michael Marbry and lighting by Hank Baldree set the perfect tone.

The Firehouse Theatre’s Million Dollar Quartet is a MUST SEE! Do not wait too long to get your tickets as I’m sure this will sell out fast. I promise you will find yourself saying WOW throughout this show. You will not be disappointed. Tickets can be purchased at firehousetheatre.com . You really don’t want to miss this one!

Go See the Show!

Eddy