Memories Are Made of This

Million Dollar Quartet

Who could guess that an historical moment in early rock/country music history would eventually become a popular, highly-acclaimed jukebox musical? On a cold afternoon in Memphis, Tennessee, back in December of 1956, four of the top names in American music happened to stop by Sun Studio. They included Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and a new kid on the block named Jerry Lee Lewis. Sam Phillips, who singlehandedly  turned a deserted auto repair shop into a successful recording studio, had a role in launching the careers of all four of these musical giants. That day, Phillips goaded his Fab Four into singing some of their greatest hits as he recorded the session for posterity. He dubbed this gathering of stellar musical talent his “Million Dollar Quartet.” The rest is musical theatrical history proving that “Memories Are Made of This.”

Although younger audiences will delight in hearing some brand-new, hand-clapping, toe-tapping songs; for older, more seasoned theatergoers, “Million Dollar Quartet” is a fond stroll down memory lane. It’s chock full of almost two dozen well-known rock & roll and country/western hits. Inspired by that actual little-known event from the archives of recording history, Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux created this show that has, since its 2006 Florida premier, taken on a life of its own. The jukebox musical then began a limited run at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre, but eventually moved to the Apollo on Lincoln Avenue, where it played to sold-out houses for eight more years before opening on Broadway in 2010. The show was nominated for three Tony Awards, winning for Levi Kreis in the flashy role of Jerry Lee Lewis.

Sam Phillips (played with sincerity, drive and intense emotional integrity by skilled actor Sam Pearson) is responsible for launching the careers of these gifted music legends, among many others. That night he learned that, after selling Elvis’ contract to bigger recording label, strictly to pay off his delinquent debts and keep his studio operating, the King is now interested in returning to Phillips’ care and guidance. After all, Sam Phillips was the man who originally discovered, encouraged and nurtured Presley’s signature rock and roll sound. That night, Sam was also disappointed to learn that both Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins were leaving his flock, having signed on with the higher-paying Columbia Records. Additionally, Phillips is just beginning to know his new, wildly talented, yet unpredictable discovery, Jerry Lee Lewis; and on this evening he also meets another gifted singer named Dyanne, who is Elvis’ current girlfriend. Throughout the evening’s two-act jam session, music is played, concerns and emotions are expressed, drinks are tossed back and reconciliation evolves into a deeply caring camaraderie.

This topnotch, professionally polished inaugural production for Paramount’s new Stolp Island Theatre, is co-directed by Creg Sclavi and Paramount’s Artistic Director, Jim Corti. Mr. Corti, whose artistic talent shines in all of his excellent theatrical work, shares his expertise with a new, upcoming director. Working closely with Corti, Crag Sclavi not only helped guide and mold this show but he’s been the project manager for the entire design and construction of this new venue. Together these two talented artists have created an intimate, highly entertaining, Broadway quality production that showcases a talented cast performing at the top of their game and isn’t afraid to show their heart.

Chicagoland has enjoyed several previous productions of this legendary musical, but Stolp Island’s production is truly unique. It not only lives up to every expectation with its sizzling musical talent, but the show is immersive. Thanks to the impressive creative artistry of Scenic Designer Jeffrey D. Kmiec, when theatergoers enter the venue, they’ll be instantly transported back in time. Patrons will find themselves on a downtown Memphis street lined with stores and 50’s memorabilia. A few of the shops sell drinks and snacks and a vintage motorcycle is parked parked by the curb. Then audiences enter the performance space through the doors of a authentically replicated Sun Records, passing by Sam Phillips’ office and on into the recording studio. With its intimate seating on each side of the small room, audiences are never more than a few feet away from the performers. Being so up-close-and-personal allows for a closeness and familiarity with the characters that’s seldom experienced in a traditional staging of this show.

Musically Directing his 37th show at Paramount, talented, multi Jeff Award-winner Kory Danielson is in charge of all the tunes. Gifted onstage musicians Jake Saleh, playing Brother Jay Perkins on bass, and Dan Leali, as percussionist Fluke Holland, provide flawless backup for the leading players throughout the play. 

Each character in this musical is not only required to be a strong actor and singer, performing in the style of the legendary artist he portrays, but he must also master his character’s musical instruments of choice. As Carl Perkins,  Christopher Wren knows his character well. He previously performed in the National Tour of this show, and he makes a strong, good-looking and likable Carl Perkins. His warm smile and relaxed vocal style is homey and comforting, but his superb skill on the electric guitar is almost demonic. Wren rocks the house with Perkins’ signature hit, “Blue Suede Shoes,” along with “Matchbox,” “Who Do You Love?” and, of course, “See You Later Alligator.”

Bill Scott Sheets, as the legendary Man in Black, captures all of Johnny Cash’s gentle charm and macho gravitas. He’s the quintessential good ol’ boy and an accomplished singer. Bill Sheets skillfully accompanies himself on acoustic guitar while easily hitting all his deep, baritone notes in classics like “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Sixteen Tons” and “I Walk the Line.” But Mr. Sheets’ most haunting performance is his performance of “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” a song that evokes fond memories of growing up in front of the radio during the 1950’s.

As Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, Alex Swindle is sensational. His strong vocals, musical talent, boyish good looks and loose-jointed physicality make him a natural to play this charismatic, iconic role. As training for this role, the actor/singer/musician has performed for 12 years as an Elvis Presley tribute artist. His sexy smile and gyrating hips add just the right amount of spice to pop favorites like “Memories Are Made of This,” “That’s Alright, Mama” and, of course, “Hound Dog.” This extraordinary young actor makes the most of this memorable role.

The entire production is a well-balanced cast of appealing, truly gifted young performers. However, the standout of the evening is young Garrett Forrestal, making his Paramount debut as Jerry Lee Lewis. This young man’s talent and energy are simply off the charts. When he sings, Mr. Forrestal actually sounds like the Lewis. He boogies and bounds all over the stage but always returns to his keyboard. Garrett’s talent at the spinet piano is not only masterful and manic but his flexible and athletic prowess enable him to tickle the ivories forward, backward, upside down and every which way. Lovably brash, Mr. Forrestal’s Jerry Lee Lewis not only accompanies everyone else, but he delights the audience with his own numbers, like “Wild One,” “Great Balls of Fire” and, the show’s much-loved final encore, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”

Two terrific woman are featured in this show, as well. As Elvis Presley’s talented and vivacious girlfriend, Madison Palmer is a graduate of Roosevelt University’s CCPA making her Paramount debut as Dyanne. Bright, dazzling and talented, Ms. Palmer holds her own on this testosterone-filled stage of performers. She impresses vocally with her sultry version of “Fever.” Later she lights up the stage with a brassy, R&B classic,“I Hear You Knockin,” accompanied by Garrett Forrestal’s Fats Domino-inspired piano triplets. And playing Marion, Sam Phillips’ gum-chewing sound engineer and technician, Haley Jane Schafer (recently seen in Mercury Theater’s production of JERSEY BOYS) is totally believable in her role. She’s also Ms. Palmer’s understudy and is a fierce musical talent, as well.  

In addition, Stolp Island’s first show is supported by a topnotch team of additional theatrical artists, as well. Once again an unbelievable Projection Design has been created by the incomparable Mike Tutaj. It’s simply magnificent, especially when coupled with Greg Hofmann’s brilliant Lighting and Adam Rosenthal’s pitch-perfect Sound Design. Then there’s all those gorgeous, period-perfect Costumes designed and created by Matt Guthier, as well as the Wigs, Hair and Makeup Designs, courtesy of Katie Cordts.

This musical marks a stupendous beginning to the Paramount Theatre season. Even program is creative and fun! Stolp Island is a sparkling new venue that’ll undoubtedly continue to be an important part of the ever-growing quality of entertainment events. Their inaugural production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is a polished, professionally performed show that’s also a warm tribute to four of America’s best loved musicians. Presented in an intimate and immersive setting, and featuring a cast of gifted, multitalented performers, this classic reminds us that “Memories Are Made of This.”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented July 10-December 29 by Paramount Theatre at their new Stolp Island Theatre, 5 E. Downer Place, Aurora, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 630-896-6666 or by going to www.paramountaurora.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.