Special Guest, Courtney Perkins and Angela Golden in a dialogue about Million Dollar Quartet.

CP:  One of the benefits of running a blog, or having a co-worker/friend that does, is that you get invited to events with the comical name "blogger night" offering free tickets to an otherwise pricey show that I've wanted to see for some time.  Advertised on cabs and local buses everywhere, Million Dollar Quartet.

AG: I may have ignored those cabby signs, but I paid attention when I got an opportunity to get free tickets. 

CP: Blogger Night became our mantra leading up to the performance --it had a certain ring to it.

AG: But we bloggers didn't get any special recognition which was sort of disappointing.

CP:  So, this musical documents a chance musical meet up of four greats reuniting at the site of their humble music beginnings, Sun Records.  You see Johnny Cash, Elvis, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis.  And, of course, the man that brings them all together, Sam Phillips.

AG: A talent scout, out of an old garage.

CP:  Also, known to be the father of rock-n-roll.

CP: I have a soft spot for this music...Johnny, Elvis and Jerry Lee in particular.  Carl Perkins...not so much, although I give him immense props as the "grandad of rockabilly".

AG: Yeah, I disliked his crazy eyes.  Although the phrase "see ya later, alligator" would not be in existence with out his musical majesty! The horror!

CP: True.  And, don't forget about blue suede shoes! Seriously did Elvis steal everything?

AG: I thought Elvis wrote that! Just kidding.  So, what did you like/dislike?

CP: Things I liked - the music, musicianship - totally rockin'!  All of them sang with their own voices and played their own instruments.  Major, major credit due here.  (unlike some other musicals of bigger fame and budget in town right now)

And, despite an odd audience mix of the senior set and young people, nary the in-between, the set list begs you to simply let loose.

AG: That's true!

CP: I wanted the audience to be more raucous, so it was my insides that were a dancin' and a swingin'.

AG: I actually got a lot of energy from the audience – hoopin' and hollerin'.  It is music from a bygone era.  We don't have stars like that anymore.

CP: Kings of men...but, still human with their flaws, missteps, infidelities, fidelities to substances, and the all too familiar roller coaster ride of fame. 

The repertoire was limited to what the group did with Sun Records, so for those going to hear Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, or the white jumpsuit Elvis tunes, you might find yourself disappointed.

AG: Yeah, but they did do a few toe tappers you will love.

CP: Completely agreed!

AG: Like Great Balls of Fire. Love that one!

CP: Great Balls of Fire could truly raise even the deadest of the dead.

AG: Haha, well said blogmistress.

CP: I would be remiss if I didn't mention the overall good looks of the cast.  Even if you like nothing else, they are all easy to look at....even the elder statesman of the bunch, Mr. Cash.

AG: My personal favorite.

CP: I thought Lance Guest really embodied what I know to be Johnny Cash, in physical presence and in his speech.

AG: With his low, low grumble of a voice.

CP: And, a sort of subtle shyness.  So, I will say I had one major gripe.

AG: Let me guess? The acting?

CP: The feminist in me appreciates that they thought to include a woman in this cast, but it felt like filler to me.  Bombshell blonde with a true bangin' bod...stereotypical, right?  I will, however, say that actress/singer Kelly Lamont saved the role from being total fluff with her songbird of a voice.  I wanted to write the character off entirely, but couldn't because of that, so thank you, Kelly.  Let's just say she had me at Fever.

AG: I actually really liked her.  But, she was the girl having fun and singing backup vocals and even her own song.  Great voice!  I, however, thought all the acting in the play was unnatural. 

CP: The acting was slightly hollow....BUT, provided the necessary bridge to make the repertoire flow together in a way that made sense.

And, I have gotta say it...I loved James Scheider as the Jerry Lee Lewis understudy.

I don't know what the main Jerry Lee is like, but I am thankful to have seen James.

He was a real stand out for me!

AG: He did have the most energy and pizzazz.  I would agree.  Basically, everyone can find someone to favor.  The cast was that good.

CP: Truly.  And, the build up to the closing number is unexpected and welcomed.  They put it all out there for the close of the show.  I believe I even saw a flying black key from the piano whiz across the stage due to some real foot stompin' goodness.

AG: I loved the end!  Each time you thought the show was going to wrap up, they threw another great hit in there.  Not without flashy lights and the misting fog machine!  And, I liked the set.  Thought it was cool and effective.

CP: I would recommend this show highly. Bring a big group of your friends to this intimate space that is the Apollo Theatre, dress up in your best rockabilly get ups (optional of course), and perhaps drink a little before and/or during the show. Point being, loosen up and really enjoy!

AG: Here here. It's a real hoot-e-nanny.

CP: Oh oh---one more thing to add.  My compliments to the unsung heroes of the night--Chuck Zayas as the thumpin' bassist that truly moves the show along its winding path. And, the impeccable drumming of Billy Shaffer.  Once again…thank you kindly to all musicians for actually playing the instruments.

And, now from our benefactors….
Now you, can save $10* on tickets to MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Either 

1. ONLINE:  CLICK HERE and enter promotion code BLOG.

2. BY PHONE:  Call the Apollo Theater Box Office at 773-935-6100 and mention code BLOG.

3. IN PERSON: Bring a print-out of this page to the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.