****Well, Madison Street Theatre is officially up and running, and what a way to introduce itself! After taking over the space at 1010 Madison Street in Oak Park, the theatre has launched its first production with Million Dollar Quartet, a musical that has a special connection to Chicago. If this opening production is any indication of what is ahead, Oak Park may have a new theatrical destination worth watching.For those who may not know the history, Million Dollar Quartet began its journey in Florida before arriving in Chicago in 2008 for a sold-out, limited engagement at the Goodman Theatre’s Owen Theatre. Its success led to a move to the Apollo Theater, where it played for seven years. The original Chicago production went on to Broadway, earning a Tony Award. Over the years, the show has continued to find new life through performers who step into these legendary roles and bring their own energy and personality to the music.
The story takes us back to December 4, 1956, when four future legends of rock and roll—Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Carl Perkins—came together at Sun Records in Memphis for an extraordinary jam session. The production captures the excitement of that musical moment while exploring the personalities, rivalries, and circumstances that brought these artists together.
Joey Maltese-Miller takes on Jerry Lee Lewis, delivering the wild energy and piano-driven showmanship that made the performer famous. Dominick Alesia is an excellent Johnny Cash. His rich baritone voice is particularly well suited to the role, and he captures Cash’s distinctive presence. Ben Bailey makes a convincing Elvis Presley, with the look, moves, and stage charisma audiences expect. Jay Osborne brings impressive musical ability to Carl Perkins, showcasing both his vocals and his electric-guitar playing.
These are seasoned performers who have taken on these roles in productions in major cities and around the world, and their experience shows.
Jonathan Acorn plays Sam Phillips, the founder of Sun Records and the man who serves as the story’s narrator. Phillips helped introduce the world to a new sound by recording and promoting these remarkable musicians and others. The production gives us a glimpse of the years he spent working to get records into the hands of radio DJs and build the careers of artists who would change popular music. Eventually, the major record companies and Hollywood came calling, particularly after Elvis’s growing success.
One of the fascinating threads in the story involves “Blue Suede Shoes,” written and first recorded by Carl Perkins. Perkins was scheduled to travel to New York to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show, but a serious automobile accident prevented him from making the trip. Elvis performed the song instead, helping propel it even further into the national spotlight. It is one of those moments when music history, timing, and a little bad luck come together—and the show makes the story entertaining to watch.
The supporting performers add even more to the evening. Becca Bailey plays Dyanne, Elvis’s date in 1956, who also has musical ambitions of her own. Bailey has a terrific voice, and her singing is pitch-perfect, delivered with plenty of style and confidence.
Jake Busse appears as brother Jay, while Jack Morsovillo plays Fluke. Both contribute to the musical energy of the production. Busse handles the upright bass with skill, and Morsovillo is an accomplished drummer. Together, they help keep the sound of the show lively and authentic.
A great deal of credit belongs to Executive Producer Justin Reynolds, the new owner of Madison Street Theatre, for assembling such a talented company for the venue’s debut. Music Director Jared Freiburg has helped bring this A-plus team together, and the musical direction gives the production its drive and excitement.
Josh Prisching’s scenic design is another standout. Having seen Million Dollar Quartet at least ten times over the past 18 years, I can say this is one of the three best sets I have seen for the production. It creates the right atmosphere and gives the performers a terrific environment in which to bring this legendary night to life.
The theatre itself is also worth mentioning. Madison Street Theatre has a new entrance, ticket office, and concession stand, giving the venue a fresh start. Inside, the auditorium is one of the best places to see a show: there really does not appear to be a bad seat. Whether you are sitting in the first row or toward the back, the view is excellent. That kind of intimacy and visibility can make a big difference in enjoying a musical, especially one where the performers and musicians are the main attraction.
After nearly two decades of seeing this show in different productions, I still enjoy the music and the story. The songs are familiar, the performances are energetic, and the musicianship is first-rate. This production runs a little over two hours, including an intermission, with additional songs adding to the celebration. It is a lively evening of rock-and-roll history, filled with the music that helped shape a generation.
With Justin Reynolds at the helm and this talented cast on stage, Madison Street Theatre is making a strong first impression. I may be getting ahead of myself, but this could become the new Broadway in Oak Park. If this is the standard the theatre plans to maintain, I look forward to seeing what comes next.
My recommendation: Don’t miss this production! Whether you are a longtime fan of rock and roll or simply enjoy a terrific musical, Million Dollar Quartet delivers an entertaining evening.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Madison Street Theatre
1010 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois
Tickets: $35–$47
Performance Schedule:
- Thursday, November 12 – 7:00 PM
- Friday, November 13 – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, November 14 – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, November 15 – 3:00 PM
- Thursday, November 19 – 7:00 PM
- Friday, November 20 – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, November 21 – 3:00 PM
- Sunday, November 22 – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Box Office 708-634-5700
website www.madisonstreettheater.org
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