“Million Dollar Quartet” ( Aurora)

***** The city of Aurora has completed the theater trifecta for Illinois. Yes, they have seen the Paramount Theatre open yet a third venue bringing great theater to the community. In addition to the Paramount Theatre and the Copley Theatre, they have now converted what was an Italian restaurant into a very intimate space called the Stolp Island Theatre where they are rocking the downtown of Aurora with their production of “Million Dollar Quartet ( inspired by an actual event).

The theatre, located at 5 East Downer Place is unique in its intimacy and has been built to resemble a street where the office of Sun Records alongside a shop/bar is what you see when entering. On the street a motorcycle, some benches and a cobblestone street, taking you back into a time some 70 years ago. This theatre is called an environmental theatre concept allowing you to feel like you are truly there and on this December night in  1956 you are witness to a special night in the history of Rock N’ Roll! Leave it to the creative minds of the Paramount folks to come up with this concept.

Jane and I saw the original production at The Goodman Theatre a long time ago. Since that time, perhaps 7 or 8 versions at different venues with lots of different performers. There are some duplications as there are actors/performers who do some of the roles so well, they make a living from just doing this play. Jane was not sure if seeing it again was a need, but as I always say- every director, stage, cast makes a difference and knowing Paramount and director Jim Corti she said yes. She loved every minute of this and in particular loved the idea that we were truly in Sun Records and there was a real person IN the sound studio recording it ( Marion is played by Haley Jane Schafer). It felt more realistic.

The play is written by Floyd Mutrux ( who conceived the story) and Colin Escott. The inspiration was from Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. As I said the directors are Jim Corti and Creg Sclavi with musical direction by Kory Danielson. The set by Jeffrey D. Kmiec is stupendous, the costumes ( Matt Guthier) and wigs, hair and makeup (Katie Cordts) perfect. The lighting (Greg Hofmann) and sound (Adam Rosenthal) were right on and the props (Jonathan Berg-Einhorn) were sheer perfection.

There are over two dozen works of music. Music that will bring back many memories for those who were alive in the 1950’s. I know I knew the words to about 75% of them. The music and the guys bringing the quartet to life are what makes this special. Of course, Sam Phillips ( deftly handled by Sam Pearson) is a major player as he leads us through that eventful night. We first meet Carl Perkins (Christopher Wren) who is known for “Blue Suede Shoes” and yet it was Elvis Presley ( a dynamic performance by Alex Swindle) who got to sing it on Ed Sullivan’s “Your Show of Shows” on CBS. These are two of Sam’s “boys” and then a newcomer shows up- one Jerry Lee Lewis ( Garrett Forrestal is uniquely perfect in this role), a young piano player who does things with a piano that no one ever thought could be done. Last but not least, Johnny Cash ( Bill Scott Sheets- if you close your eyes, you will swear that Cash is in the room).

This quartet will bring you their songs, “I Walk The Line”, “Hound Dog”, “Long Tall Sally”, “Great Balls Of Fire”, “Sixteen Tons” and a host of others. There is also a woman that comes to the studio with Elvis. Her name is Dyanne and she is played by Madison Palmer. She is hopeful to get recorded and we do here her sing “Fever” and “I Hear You Knockin'”. The other musicians, who are on the stage from start to end are Jake Saleh on bass and Dan Leali on drums.

Let me tell you this is two hours and twenty minutes ( there is an intermission) of amazing story telling, where we the audience truly get to be the preverbal “Fly on the wall” that we have heard about for years and years. The theatre is VERY intimate. I believe there are under 100 seats, so I would order tickets right away! You don’t want to miss this one!!!

” The Million Dollar Quartet” will continue thru – Dec 29, 2024 with performances as follows: