Million Dollar Quartet at the Goodman theatre, produced by Dee Gee Theatricals, is worth a million bucks for about a million different reasons. Million dollar performances, million dollar hit songs, million dollar good looks, a million dollar Johnny Lee Lewis and, thanks to Gigi Pritzker, a million dollar (plus or minus a few shillings) production value.
In 1956, on a cold winter evening, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley somehow all ended up in the same recording studio. A jam session ensued and Million Dollar Quartet tells its story. Well, sort of. It doesn’t so much tell it as it does play it. The four spot-on actors (who perfectly embody their respective musical icons) rock-out to such hits as “Blue Suede Shoes” (did you know Elvis Presley stole that bad boy from Carl), “Fever,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta’ Shakin’ Goin’ On.” I’m all-shook-up just thinking about it.
Never have I seen such a toe-tappin’, shoulder-poppin’, head-bangin’, smilin’ audience in my entire life, especially for a press opening performance. If I could have danced in the aisles, I certainly would have, although I’m not quite sure the people behind me (press or otherwise) would have appreciated that. You know who did appreciate it, however? The cast. After the show, every last one of them thanked us for screaming, throwing our arms up and hootin’ as if we were at a Cubs game (pre-Oct. 4, that is). I’m glad I didn’t hold back.
Although every last one of these actors were freakishly amazing, one blew my knee-socks off: Levi Kreis (interviewed in last week’s ‘Drama’ section). Levi not only played Jerry Lee Lewis; he WAS Jerry Lee Lewis. Combining humor, wit and probably the best piano skills I have ever seen, he kicked total rock-n-roll ass. I mean, this man could play the piano backwards, forwards, upside down and with his toes (literally). If nothing else, I felt privileged to be in the presence of such a phenomenal, fantastic and mind-blowing musician. I doubt the real Jerry Lee would beg to differ with me 50 years later.
Even if I wore a poodle skirt, saddle shoes and drank a milkshake right there while sitting second row center, I could not have been transported back in time any better than I was by watching Johnny Lee, Carl, Elvis, Johnny and Elvis’ smokin’ hot girlfriend, Dyanne (played by the brilliant and foxy, Kelly Lamont). In fact, gosh darnit, I will pay a million dollars and a shiny new quarter to see that raucous musical again…and again…and again. I guess I just really dig that old time rock-n-roll.
