Million Dollar Quartet

On December 4, 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley all found themselves at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, and came together for an impromptu jam session that changed the face of rock and roll. Million Dollar Quartet recounts that single night with the meaningful and humorous story of five men’s journeys through the music business. The score features major hits such as “Great Balls of Fire”, “Hound Dog”, “I Walk the Line,” all performed live on stage by these legendary characters.

Director

TIM SEIB

Music Director

DAVID LAMOUREUX

Stage Manager

PHIL GOLD

Assistant Stage Manager

CAMERON TURNER

Honorary Producers:

Jim & Vicki Cunningham, Joan Wells

Associate Producers:

Marilyn Bates (in memory of Ron Bates), Janice Fischer & Jack Van Horn

Youth Performance Underwriters :

Don Black & Judy McNulty Black, Ellen Chase, Stan Cohen, Cindy Costello, Gordon & Ruth Dougherty Foundation (in honor of Marlene Temple), Alex & Georgia Gilderman, Jim & Donna Hibbert, Edward Parker, John & Rita Primrose

This production is rated PG-13

Running Time

APPROXIMATELY

2 HOUR, 10 MINUTES

with one INTERMISSION


Reviews & Press


As the final chords fade away, the audience rises to its feet in a thunderous ovation, applauding not just the performers on stage, but the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll itself. For in that moment, we are all united by the magic of music – and the belief that, no matter what challenges may come our way, as long as we have each other and the songs in our hearts, we can overcome anything.

Sean McMullen, the Press Telegram

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The MTW actors portraying these pioneers—Will Riddle as Perkins, David Elkin Simpson as Cash, Garrett Forrestal as Lewis and L.J. Benet as Presley—are 100% A-list and don’t just play the roles but play the music too. Gifted musicians and likable performers, they tackle the unenviable chore of impersonating some of the most revered rock personalities of that era effortlessly and skillfully, from their slick pompadours right down to their frisky, agile fingertips.

Chris Daniels, the Show Report

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Cast


LJ Benet (Elvis Presley) is thrilled to join the cast of Million Dollar Quartet. He was most recently seen in the ETC production of Ring of Fire at the New Vic Theatre in Santa Barbara. His other theatre credits include: Romeo in For The Record’s Baz: Star Crossed Love at the Palazzo Theater in Las Vegas; Young Sydney in the world premiere of Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin (La Jolla Playhouse); Young Pip in the world premiere of Great Expectations (Utah Shakespeare Festival); The Boy in Waiting for Godot (Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum), which earned LJ an Ovation & LA Drama Critics Circle Awards in 2012 for Ensemble Performance. Notable film and television credits include: Karl Fink in Disney Channel’s “Dog With a Blog,” “Dark Skies,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” “You Again,” “Code Black,” “Bones,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” and “The Mentalist.” When he is not performing on stage or film, you will find him writing and recording his own music that has totaled over 700,000 Streams to date, headlining at venues like The Mint (LA) and the notorious Mercury Lounge (NYC). Passionate about his community, you will also find him serving at Mosaic: A community of faith shaped by the mission to live by faith, be known by love and to be a voice of hope to the world. Having had the privilege of serving with Mosaic MSC (Mosaic’s Band) they sold out the Greek Theater in Los Angeles and several stadiums across the country. At home in Studio City, He and his Wife, Hailey, share a 2-year-old Cavapoo named Boston. For more on LJ, please visit @LJBenet on Tiktok and Instagram.

David Elkins Simpson (Johnny Cash) came to prominence for his leading man portrayal of the legendary “Man in Black”, Johnny Cash, in the National Broadway Tour of the Tony Award winning Million Dollar Quartet. He earned critical acclaim in recognition for his efforts, but most importantly, the blessings of Cash’s own family, including “J.R.’s” baby sister Joanne, who tearfully shared that she “truly got to see John one more time”. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” PSALM 19:14, as inscribed on John R. Cash’s simple tombstone. www.davidsimpson.life/about-david

Garrett Forrestal (Jerry Lee Lewis) is thrilled to be joining the Musical Theatre West family! Garrett is a New York City based Actor and Musician. Most recently he played Jerry Lee Lewis in the National Tour of Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. He began playing the role one year ago, since then has done productions with Asbury Park Theatre Company, Revival Theatre Company, New Theatre and Restaurant, and St. Louis Stages. Other recent credits include Grease (Axelrod Performing Arts Center), Double Trouble (Bristol Valley Theatre), American Son (Asbury Park Theatre Company), and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Jackson Hole Playhouse). When Garrett is back east, he teaches musical theatre and acting at Dance Mixx studios in Tinton Falls, NJ. He is incredibly grateful for his family, who endlessly support his dreams. Garrett would like to thank his agents Margaret Emory and Sue Winik with SW Artists, for their tireless work. University of Michigan MT class of 2020, GO BLUE!

Summer Nicole Greer (Dyanne) A Southern California native, Summer is delighted to return to Musical Theater West. Most recently, she has appeared in the Laguna Playhouse’s production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ and The Bourbon Room’s 44: The Unofficial Unsanctioned Obama Musical both as the Voice of The People and understudying as Michelle Obama. She’s also appeared in the Musical Theater West productions of Spamilton and Ragtime. Additionally, she’s been featured on FOX’S “I Can See Your Voice”, and plays a number of roles as a live vocalist at the Disneyland Resort. She is also a credited Los Angeles session vocalist for many acts, including world-renown K-POP group BTS.

Lonn Hayes (Fluke) Born and raised in Pasadena, California, Lonn has been a top call drummer in the So-Cal regional theater community for two decades. As a graduate of Berklee College of Music and California Institute of the Arts, his musical ability has been recognized by significant talents that have placed him in venues such as Madison Square Garden, “Saturday Night Live,” “David Letterman,” and the “American Music Awards” to name a few.

Benny Lipson (Brother Jay) Dynamic performer, multi-instrumentalist, composer and orchestrator for stage and studio. Concerts with Herbie Hancock, Idina Menzel, Ben Folds, Darren Criss, Broadway Barbara Dixon from Hollywood Bowl to Disney Hall. Creator/music director of programs for LAPhil, Center Theatre Group, CCAE Theatricals and abroad in Riyadh, KSA. Produced recordings for Pia Toscano, Bethany Joy Lenz, Loop Du Jour and more. Writes and records progressive pop music with his brother Jack, check it out www.jackbennynow.com

Adam Poole (Sam Phillips) Previous theatre credits: Virginia Theatre Festival: Million Dollar Quartet. Theatre Raleigh: The 1940’s Radio Hour, Big Fish, Significant Other, Lombardi, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, A Few Good Men, Crimes of the Heart, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Avenue Q.  PlayMakers Rep: Ragtime, Julius Caesar, Native Son, Jump, She Loves Me, Dot, Tartuffe, Sweeney Todd. North Carolina Theatre: Grease. Bartlett Theater: The Glass Menagerie. Broadway Series South: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the Musical. Theatre Workshop of Nantucket: The Full Monty, Annie Get Your Gun. TV/Film Credits: “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” “The Resident,” “Max Steel,” “Well Wishes,” “TURN: Washington’s Spies,” “The Originals,” “Under the Dome,” “Revolution.” Education: M.F.A. from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Graduate Acting Program. adammpoole.com @adammpoole

Will Riddle (Carl Perkins) is grateful to be making his debut with Musical Theatre West. He gives thanks to his “Unto” Mikey, for injecting the guitar into his blood. He gives love and gratitude to Janaya, who holds him in tune, and inspires the melody. Credits: Bo Barrett – Bottle Shock! The Musical (CCAE), John – Staring Into Nothing (El Portal) Hamlet – Perchance to Dream (Pico Union Project) Younger Brother & Henry Ford (U/S) – Ragtime (5 Star) Socials: @will_riddle_

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