By Jessica Kennedy.
“Well, it’s one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now go cat go!” The newly renovated Argyle Theatre in Babylon Village kicks off its second season with a musical sure to have you all shook up- Million Dollar Quartet! Directed and choreographed by Adam Pelty, this star studded show recreates a seminal moment in rock and roll music history that will leave you saying thank you- thank you very much!
This show doesn’t follow a traditional narrative arc. The entire story take place in one room- the small, even quaint, Sun Records Studios owned and operated by Sam Phillips. It portrays the events of one night in the lives of an unlikely grouping of musical talent. Inspired by the impromptu jam session including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins on December 4, 1956, this musical is jam-packed with hit songs from all the artists. While it’s difficult to separate the facts of that evening with fiction of the play at times, the storyline is based on the actual meeting of four creative and musical geniuses, and it beautifully weaves together the songs of these artists in a way that both honors their humble beginnings and celebrates their musical achievements.
The talent assembled on Argyle’s stage for this show is quite magnificent. It is challenging for any actor to portray a real person, especially when that person’s mannerisms and/or tonality are such an integral part of their public figure. Morgan Bernhard certainly fills those “Blue Suede Shoes” as Carl Perkins, the performer whose actual recording session has hijacked in the name of musical history. James Penca’s intonation and inflection is impressive as Johnny Cash with his renditions of “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk the Line.” Alessandro Gian Viviano is sure to please with his funky sideburns and fancy footwork while rocking out with “That’s Alright, Mama” and “Hound Dog.” While the up and comer in the crowd, the quirky Jerry Lee Lewis- played to perfection by Taylor Gray- will quite honestly blow you away with his awe-inspiring versions of “Real Wild Child” and “Great Balls of Fire” (seriously- I could not stop watching his hands as he played!). Callee Miles as Dyanne adds a sultry side to the mix, and Jason Cohen and Anthony Genovesi solidify the concert level performances as Brother Jay and Fluke. All narrated by the charming and charismatic John Glowacki as Sam Phillips, and you have a powerhouse performance set to make you sing along until Elvis has left the building!