Director Julie Tomaino Dazzles with Tribute
to Perkins, Lewis, Cash, and Presley
Reviewed by Eden Eidt
Rock n’ roll is here to stay on the Spriet Stage at the Grand in London!
As toe-tapping familiar classics begin to play, the energy is immediately infectious, and the cast can barely get through a song without the crowd’s voracious applause. By the end of the first number, you already know that this show is seriously fun.
On December 4, 1956, a serendipitous encounter between four musical legends leads to an iconic moment in rock n’ roll history and a jam session not to be forgotten. Tony Award-nominated Million Dollar Quartet is jukebox musical perfection, featuring golden age hits like “Great Balls of Fire” and “Hound Dog,” as it navigates the only night Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley are in the same room, the humble recording studio of Sun Records, resulting in a collaboration for the ages.
Director Julie Tomaino flaunts her experience in musical theatre direction with an engaging, nostalgic addition to the season that demonstrates a remarkable level of polish.
Composing the “million dollar quartet” is Tyler Check as Carl Perkins, Christo Graham as Jerry Lee Lewis, Adam Stevenson as Johnny Cash, and Michael Vanhevel as Elvis Presley. The cast also features Justin Han as W.S. “Fluke” Holland, Kelly Holiff as Dyanne, Omar Alex Khan as Sam Phillips, and Erik Larson as Jay Perkins.
While the entire company warrants praise–particularly those who embody the quartet in near-flawless execution–Graham, who makes his Grand Theatre debut, is particularly endearing as a lively and unabashed Jerry Lee Lewis. His musical ability, both vocally and on the keyboard, and his comedic timing are a highlight in what is already an outstanding show. Another well-deserved mention goes out to Kelly Holiff’s performance as Presley’s sweet and sultry girlfriend, Dyanne, who is undeniably magnetic as she delivers a show-stopping rendition of “Fever” that leaves the audience in an entranced silence.
The set, designed by Joshua Quinlan, creates an atmosphere that seems as if it has been frozen in time with auto-shop-turned-studio, Sun Records. Lighting designer Michelle Ramsay also deserves recognition for her ability to create a truly concert-like experience through the use of colour for a dynamic experience that hits all the right notes.
A nostalgic blast from the past featuring astounding performances and unmatched musical talent by an electric cast, this production is a showstopping finale to the Grand’s 2023/24 season. For a night out with a “Whole Lotta Shakin’,” boogie on down to see Million Dollar Quartet before they say, “See You Later, Alligator” for good!
Million Dollar Quartet continues with seven shows a week at the Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond Street, London, Ontario until May 11. Call the box office at (519) 672-8800 or visit www.grandtheatre.com for tickets.
Photo: Starring in Million Dollar Quartet are Christo Graham as Jerry Lee Lewis, Tyler Check as Carl Perkins, Michael Vanhevel as Elvis Presley and Adam Stevenson as Johnny Cash. Photo by Dahlia Katz.
Million Dollar Quartet
Book by Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrix
Original Concept & Direction by Floyd Mutrix
Inspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, & Carl Perkins
Direction and Choreography by Julie Tomaino
Musical Direction by Patrick Bowman
Performed by Tyler Check, Christo Graham, Justin Han, Kelly Holiff, Omar Alex Khan, Erik Larson, Alex Panneton, Adam Stevenson, Michael Vanhevel.
April 16, 2024 to May 11, 2024
Reviewed by Eden Eidt