Berkshire on Stage

There’s a ton of energy pouring off the stage at Sharon Playhouse’s production of Million Dollar Quartet.

This electrifying show written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux opened on Broadway in 2010.  It is based on an actual incident when four rock ‘n’ roll icons – Elvis Presley (Alessandro Gian Viviano,) Carl Perkins (Chance Michael Wall,) Johnny Cash (Matthew Schatz,) and Jerry Lee Lewis (Alex Burnette,) not yet an icon – meet at the Sun Records recording studio and create a legendary jam session.

The founder and owner of Sun Records, Sam Phillips (Zach Cossman,) is about to reject an offer from RCA to purchase his company.  His three established stars, whom he discovered, have gathered to discuss the proposal.  Lewis, the latecomer, throws in his two cents.

The first act is mostly expository with flashbacks to how the entertainers and the entrepreneur met.  They review Sam’s various choices in regard to selling his company which are mentioned but not explored.  Act two has more drama when the men reveal elements of their lives before becoming stars.  Some of these revelations are affecting, but it’s the personal relationships, business and the creativity that have the focus.

The play is almost a rock ‘n’ roll concert with some not-so-subtle conflicts that develop the plot. Their well-known songs, to name just a few, – “Great Balls o’ Fire, “I Hear Ya Knockin’,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “I Walk The Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” and many, many more – drive both acts.  Some of the songs prompted the audience to join in by singing, clapping their hands or both.  

The four musicians, along with onstage accompanists bassist Jay Perkins (Josh Karam) and drummer W. S. ‘Fluke’ Holland (Alec Sisto,) Presley’s date Dyanne (Lucy Rhoades,) who sings “Fever,” and Cossman are terrific performers and accomplished musicians.  Viviano’s Presley is a virtual image of the star.  He looks like him and infuses his songs with all the legendary gyrations.  Several years ago he played the same role in Berkshire Theatre Group’s production.  Wall as Perkins and Schatz as Cash replicate the style, voices and personalities of these fabled musicians. Burnette’s Jerry Lee Lewis is a whirlwind as he bangs away at his piano with his dancing fingers, his feet and his butt.  He’s the broadest character who gets the biggest laughs.  

Ms. Rhoades, in addition to her solo, joins the men in several numbers giving the songs a different texture.  Cossman as Phillips narrates the events of the story as he participates in various scenes with the performers.  He often addresses the audience and sometimes leads them as they sing along with the actors.

Greg Santos has directed and staged the musical numbers with scintillating verve flawlessly melding the upbeat musical numbers with the more dialogue-oriented scenes.  From the very opening speech by Phillips the audience has been captured.

The recording studio designed by Christopher and Justin Swader is a terrific space for this rollocking production.  Wheeler Moons’ lighting is almost psychedelic at times and shifts easily into softer moods.  Costumes designed by Kathleen DeAngelis take us back to the ‘50’s and ‘60’s.

“Million Dollar Quartet” is a terrific show for kids of all ages from young ones to those in their golden years.

Talk about memories and fun… Sharon Playhouse has them!!

Million Dollar Quartet by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux; Directi on and Musical Staging: Greg Santos; Musical Direction: Chance Michael Wall; Cast: Chance Michael Wall (Carl Perkins) Matthew Schatz (Johnny Cash) Alex Burnette (Jerry Lee Lewis) Alessandro Gian Viviano (Elvis Presley) Zach Cossman (Sam Phillips) Lucy Rhoades (Dyanne) Josh Karam (Ray Perkins) Alex Sisto (WS ‘Fluke’ Holland);  Scene Design: Christopher Swader and Justin Swader; Costume Design: Kathleen DeAngelis; Lighting Designer: Wheeler Moons; Sound Design: Graham Stone; Wig and Makeup Design: Bobbier Slotnik; Production Stage Manager: Christine Schlacter; Production Manager: Caroline Lapinski; Running Time: two hours with one intermission; June 20 to July 6, 2025;  For tickets: Phone: 860.364.7469 (ext. 200 & 201)email: boxoffice@sharonplayhouse.org