REVIEW: Million Dollar Quartet
Star rating: ★★★★
Following its success at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, Million Dollar Quartet is back, bringing the popular quartet back to live starring Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley with their hits like "Fever," "Walk the Line," "Hound Dog," and many more.
Shows that are based on iconic people are mostly always a hit; is this because people love seeing them on stage, or because people are transported back to their youth and maybe the best times of their lives? They were a big part of musical history, so seeing a bit of how they started their careers on stage in a musical version is uniquely special.
The iconic quartet is played by Connor Payne as Elvis Presley, Christopher Erasmus as Johnny Cash, Joe Bence as Jerry Lee Lewis, and Joey Bradick as Carl Perkins, alongside Darren Day as Sam Phillips. They are joined by Jenay Naima as Dyanne and Geraint Downing as Brother Jay. The quartet each feel distinct rather than simply becoming impersonations of the originals, which is a massive strength.
Joe Bence steps into the role of Jerry Lee Lewis with huge energy, charisma, and comic timing, but most importantly, phenomenal piano playing. He steals the scene whenever he’s at the keys, constantly switching between all the different elements, especially in the song "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On."
Jenay Naima is fabulous as Dyanne, with gorgeous vocals and presence, with "Fever" being a particular highlight. Although she is part of the show, it feels like the role could be bigger given how little material she is given outside the musical numbers; I would have happily heard much more from her!
What makes this production so special is that everyone interacts with each other and has multiple roles, playing instruments together with singing and acting. The cast aren’t simply portraying these music legends; they’re genuinely brilliant musicians performing live on stage. With the set and costume design created by Libby Watson, it directly gives us the feeling of being in the 50s. The colors and the set represent the studio of Sun Records, where the whole show is set, so no big decor changes are needed, but that is totally unnecessary for this piece as the music is the most important part of the show.
Although the songs are outstanding, it can feel a bit flat in its storytelling at times, as there isn’t quite enough narrative substance connecting all those brilliant musical performances. While there are hints of genuinely interesting conflict, particularly the relationships and rivalries between the four musicians, these aren’t explored deeply enough. At times, the dialogue feels like a vehicle to move us towards the next song, rather than a compelling story in its own right.
Despite those weaknesses, the sheer quality of the live performances carries the evening. When they’re all playing together, the shortcomings of the book become much easier to forgive because everyone around you is having such a good time, and the songs are pure rock 'n' roll. It’s hard not to get swept up in it, especially with "Blue Suede Shoes," "I Walk the Line," "Hound Dog," and "Great Balls of Fire," together with the chemistry between the musicians that works really well once they’re playing together. Those moments make it easy to imagine the excitement of being in the room for such an extraordinary meeting.
The finale is excellent, by this point it feels almost like a rock ’n’ roll concert, and the energy in the room really lifts. An enormously entertaining celebration of rock ’n’ roll with exceptional actor-musicians, even if the story surrounding the music isn’t quite as strong as the music itself!
Million Dollar Quartet is playing at The Arts at Mable Arts until 6th December. More information can be found here: https://milliondollarmusical.com/
Credit: Claudia Vinatea
