Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga will launch its 2017 season on Feb. 17 with the hit Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet.
Review for Million Dollar Quartet:
Million Dollar Quartet is one of the newest jukebox musicals to take the country by storm. Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux arranged a script and score that takes a look at a legendary evening in music history.
The day was Dec. 4, 1956. The place was Sun Records, Memphis, a former auto parts store turned recording studio. The names of the musicians in the room are familiar: Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The songs are classic hits: Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes, Folsom Prison Blues, Great Balls of Fire. On that one night in 1956, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the Father of Rockabilly, the Man in Black, and the Killer played together in what remains one of the greatest jam sessions ever.
Million Dollar Quartet not only tells the story of that magical night, it captures the struggles of the visionary man that introduced each of those legends to the world and forever changed the face of music in America: Sam Phillips, founder and owner of Sun Records, and the Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Phillips had recognized in each of these four young, previously unknown musicians the makings of a new genre of music that was as controversial as it was popular. Phillips was relentless in promoting the young artists and in spreading their talents across as many radio stations as possible, helping each to obtain gold records and forging a movement that made each of them legendary.
"On the surface, it might appear to be just a show full of a lot of fun music," said Artistic Director Garry Lee Posey. "But like with any good theatrical presentation, there has to be a story, and the story we have found here is actually quite touching."
Million Dollar Quartet is a mixture of fact and fiction, flashback and reality, humor and tension. "At first it seemed like a strong departure from our normal work, too commercial a venture," said producing partner Casey Keelen. "But the story of 'it takes a village' really starts to become apparent the further we dive into it."
Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga's production is not seeking to produce impersonators of the rock icons. "If you are expecting an Elvis impersonator, this isn't the show for you," said Mr. Posey. "ETC prides itself on creating unique and original interpretations of shows and characters, not merely rolling out the expected. You might recognize them, but they aren't photocopies."
Million Dollar Quartet runs three weekends starting Feb. 17. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $20 General Admission and $15 for students.
More information can be found on the website at www.ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com or by calling 987-5141. Performances will be held at the new Midtown Central facility in Brainerd at 911 Eastgate Loop.