Blumenthal Performing Arts: Million Dollar Quartet, December, 2022

BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS

ROCK & COUNTRY SUPERSTARS LIVE AGAIN IN MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS

STORY BY Robert Viagas

On Dec. 4, 1956, four good ol’ Southern boys sat down together — completely without advance planning — and made American music history.

Million Dollar Quartet took you inside a jam session involving Presley (born Tupelo, Mississippi), Lewis (Ferriday, Louisiana), Perkins (Birmingham, Alabama), and Cash (Kingsland, Arkansas) made at the Sun Record Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. Owned by Sam Phillips, the Sun record label was a small one by the standards of the day. But Phillips had big dreams and wanted it to grow. (The character based on Phillips functions as the narrator of today’s show.)

First to arrive was Perkins, who had already enjoyed a hit with “Blue Suede Shoes.” Phillips introduced him to Lewis, a hot young piano player who would join him as backup on a new recording of the blues standard “Matchbox” and several other tunes. While they worked, Sun alumnus Presley showed up with his girlfriend, Marilyn Evans, to say hello to Phillips,

A scene from Million Dollar Quartet Christmas Photo by Reg Madison

and became engrossed in the Perkins/ Lewis session. There are various accounts of when Cash arrived, but he, too, joined in, and engineer Jack Clement had the foresight to press the buttons to record not just the individual songs, but the whole thing.

Phillips, too, realized that something extraordinary was happening in his little studio, and, with a keen sense of publicity, phoned a local reporter from the Memphis Press-Scimitar, who raced to the scene with a photographer. The resulting story, headlined “Million Dollar Quartet,” gave its title to the event, the eventual landmark 17-track recording and the 2010 Broadway show.

The special edition of the show you will be seeing today has the superstars playing some of the Christmas songs they recorded during the rest of their careers, including “Run Rudolph Run,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Santa Baby,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Blue Christmas,” “BoogieWoogie Santa Claus” and many more.

By today’s standards it would probably be a billion-dollar quartet, from film and TV rights alone.

With a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, the stage show Million Dollar Quartet ran 14 months on Broadway (489 performances), then transferred off-Broadway where it tallied another 11 months. It was nominated for three Tony Awards including Best Musical, and won one, for Levi Kreis as Jerry Lee Lewis.

This special Christmas edition premiered in 2021 at The Phoenix Theatre Company in Phoenix, Arizona, and comes to Charlotte as part of a North American tour.

The last survivor of the Quartet, Jerry Lee Lewis, left us just a few weeks ago, on Oct. 28, 2022.

He and the others of the Quartet left a rich legacy. The music they created, both before and after that amazing day, drew on both African and European traditions — the music all four of them grew up with. They synthesized blues, gospel, R&B, and early country into something uniquely and deeply American. It was one thing for them to hear each other’s music on records. It was another for them to make that music together, each adding their own sounds to one another’s styles. This powerful synthesis has had a profound effect on what evolved into rock, country, rockabilly, pop and the general American musical “sound” — a sound that has influenced music around the world as well, and helped make Christmas rock.

A scene from Million Dollar Quartet Christmas

Photo by Reg Madison

MUSICAL NUMBERS

“Home for the Holidays” – Company Music by Robert Allen, Lyrics by Al Stillman

“Santa Claus is Back in Town” – Company Music and Lyrics by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller

“O, Christmas Tree” – Dyanne & Carl Perkins Music and Lyrics by Ernst Anschütz

“Don’t Be Cruel” – Elvis Presley Music and Lyrics by Otis Blackwell and Elvis Presley

“Blue Christmas” – Company Music and Lyrics by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson

“Cotton Top” – Carl Perkins Music and Lyrics by Carl Perkins

“Go Tell It on the Mountain” / “I Shall Not Be Moved” – Company

“Chantilly Lace” – Jerry Lee Lewis Music and Lyrics by Jiles Perry “The Big Bopper” Richardson

“Santa Baby” – Dyanne Music and Lyrics by Joan Javits and Philip Springer

“Que Sera, Sera” / “Let the Good Times Roll” “Hot Diggity” / “Tutti Frutti” – Company

Que Sera, Sera Music and Lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Let the Good Times Roll Music and Lyrics by Shirley Goodman and Leonard Lee. Hot Diggity Music and Lyrics by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning. Tutti Frutti Music and Lyrics by Little Richard and Dorothy LaBostrie.

“Ring of Fire” – Johnny Cash Music and Lyrics by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore

“Boogie Woogie Santa Claus” – Company Music and Lyrics by Leon T. René

All compositions used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

“Bad Kid” – Jerry Lee Lewis Music and Lyrics by Doug Corcoran, Jonathan David McPherson, and James E. Sutton

“Silent Night” – Company Music by  Franz Xaver Gruber, Lyrics by Joseph Mohr

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” / “Jingle Bell Rock” – Company Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks. Jingle Bell Rock Music and Lyrics by Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Boothe.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” – Company Music by Walter Kent, Lyrics by Kim Gannon and Buck Ram

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” - Elvis & Company Music and Lyrics by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie

“Mele Kalikimaka” – Dyanne & Company Music and Lyrics by R. Alex Anderson

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” – Johnny Cash & Company

“Jingle Bells” – Jerry Lee Lewis & Company Music and Lyrics by James Lord Pierpont

“Run, Rudolph, Run” – Carl Perkins & Company Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks and Marvin Lee Brodie

All compositions used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

THERE WILL BE NO INTERMISSION

TOURING CREW:

Head Carpenter / Crew Chief – Jeremiah Spangler

Head Electrician – Joshua Prescott-Smith

A1 – R.J. Hetman

A2 – Nicole Bien

Wardrobe Supervisor – Billie Harmon Tech Swing - Rebekah Ryan

WHO’S WHO in the CAST

BRANDON FILLETTE (Jerry Lee Lewis): has been working in theatre for the better part of two decades. He has worked as an actor/musician, toured (Pump Boys and Dinettes, Million Dollar Quartet), and spent two years playing for Holland America Cruiselines as a dueling pianist (Billboard Onboard). He holds a B.F.A in Musical Theatre Performance from East Carolina University and recently graduated from Berklee NYC in the inaugural class with a Masters in Writing Design for Musical Theater. Thanks to family and friends for helping him pursue his dream of back-up singing and playing keys 2 for Billy Joel!

KURT JENKINS (Carl Perkins) has been involved with Million Dollar Quartet since 2013; first in the origi nal Chicago production, then on the high seas with Norwegian Cruise Line. Now, Kurt is grateful to be performing in this amazing sequel with such a talented cast! When Kurt isn’t on stage, he documents his journey on social media. Follow @kurtjenkins on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. And watch as he builds the future. Past credits include: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Bat Boy and Godspell. Enjoy the show!

KATHLEEN MACARI (Dyanne) is so excited to be back performing Million Dollar Quartet Christmas after our amazing run last year! Kathleen resides in New York City and got her BFA in Performing Arts from Niagara University. She has previously been seen as Dyanne (Million Dollar Quartet), Millie Dillmount (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Trenna (Ring of Fire), Suzy Hendricks (Wait Until Dark) among others. Thank you to the Macari/O’Brien family and friends for your love and support!

IG: @kathleenmacari

MATTHEW MUCHA (Sam Phillips) is excited to be back for another year of MDQX! Off-Broadway: Harmony (NYTF), National Tour: Million Dollar

Quartet, Million Dollar Quartet Christmas (World Premiere, First National), Bandstand (Broadway First National). Selected Regional: Memphis (CFRT), The Sound of Music (ASF), Tuck Everlasting (SSTI). Matthew is also the co-creator and co-host of the Broadway web series, Second Act Snacks, which is currently streaming on broad.stream. He is also the co-founder of Snack Time Studios LLC. which produces Second Act Snacks and the podcast, Mutha. Endless thanks to his team at ATB Talent, and big love to his family and Jaime. @matthewmucha/@secon dactsnacks.

SEAN PREECE (Fluke) is a Nashville based multi-instrumentalist musi cian/songwriter. He has performed all over the world and has per formed with Million Dollar Quartet on the Norwegian Cruise Line. Over the years, He has performed and recorded with artists such as Mike Gordon (Phish), Eugene Hutz (Gogol Bordello), Shannon McNally and Joshua Panda (“America’s Got Talent”).  You can listen to his original music and see his tour schedule at  www.seanpreece.com @spreeces

BILL SCOTT SHEETS (Johnny Cash): Musical theatre credits include: Million Dollar Quartet Christmas (2021 Nat. Tour), Million Dollar Quartet (Norwegian Cruise Line, Paramount Theatre/Chicago, The Phoenix Theatre Company, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Berkshire Theatre Group, PCPA) and Ring of Fire (Palace Theater, Capital Repertory Theatre). Bill’s performed as a guest entertainer in December of ’63 and Million Dollar Reunion. Bill was born and raised in Owasso, OK. He received his Bachelor’s in Music Education at Oklahoma State University. Bill would like to thank his wife, family, and dog for their love and support.

IG: @bill_sheets. Website: billscottsheets.com

ALEX SWINDLE (Elvis Presley) is a 28 year old singer, musician, National Grand Champion and 2015 Ultimate Elvis Top Ten World Finalist from Birmingham, Alabama. Growing up in a household of musicians, Alex discovered his passion for perform ing at a very young age. After twelve years of performing as an Elvis tribute artist, Alex brings to the stage the thrill and charged atmosphere that’s reminiscent of young Elvis in his Sun Record days of 1945. A genuine southern gentleman, Alex presents to his audience a raw talent and compelling charm much like Elvis at the beginning of his career.

NATHAN YATES (Brother Jay) is a NYC-based Actor who’s appeared in numerous productions through out the US and beyond. You can follow his work as a recording artist on all streaming platforms. NathanYatesMusic.com @nathanyatesmusic

HUNTER SEMRAU (Standby Jerry Lee Lewis) is a Canadian actor/musi cian and is stoked to be making his National Tour debut! He is a recent graduate of Oklahoma City University with a BM in Musical Theatre where he performed in shows such as Spring Awakening (Moritz Stiefel) and A Little Night Music (Henrik Egerman), amongst others. Hunter’s recent professional credits include New West Theatre Co.’s Million Dollar Quartet (Jerry Lee Lewis), and Okoboji Summer Theatre’s Pump Boys and Dinettes (L.M.). @huntersemrau

BRYNN SMITH-JENKINS (Standby Dyanne) is thrilled to be spending the Holiday season with her husband, Kurt, and the rest of the incredible Million Dollar Quartet Christmas team. Brynn has previously been seen on the national tour of Mamma Mia! (U/S Sophie), as well as with Norwegian Cruise Line in Swing! The Musical (Lead Female Vocalist), Million Dollar Quartet (Dyanne), Burn the Floor (Female Vocalist) and Pricilla Queen of the Desert (Swing, U/S Marion). Special thanks to Scott, Chuck and Jonny. Much love to Mom and Dad,

Jim and Diane, and Nan and Phil for all their support.

DAN MIDDLEDITCH (Standby Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash/ Music Captain) is so excited to be a part of the MDQX family! Past credits include Elvis Presley (Million Dollar Quartet, Norwegian Cruise Line) and Buddy Holly (The Buddy Holly Story) He is also an original music artist, and feel free to follow his social media.

COLIN ESCOTT (Book Writer) was born in England and currently lives near Nashville, Tennessee. He co-wrote Million Dollar Quartet.

SCOTT WEINSTEIN (Director) is an award-winning Director and Writer based in New York City. His work as a director has been seen at major regional theaters around the country and he recently won the Joseph Jefferson award for his ActorMusician, chamber style re-concep tion of Ragtime with Griffin Theatre, where he is an ensemble member. Scott was the Associate and Resident Director for the Broadway National Tour, Las Vegas and Chicago productions of the hit musical Million Dollar Quartet. He has developed new work at the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, Pittsburgh CLO, The American Music Theatre Project, The Marriott Theatre, Route 66 Theatre, The Rev, Norwegian Creative Studios and others. Graduate of Northwestern University and proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. He is represented by William Morris Endeavor.

TASHA SPEAR (Associate Director) is thrilled to be back working on Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. She was a part of the World Premiere team last year, as well. Tasha is a New York based director and choreographer. She holds a BA in Critical Theory & Social Justice and an MFA in Theatre Directing. Some credits include Death Deadlines (Director), MissJulie (Director), Grímnismál (Or, the Magpie Play) (Director), Polyphemus (Director and Co-Developer), Grease (Assistant Director), Cabaret (Assistant Director), and Footloose (Choreographer. www.tashaspear.com

CHUCK MEAD (Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations) is best known for being one of the founding members of three time Grammy nominated, Country Music Association Award winning country music group BR5-49. Between 1996 and 2005 the band released seven successful records before disband ing. In 2006 he started work as Music Supervisor/Director of the Tony Award winning Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet. A member of the original creative team, he shaped the music for the Chicago, Broadway, West End, Las Vegas, and National Tour productions of MDQ all the while touring the world with his band and releasing four critically acclaimed solo albums. In 2017, Mead oversaw the music for the CMT television series “Sun Records” and in 2021 worked as Music Supervisor for the upcoming feature film “Neon Highway.”

JONNY BAIRD (Associate Music Supervisor) is excited to be a part of the Million Dollar Quartet family as the associate music director and co-music arranger.  For the past 5 years he has been Music Supervisor for Norwegian Cruise Line. Shows includes Million Dollar Quartet, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, After Midnight, Winelovers the Musical. Broadway: Annie revival. Tours: Bring It On, Sister Act. Jonny also orchestrates and arranges music throughout New York City.  He was an orchestrator for the Virginia Symphony.  Favorite shows he has music directed: Jersey Boys, Ragtime, Bat Boy, The Who’s Tommy, Les Misérables, Double Threat Trio.  He holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre at Shenandoah Conservatory.  He would like to thank everyone at Madison Wells Live for having him. He’d also like to thank his family and friends for the countless support.

DOTS (Scenic Designer) dots is a design collective based in New York City specializing in designing envi ronments for narratives, experiences and performances. Hailing from Colombia, South Africa and Japan, we are Santiago Orjuela-Laverde, Andrew Moerdyk ,and Kimie Nishikawa. We

approach every project with diversity of thought and burning curiosity and, above all, we believe in the value of the whole being greater than the sum of its individual parts.

DIEGO GARZON (Sound Designer) is a musician, sound engineer and music producer, with only 10 years of expe rience, he has worked in music and entertainment industry, producing and designing audio content for commercial brands like: Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Toyota, Chevrolet and more. As sound engineer, he works for Norwegian Cruise Lines doing the engineering of their new builds, he has worked as associated sound designer and production audio for Jersey Boys onboard Norwegian Bliss and Kinky Boots onboard Norwegian Encore. Diego is currently working as head of sound for the new cruise ship Norwegian PR1MA which will have several productions including SUMMER, The Donna Summer musical.

IZUMI INABA (Costume Design) is so excited to be working on this production with Scott after such a long wait! She is originally from Tokyo, Japan, and now based in Chicago, where she has designed over a couple hundred projects. In recent years, she also enjoys working on regional produc tions that she gets to collaborate with new artists. In 2019, she was chosen to exhibit at Prague Quadrennial as one as one of the featured designers of the United States. Recent projects include Dishwasher Dreams at Writers Theatre and Nightwatch at Goodman Theatre.

RYAN J. O’GARA (Lighting Design)

Broadway: Thoughts of a Colored Man

National Tour: Juke Box Hero, A Night with Janis Joplin, Vocalocity and The Little Prince. Various productions for Cirque du Soleil, Norwegian Cruise Line, Tokyo Disney Sea, New York City Opera, Paper Mill Playhouse, Walnut Street Theatre, Drury Lane-Chicago (2019 Jeff Nomination), TUTS, Baltimore Center Stage, Syracuse Stage, North Carolina Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, Signature Theatre DC, Laguna Playhouse, New Victory

Theatre, Lincoln Center Festival, Capital Repertory Theatre and Bristol Riverside Theatre (2016 Barrymore Award). Associate Lighting Designer for over 25 Broadway productions, recently: Ain’t Too Proud, Come from Away, and Hamilton. O’Gara graduated from NCSA.

JONAH CAMIEL (Lighting Programmer) is a New York City based Moving Light Programmer from Boston, MA. Broadway: Into the Woods, POTUS, Thoughts of a Colored Man, King Lear, True West Off-Broadway: Cambodian Rock Band, Octet, Twelfth Night, Miss You Like Hell, Kings. Regional: May We All (TPAC) The Sound of Music (Asolo Rep), Next to Normal (Bristol Riverside), What the Constitution Means to Me (The Kennedy Center), Show Boat (Shubert Theatre Boston). Cruise Lines: Virgin Voyages & Norwegian Cruise Lines.

CHRIS STECKEL (Production Coordinator) manages stages and designs lighting. Select credits: Penelope, Cheek to Cheek, Anything Can Happen in the Theater, Enter Laughing, and Lonesome Blues, A Charlie Brown Christmas (US Tour), Crackskull Row (Irish Rep), Counting Sheep (Recklinghausen Festival), and Spamilton. Non-favorite credits include everything else. For a good time, visit chrisdsteckel.com.

KENDRA ARADO (Company Manager) Kendra is from Las Vegas and thrilled to be spending this holiday season travelling colder parts of these United States with Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. She has previously worked as a stage manager with Blue Man Group at Luxor and Jabbawockeez at MGM Grand. Most recently she was aboard the Scarlet Lady with Virgin Voyages running exciting productions at sea. If you have made it this far, she appreciates your dedication to reading the program. Enjoy the show.

EVAN BERNARDIN PRODUCTIONS

(General Management) is a full-service theatrical management company that provides general management for productions and immersive expe riences. Select credits include: Fairycakes, Seven Deadly Sins, Million Dollar Quartet (Tour), Charlie Brown Christmas (Tour), Afterglow, and We Are The Tigers. Additional collabo rative projects have included per formances at Lincoln Center, The United Nations, The Harvard Club, The White House, Cornell University, Georgetown’s Gaston Hall, The Culture Project, The Ohio Theatre and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

MARQUEE DIGITAL (Digital Program) is a New York-based tech startup innovating the theatre industry with ground-breaking digital program solutions. The Marquee is a paperless program for the 21st century, employ ing contactless, eco-friendly, and ADA-compliant technology to create an interactive and highly intuitive experience for audiences at the the atre, opera, art fairs, conferences, and concerts. In the company’s first year, Marquees have been opened in ven ues across the United States and in more than 80 countries around the globe.