Theater Review: 'Million Dollar Quartet' at ACT of CT

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

There is a “whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on” at ACT of Connecticut as its sixth season continues with a shiny production of “Million Dollar Quartet.” The musical experience recreates the meeting of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins in the recording studio at Sun Records.

The show is based on an original concept and direction by Floyd Mutrux, inspired by the four iconic performers, with a book by Colin Escott and Mutrux. It gives audiences a glimpse into the legendary jam session that occurred on Dec. 4, 1956 at the famous studio when fate brought the performers together.

ACT Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine notes that this “would become one of the greatest impromptu meetings of musical giants in rock’n’roll history…. The magic of ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ lies not only in the authenticity of the music, but also in the camaraderie and spontaneity that defined this fateful day in 1956.”

Hunter Foster, who most recently directed “The Bridges of Madison County,” directs the production with a keen eye to the details, never crossing into caricature territory.

The stellar ACT cast is composed of Equity actors, who are also talented musicians who play all of the instruments. Scott Moreau from Litchfield, Maine makes his ACT debut as Johnny Cash, reprising a role that he has played more than 1,200 times. Moreau fully embodies the “man in black” and brings wonderful bass notes into the songs.

Alessandro Gian Viviano takes on the iconic Elvis Presley in his debut at this venue, although it marks his seventh time portraying “The King.” The actor appeared at Hartford Stage in “The Age of Innocence” and “Christmas Carol,” as well as several shows that I saw at Connecticut Repertory Theater at UConn.

Christopher Wren makes his ACT debut in the role of Carl Perkins, playing the role for the 13th time, including a national tour. Did you know that Perkins was the composer of “Blue Suede Shoes,” the song that opens the first act?

Music director Nat Zegree steals the show in his role as the exceedingly cocky and energetic Jerry Lee Lewis. Constantly in motion, his performance as “The Killer” is masterful, both musically and comically, and certainly “Great Balls of Fire.” Zegree, a multitalented showman and classically trained pianist, has played over 500 performances in what is probably the best role in the show. The singer helped develop and lent his voice as a virtual singer in the Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hanson.”

Featured in the cast is Bart Shatto in the role of Sun Records owner Sam Phillips in his ACT debut. Shatto brings humanity to the role of the producer who took an active role in coaxing and encouraging his young and untested artists to produce innovation instead of imitation. This marks Shatto’s sixth collaboration with the director.

Megan Reinking is the only woman in the cast, playing Elvis’ girlfriend Dyanne in her ACT debut. A singer in her own right, the character performs “Fever,” and “I Hear You Knocking,” as well as singing backup with the ensemble. My favorites in the score are the choral numbers “Down by the Riverside” and “Peace in the Valley.”

Also in the recording studio is Nathan Yates Douglass as (Perkins’) Brother Jay, “slapping” the upright bass with flair. The actor/musician has appeared in the “Million Dollar Quartet” trifecta, the original, “Heartbreak Hotel” (now “Elvis the Musical”) and the “MDQ Christmas.”

Matt Spencer sits behind the drum kit in the role of the drummer named Fluke. Spencer earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies at WestConn.

The costumes and wigs designed by Lauren T. Roark wonderfully evoke the icons and beautifully fit the era. Elvis’ deep purple shirt and pants topped with a white jacket and Dyanne’s blouse were my favorite pieces.

The scenic design by New York-based set and lighting designer Josh Smith is of the rudimentary Sun Records studio in Memphis. It fills the stage with the look of the time period and is adorned with an array of colorful Christmas lights. The piano shell and keyboards are from the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine and the set and props are courtesy of Bucks County Playhouse in Pennsylvania.

Lighting designer Kirk Bookman offers many striking scenes and sound by Jeff Sherwood did not overwhelm. Technical supervisor Larry Morley managed to make everything work seamlessly.

Be part of the “Party” that was the night that made rock’n’roll history at ACT of CT in Ridgefield. The performance runs approximately two hours plus a 15-minute intermission. The show was scheduled to close on March 17, but on opening night it was announced that an additional weekend has been added to accommodate the demand for tickets. Performances will now be offered through March 23.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the newspaper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.