A show so good, you may want to see it twice!

Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)

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Photos courtesy of Sean Carter Photography (2026) and George Pierce, Memphis Press Scimitar (1956)

In December 1956, at the Sun Records studio in Memphis, Tennessee, four of rock and roll’s biggest stars assembled just to sit around and sing some gospel songs, making history in the process. “Million Dollar Quartet” is loosely based on this event from 70 years ago. While the show’s creators, Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, took artistic liberties with some of the facts, they also infuse the action onstage with genuine history. It’s all strung together with style and dynamic pacing, a great set and lighting, and of course the best rock and roll music the world has ever heard on one stage. Dance-in-the-aisles numbers include “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Who Do You Love” and “Great Balls of Fire” among many, many others. It’s a kind of theatrical alchemy, turning a simple session into musical gold.

A memorable moment: each artist strikes a pose, frozen in the spotlight with dramatic shading, in front of their microphones in the tiny studio. The whole world is before them - fame and fortune and the adoration of millions.

The actors all sing and play their own instruments with exceptional flair and are totally believable in their roles. The casting is ideal, especially Tyler Michael Breeding as Elvis. He captures Presley’s moves and charisma to perfection. Alex Burnette is all frenzied energy as Jerry Lee Lewis, showcasing his unique rock n’ roll piano playing and providing lots of laughs. Johnny Cash’s deep baritone and moody persona are embodied in Nathan Robert’s studied delivery. Sam C Jones gives a fine, multi-layered emotional performance as musical trailblazer Carl Perkins.

Session musicians Fluke (on drums) played by Brady Jacot, and Jay (on bass fiddle), played by Chris Blisset, lend an authentic studio feel along with personal interactions with the rest of the cast.

An unexpected guest that day is Elvis’s girlfriend Dyanne, who also (wouldn’t you know it) happens to be a really great singer. Kasie Buono Roberts flirts with everyone and steams up the stage from time to time with numbers like “Fever” and “I Hear You Knocking”.

Stephen Blackwell as Sam Phillips more than holds his own onstage alongside such commanding performers. In between songs, we hear him talk passionately about his studio, the music of the times, and his nurturing relationships with the four very special artists that came to his studio that day.

Near the end, in a beautiful footnote to the show, we get to hear part of the actual tape of the session recorded at Sun Records by Cash, Lewis, Perkins and Presley, along with a projection of the now-legendary photograph snapped by local newspaper Memphis Press Scimitar photographer George Pierce.

There needs to be a special shout-out to: Lighting Designer Scott Ross; Sound Designer Brendan Eaton; Music Director Chris Blisset (the guy on bass fiddle); Scenic Designer Mia Irwin and Costume Designer Karen Kangas-Preston. They truly bring this spectacular show to life, transporting us back to that December day in 1956.

Director Travis Walter has outdone himself once again, if that’s even possible. The show is so vivid, the characters so lively, and the story so riveting that the 105 minutes pass like a dream. A dream where you keep hearing “Memories Are Made of This” and “Brown-Eyed Handsome Man”, long after you awaken.

There is no intermission for this performance.

Please note new 7:30 PM evening start times for this season!

When: Now through May 17, 2026

Tickets $40 to $48

Where: Meadow Brook Theatre at Wilson Hall

Oakland University

378 Meadow Brook Rd

Rochester Hills, MI 48309

(248) 377-3300

www.mbtheatre.com

This production is made possible through the generous support of the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Shubert Foundation and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

Meadow Brook Theatre is a professional theatre located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. MBT is a nonprofit cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for 59 years