Bucks County Playhouse presents the Tony Award-winning rock and roll musical Aug. 10-Sept. 15
The Times
Audiences will relive one of the most magical nights in rock and roll history when Bucks County Playhouse presents the Tony Award-winning musical Million Dollar Quartet. Directed by original Broadway cast member Hunter Foster, the high voltage musical, with book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, is inspired by the true story of a famed recording session that brought together four music icons for an infamous all-night jam session. Million Dollar Quartet previews Aug. 10 with an official opening night performance on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 pm with performances through Sept. 15.
The Playhouse’s executive producer Robyn Goodman, producing director Alexander Fraser, and producers Stephen Kocis and Josh Fiedler recently announced details of the production, the second to feature direction by Foster this season. Million Dollar Quartet comes on the heels of a Foster-helmed production of 42nd Street, which broke box office records at the Playhouse.
On Dec. 4, 1956, an unlikely quartet of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carol Perkins — all young artists in their 20s on the verge of superstardom — accidentally converged on Sun Records in Memphis and made magic in the process. Million Dollar Quartet takes you behind the music with a monumental night that explodes off the stage with a talented cast playing 21 legendary hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” and “Hound Dog.”
The show features full renditions of top rock and roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage by actors who play their own instruments, as well as sing and perform.
“After breaking Playhouse box office records with his production of 42nd Street, we are thrilled to have our great artistic associate Hunter Foster back with his vision of Million Dollar Quartet,” said Fraser. “Having originated the role of Sam Phillips on Broadway, Hunter knows this show like the back of his hand. And given his fantastic way of bringing rock and roll history to life as he did with his phenomenal production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, we can’t wait to see what he’s got in store with MDQ. This will be an ‘All-Star’ version of the show featuring top talent from productions of Million Dollar Quartet he has directed at theaters across the country.”
The Bucks County cast includes John Michael Presney as Carl Perkins, Sky Seals as Johnny Cash, Brandyn Day as Jerry Lee Lewis, Ari McKay Wilford as Elvis Presley, James Ludwig as Sam Phillips, Ryah Nixon as Dyanne, James David Larson as Jay Perkins and Zach Cossman as Fluke Holland.
Josh Smith is scenic designer. Lighting designer is Kirk Bookman. Costume designer is Lauren T. Roark. Bart Fasbender is sound designer. John Michael Presney is music director. Jane Pole is production stage manager. Michelle Scalpone is assistant stage manager.
The production will play the following schedule: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays at 2 p.m.; Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m. (except Friday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. — New Hope Fireworks will follow the show); Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is an additional evening performance on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The opening night performance on Saturday, Aug. 11 will be at 7:30 p.m.
Single tickets to Million Dollar Quartet are on sale now. Tickets range from $40 — $80; special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For complete details, up-to-date pricing and to purchase tickets, please visit buckscountyplayhouse.org, call 215–862–2121, or visit the box office at 70 South Main Street in New Hope.
