Million Dollar Quartet comes to So Cal in Feb-March, Preview, Interviews, Tickets
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
February 9 – 18 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and
February 23 – March 4, 2018 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
This show is a must see for all ages. I saw it in Vegas about 5 years ago and what a great experience. Between how great the music is and the education, you will be fully entertained. I had the chance to interview each of the 4 stars of the show. They were all so down to earth and fantastic to chat with. Most of the time they come out after each show to interact and say hello to people.
I first talked with Michael Monroe Goodman (who plays Carl Perkins). He is multi talented and is also the associate music director of the show. I asked him, What else can you tell me about Mr Perkins and most people know him the least of the 4 characters. He said, “Mr. Perkins was maybe the most talented of the 4.” He mentioned, “when you see the show you will get a great education of who he is. He was an amazing song writer and perhaps the best of the 4 still writing songs into the 80’s-90’s before he passed away. He was a great humanitarium and very charitable.
What do you enjoy most and I saw you also play 3 characters on various past shows? “The education and seeing people enjoy. I love all 3 characters but love guitar the best so Carl is my favorite.
This is the Original show 1:50 version and more detail than the Vegas 90 minute show.
Next I talked to John Countryman who plays Jerry Lee Lewis
I said You must have a lot of energy to play Jerry Lee Lewis. He said, “Yes and he is the funny guy and this show allows him to do that.
What do you enjoy most? “I have been a life long fan and learned piano by listening to Jerry Lee Lewis. I have been with the show 5 yrs along with the broadway show. The music benefits people with joy and education. That is what I love most.”
What else do you do when you are not doing this show and what are your goals.- “Nothing lasts forever but I am continuing with the show and mostly concentrating on this now. When I am not in the show, I
put a rock and roll show in my home town. This pays the bills but I love it and it always is amazing to play him. I would love to host music and be a guest on SNL in the future.
Have you ever met Jerry Lee and do you inspire to if not? “Not yet. Hopefully naturally it will happen.”
Next I interviewed David Elkins who plays Johnny Cash.
I see you are from LA. What else have you done and how did you get into this show and portray Mr Cash?
“I’ve done plays (dramas) such as playing Chris Keller in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons; and portrayed “Brick Pollitt” in Tennessee Williams’ Cat ot on a Hot Tin Roof. As far as MDQ is concerned, I saw it on Broadway and became a big fan because my roots are in rock and roll. In fact, I was so inspired that I got the idea to try and get into the show myself.As fate had it, I went through the audition process and made my musical theatre debut in the U.S. national tour the following year.
Do you perform in LA when not doing this show?
“I perform my own projects in LA,but always enjoy doing this show when the opportunity presents itself. “I love playing for the folks who grew up with this kind of music.”
What do you like most about the show?
“Seeing the audience enjoy it and being a part of educating them about the characters, including Sam Phillips who owned Sun Records.
Did you ever meet Johnny Cash before he passed away?
“Unfortunately not, though I did have the pleasure of meeting some of his family”.
Lastly, it was COLE / Elvis Presley
The untold tale of four rock n’ roll pioneers and takes center stage when the hit Broadway musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET returns to Southern California… courtesy of 3-D Theatricals (3DT), one of Los Angeles’ and Orange County’s most critically acclaimed musical theatre production companies.
Inspired by an electrifying true story with a Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, the show is an original concept by Mutrux who was also its original director. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET begins a regional premiere series of performances February 9 – 18 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center; followed by a second engagement at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts February 23 – March 4, 2018. The production’s official press opening is Saturday, February 10 at 8pm. David Lober* directs the 3DT production with David Lamoureux serving as Musical Director and Michael Monroe Goodman* as Associate Musical Director. *Denotes Members of Actors Equity Association.
Set in Memphis, Tennessee on December 4, 1956, the Tony® Award-winning musical harkens back to when Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” – responsible for launching the careers of Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley – brought the four superstars together at the Sun Records storefront studio for the first and only time, resulting in what became known as one of the greatest jam sessions in rock ‘n’ roll history. As such, the legendary event comes to life on stage with an irresistible telling of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations that are both poignant and amusing. Relive the era through a rousing score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits such as: “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Fever,” “Walk the Line”, “Sixteen Tons”, “Who Do You Love?”, “Great Balls of Fire”, “Folsom Prison Blues”, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, “Hound Dog” and more; performed by a world-class cast including Cole* (Elvis Presley), John Countryman* (Jerry Lee Lewis), David Elkins* (Johnny Cash), and Michael Monroe Goodman* (Carl Perkins). Featured cast members include Adrienne Visnic (Dyanne), Zachary Ford (Sam Phillips); and musicians Omar D. Brancato* (as Jay Perkins / Bass), and David Lamoureux (as Fluke / drums). *Denotes Members of Actors Equity Association.
“We couldn’t be more delighted than to bring MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET back to SoCal audiences,” said
T.J. Dawson, Executive Producer and Artistic Director of 3-D Theatricals. “The story and the music are not only exhilarating but a pairing that gets under your skin and leaves you euphoric. The idea of being a fly on the wall during such an extraordinary moment in music history is a natural for audiences’ young and old alike.”
ABOUT THE SHOW:
The original Chicago production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET opened in 2008 and enjoyed a fruitful run to packed houses at the Apollo Theatre through mid-January, 2016, thus becoming one of Chicago’s longest running musicals.
When the Broadway production opened in April, 2010, critics and audiences leapt to their feet in unanimous praise. The New York Times called the show, “a buoyant new musical that whips the crowd into a frenzy,” New York Magazine labeled it, “a dazzling raucous spectacle that sounds like a million bucks,” and NY1 TV called it, “90 minutes of platinum grade entertainment.”
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET won a Tony Award® for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical (Levi Kreis) and received two Tony Award® nominations for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical. The show received an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical, a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Musical Revue and three Drama League nominations including Distinguished Production of a Musical and Distinguished Performance.
ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM:
T.J. DAWSON (Executive Producer/Artistic Director) is thrilled to see where 7 short years have taken this young company and hopes it’s the beginning of many more successful years to come. T.J. is so passionate about the arts and is overjoyed that the community has taken notice. 3-D Theatricals has been awarded the Joel Hirschorn Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatre award by the LA Drama Critics Circle and has also been recognized by the LA Stage Alliance with several Ovation awards and nominations. As a director, T.J. has received Ovation nominations, as well as a L.A. Drama Critics Circle nomination for the critically acclaimed production of PARADE (winner of 4 Ovation awards for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Ensemble, and Best Musical). He has also directed for 3DT:THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, ALL SHOOK UP, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, A CHORUS LINE, AVENUE Q (Ovation Nomination), 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL, INTO THE WOODS, RAGTIME, SIDE SHOW, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and THE FULL MONTY. Other select producer/ director/choreographer credits include: the Orange County premieres and critically acclaimed productions of SIDE SHOW, Andrew Lippa’s THE WILD PARTY, BAT BOY THE MUSICAL, CABARET, INTO THE WOODS and SEUSSICAL.
DAVID LOBER* (Director), who will be remounting the original Floyd Mutrux direction of Million Dollar Quartet, has enjoyed a career that spans over 25 years with Broadway credits as a Production Stage Manager (PSM) for GROUNDHOG DAY, MATILDA and SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER. National Tours include WICKED, SUNSET BLVD, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, CAROLINE OR CHANGE, AIDA and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Locally, he has been the PSM for productions at LA’s Center Theatre Group, The Hollywood Bowl, The Wallis Anneberg Center for the Performing Arts, and the Garry Marshall Theatre (formerly known as the Falcon Theater) in Los Angeles.. www.davidlober.com *Denotes Members of Actors Equity Association.
DAVID LAMOUREUX (Musical Director and “Floyd” / drums) – David joins 3DT once again for MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET after previously collaborating on YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, SPAMALOT, THE PRODUCERS, PARADE, I LOVE A PIANO, and AVENUE Q. Credits elsewhere include WEST SIDE STORY, EVITA, SISTER ACT, A CHORUS LINE, SUNSET BLVD, THE WEDDING SINGER, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, RENT, INTO THE WOODS, SWEENEY TODD, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, THE SECRET GARDEN, LITTLE ME, CITY OF ANGELS, CARNIVAL, THE GOODBYE GIRL, HOW TO SUCCEED…, LI’L ABNER, THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE, FOLLIES, CHESS, HIGH FIDELITY, GODSPELL, PHANTOM, CATS, SWEET CHARITY, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE,ANNIE, SPELLING BEE, ASSASSINS, the national tour of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, and the world premiere of FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS with Tuacahn Center for the Arts. Touring/Recording: Gwen Stefani, Augustana/Dan Layus, Vanessa Carlton, Conrad Sewell, Lucy S chwartz, The Damnwells, Katie Costello, Yoshiki, Jason Zhang. Co-Founder of Los Angeles Musicians Collective. Co-Producer of the Ken and Dottie Reiner Reading Series (2012-2017). Co-Creator/Arranger/Bandleader of The Bombshells. www.davidlamoureuxcreative.com.
ABOUT THE CAST:
COLE* (Elvis Presley) COLE joined the MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET in 2013 when the show opened in Las Vegas, where he covered the roles of Elvis and Johnny Cash. After completing a near four year run at Harrah’s Casino, he went on to reprise the role of Elvis in productions of MDQ at Midtown Arts Center in Fort Collins, Colorado, the Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the Zach Theatre in Austin, Texas and the Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, Connecticut. A recording artist and songwriter in his own right, COLE has performed his music throughout the world. His many accolades include being the youngest inductee into the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame. www.rockncole.com
JOHN COUNTRYMAN* (Jerry Lee Lewis) is a southern man who wants to make you clap your hands and stomp your feet along to his rollicking boogie woogie beat. Growing up in a musical family from North Carolina, John has found joy in music performance from a young age. When John was 12 years old, his mother suggested he listen to Jerry Lee Lewis. John found a musical kindred spirit in Jerry Lee’s indomitable attitude and his raucous approach to performance. John joined the band, the Dirty Names, in 2009 and began his career as musician and performer. In 2013, John went on the National Tour of the Tony Award® winning hit Broadway show Million Dollar Quartet portraying his musical idol, Jerry Lee Lewis, and has since worked in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Branson, Missouri performing the roll. It is with great honor and excitement that John joins the cast of Million Dollar Quartet presented by 3-D Theatricals. www.facebook.com/johncountrymanmusic. *Denotes Members of Actors Equity Association.
DAVID ELKINS* (Johnny Cash) Based in Los Angeles, David is an actor, musician, and voiceover artist represented by Innovative Artists and WME. He made his musical theatre debut as Johnny Cash in the National Broadway Tour of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, and is delighted to revisit the legendary boys of Sun Studio in his own backyard with the talented cast and creative team assembled by 3-D Theatricals. Other memorable stage opportunities include portraying Chris Keller in Arthur Miller’s ALL MY SONS and Brick Pollitt in Tennessee Williams’ CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. David has studied under John Kirby, Penny Allen, and Larry Moss, and made his first feature film appearance in Antoine Fuqua’s remake of THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. David holds a master’s degree in Intercultural Studies and remains dedicated to his non-profit work in education, the arts, and international development.
MICHAEL MONROE GOODMAN* (Carl Perkins” / and Associate Musical Director / bass) is thrilled to be making his 3DT debut. Michael is a multi-instrumentalist, actor, songwriter, comedian, and improviser. After spending two years with MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET (Chicago, National Tour) covering several roles (Elvis, Cash, Perkins) he also received a Jeff Award nomination for his role in Mercury Theatre’s production of RING OF FIRE. He recently played Huey Calhoun, MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL (MTW Long Beach CA). Along with Theatre and Screen acting he continues to record original Americana music on his label MammerJam Records. He credits his success to his training (Green Shirt Studio, IO, Annoyance Theatre, The Groundlings and Second City). *Denotes members of Actors Equity Association.
ZACHARY FORD* (Sam Phillips) appeared last with 3D-T as Curly in OKLAHOMA. Other favorites include: The Ovation-winning PARADE (3D-T), SPAMALOT (Wynn Las Vegas), DEAR WORLD starring Tyne Daly at VPAC, END OF THE RAINBOW with McCoy/Rigby Ent., YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, SPAMALOT, EVITA, and BIG FISH (Musical Theatre West), CAMELOT (Pasadena Playhouse), LA Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Colony Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, PCPA, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Apple Tree Theatre. Original casts: Heathers, Loving Repeating, Empire Burlesque, Bumpersticker. Cast Recordings: Loving Repeating, SFSO’s West Side Story, conducted by MTT. TV: Liv & Maddie, Young & The Restless, Passions, others. Zachary attended the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, teaches at Studio School, and is an AEA and Musical Theatre Guild member. *Denotes members of Actors Equity Association.
ADRIENNE VISNIC (Dyanne) TV & Film: Ten Days in the Valley, Switched at Birth, Six Degrees, Girl Band (Tribecaa Film Festival Official Selected Short), some commercials, a few featured Funny or Die videos, and Cruella de Vil in Disney Villains ‘Counting Scars’ music video (over 5 million views). Theatre: REAL HOUSEWIVES OF TOLUCA LAKE THE MUSICAL (Garry Marshall Theatre), CARNAL DESIRE – A SATIRE’ (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), her solo cabaret ‘SUNNY SIDE UP’ BroadwayWorld Nominated as Best Female Cabaret Artist), and BAREFOOT IN THE PARK (Lyric Hyperion Theatre) Proud BFA Acting alum of the University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts. @adriennevisnic adriennevisnic.com
OMAR D. BRANCATO* (Jay Perkins) Recent credits: KING OF THE ROAD: THE ROGER MILLER STORY (Music Director/Arranger), I’M STILL GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER… (Bass- Laguna Playhouse), A
SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS (Keyboard II- Lythgoe Family Productions), RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET (Bass-Rubicon), THE BOY FROM OZ (Bass/Guitar- Celebration) and AMERICAN MISFIT (Music Director/Arranger-Boston Court). He composed the music/lyrics for the NCTF award winning BEAUTY &THE BEAST (Best Score, Best Musical), THE BOYS NEXT DOOR (incidental music, Chicago revival), HOGPATCH HOLLER (orchestrations/additional music), and THE TALKING DEAD (Holiday Park, Haßloch,Germany). Film Scores include: OUT OF LUCK, HOLLYWOOD GAMBLE, THE MICHELLE SHOW (Best Score nomination, Austin WebFest), and MONSTER HEROES (additional music). Arrangements/Orchestrations include: FORD, HEWLETT PACKARD, MCDONALD’S, GYPSY OF THE YEAR, SEIBEL SYSTEMS, OCEAN PARK HONG KONG, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS (Hollywood & Singapore) and the BELLAGIO and MIRAGE HOTELS (Las Vegas) as well as multiple BC/EFA Ben. *Denotes Members of Actors Equity Association.
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
David Lober (Director); David Lamoureux (Musical Director), Michael Monroe Goodman* (Associate Musical Director), Donna R. Parsons* (Production Stage Manager), Terry Hanrahan (Assistant Stage Manager), Networks (Derek McLane/Sets; Costumes based on original designs by Jane Greenwood; Props), Jean-Yves Tessier (Lighting Design), Julie Ferrin (Sound Design), Jene Roach (Technical Director), Alexandra Johnson (Costume Coordinator), Jessica Kuhns (Wardrobe Supervisor), Peter Herman (Wig Design), Gretchen Morales and Melanie Cavaness (Properties Co-Coordinators), Jenny Ludwig (Production Assistant/Props) *Denotes members of Actors Equity Association
3-D THEATRICAL STAFF:
T.J. Dawson (Executive Producer/Artistic Director), Gretchen Dawson (Co-Founder and Director of Marketing), Daniel Dawson (Co-Founder), Jeanette Dawson (Co-Founder), Amber Snead (Casting Director), Terry Hanrahan (Production Manager), Jennifer Nelson (Box Office Manager), David Jordan Nestor (Company Manager), Gigi Fusco Meese (Director of Community Relations), Grace Teddy (Box Office Associate), and Michael Sterling (Publicity).
CALENDER LISTINGS – Theatre Locations, Dates, Ticket Information, Show Summary:
REDONDO BEACH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER February 9 – 18, 2018:
1935 E. Manhattan Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Parking: Complimentary parking located directly in front of the theatre.
3-D Theatricals Remote Box Office: 714 589-2770, Ext. 1. Hours: Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. 12:00 – 4:00 pm Saturday. The 3DT Box Office at the theatre Opens two hours prior to performances.
Ticket Prices: Tickets are on sale now for $25.00 – $105.00. Online Ticketing: www.3dtshows.org, Ticket Handling Fee: $3 per ticket. – Group and Student discounts are available. $20 “Rush” tickets are available one hour prior to “select performances”.
REDONDO PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:
Friday, February 9 at 8:00 pm (Preview)
Saturday, February 10 at 8:00 pm (Official Press Opening)
Sunday, February 11 at 2:00 pm
Friday, Friday, February 16 at 8:00 pm
Saturday, February 17 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sunday, February 18 at 2:00 pm
SHOW SUMMARY: The smash-hit musical is inspired by the recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, the famous four gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Featuring such songs as “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Great Balls of Fire”, “Walk the Line”, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and more, this thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio for one unforgettable music-making night.
CERRITOS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS February 23 – March 4, 2018:
12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos, CA 90703
Parking: Complimentary parking adjacent to the theatre.
Theatre Box Office: 562-916-8500. Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday – Friday; 12:00 – 4:00 pm Saturday. Box Office at the theatre Opens two hours prior to weekday and Saturday performances; and one hour prior to Sunday performances.
Ticket Prices: on sale now for $40.00 – $85.00. Online Ticketing: www.Cerritoscenter.com OR www.3dtshows.org – Group and Student discounts are available. A processing fee per ticket will be added to all orders that are not presented as part of the CCPA’s season and will be reflected, if charged, prior to checkout. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
CERRITOS PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:
Friday, February 23 at 8:00 pm
Saturday, February 24 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sunday, February 25 at 2:00 pm
Thursday, March 1 at 7:30 pm
Friday, March 2 at 8:00 pm
Saturday, March 3 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sunday, March 4 at 2:00 pm
3-D THEATRICALS MISSION STATEMENT:
To provide southern California with professional theatre that includes Broadway Musicals, plays, readings and new works. It is our goal to increase arts awareness throughout the community and to nurture our youth with culture and education. We are committed to excellence, and bringing new life and demand to the arts.
Publicity and Press Contact: Michael Sterling ● [email protected] ● 818 419-1056