BWW Reviews: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Evokes Nostalgia at Wolf Trap

This weekend, Wolf Trap is offering up its sole full-scale Broadway musical production of the summer season and it's one that's likely to be a crowd-pleaser. The national tour of Million Dollar Quartet has returned yet again to our area, having previously played the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the Hippodrome in Baltimore, MD. Whether you're a musical theatre geek who has seen the Tony Award-nominated musical before or want to take an opportunity to do so for the first time, or you just happen to have a hankering to hear some good music under the stars at this venerable outdoor venue, there's plenty to like in this incantation of the national tour (and it's still Equity)!

Directed by local theatre luminary Eric Schaeffer (you might know him as the Artistic Director of the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre), Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux's jukebox musical imagines what that early December 1956 night was like when Elvis Presley (Jacob Rowley), Johnny Cash (Scott Moreau), Jerry Lee Lewis (Colte Julian), and Carl Perkins (Gabe Bowling) held an impromptu jam session together in Memphis. News of the jam session at Sam Phillips' (a very strong Bryan Langlitz) innovative and daring Sun Records (well-represented with Derek McLane's scenic design) - the place where are four artists got their start - leaked out. A newspaper man that witnessed the starry event dubbed the singers "the million dollar quartet." It would be the only time the four men would play together. The musical contextualizes this important moment in musical history by incorporating background snippets of how each man came to the record label and the current (as of 1956) state of their careers in a seamlessly creative way. In the musical, Sam Phillips is also grappling with impending changes in his life and with his career, which provides an opportunity to reflect on his music making philosophy. As the artists take new steps in their careers, he must decide where the tiny Sun Records goes from there.

Certainly, the musical provides a very good excuse to revisit great hits like "Blue Suede Shoes," "I Walk the Line," "Great Balls of Fire," "Hound Dog" and many more. However, it is unique among the many jukebox shows that have hit Broadway and beyond. First, the writers did not have to create a completely fabricated story to wrap around their chosen songs (Mamma Mia, anyone?), nor did they construct your standard run-of-the-mill biographical musical ala Jersey Boys and Beautiful. For that reasons, even those that crave complete originality can see what makes this one a bit of an exception to the rule.

Although there are moments in this national tour production that are sluggish and somewhat uninspiring, Schaeffer and company have put together a cast of true multitalented musicians to both put forth the story and perform Chuck Mead's wonderful arrangements in a very entertaining and technically proficient way.

It would be difficult for the actor playing Jerry Lee Lewis not to stand out because of the acting opportunities the character offers. He, of course, is known for his infectiously energetic piano playing, catchy and fun music, larger-than-life and fiery personality, confidence, and zest for life. Colte Julian rises to the occasion and then some to take on this character. Whether he's taking lead on a song ("Real Wild Child," "Great Balls of Fire" among others) or just "being Jerry" as his contemporaries take lead on a jam, it's impossible to resist watching him. A stellar actor, piano player and singer, I look forward to seeing how his career progresses.

Likewise, Gabe Bowling impresses as Carl Perkins. His rich, smooth vocals and guitar skills allow the musical moments like "Who Do You Love?" to prove memorable, and he also nails portraying a man whose career is at a bit of a crossroads. Special mention must be made here of Chuck Zayas who plays Jay Perkins - Carl Perkins' bass-playing brother. His skill is tremendous as he accompanies Bowling and others and he's a joy to watch (Patrick Morrow accompanies on drums and is also a tremendous musical asset).

Scott Moreau has the deep voice and guitar skills that are perfect to give life to Johnny Cash's songs. He also brings out Cash's brooding, spiritual, and contemplative nature. One of the strongest musical moments comes in the form of his "I Walk the Line," a song Mr. Cash wrote for his wife. At 19, it's easy to see Jacob Rowley's potential. He nails Elvis' singing style on the gospel numbers ("Peace in the Valley") and the upbeat rock and roll numbers like "Hound Dog." Unfortunately, I found him to be a bit comatose at times during the opening night at Wolf Trap and found it challenging to consistently hear and understand every word he was singing, whether due to diction issue, microphone-related challenges, or some combination thereof. He did, however, come alive during the show's fantastically fun ending (which won't be spoiled here, but Howell Binkley's lighting certainly adds to the experience).

While I find the character of Dyanne a bit superfluous - she's Elvis' girlfriend and accompanies him to the jam session - the character offers yet another opportunity to hear some great music. Laura Obenauf is a superb singer and I very much enjoyed her rendition of "Fever." Her vocals are wonderfully rich and textured and her tone is most pleasing.

While there are many individual standout moments - not surprising since four members of the cast are portraying men who made careers out of standout moments - perhaps one of the most magical moments in the show is when Bowley, Julian, Moreau, and Rowley harmonize together on the gospel tune "Down by the Riverside" (the musical moment, as it were, that was preserved from that night). It is technically brilliant, to be sure, but also heartfelt.

Bottom line? If you have an opportunity to check out one of the four remaining performances at Wolf Trap this weekend, it is worthwhile to do so.

Running Time: Around 90 minutes with no intermission.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET has four remaining performances at Wolf Trap's Filene Center in Vienna, VA. There are performances at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 1-877-WOLFTRAP, or at the box office.

Photo: Courtesy of Wolf Trap website

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