David Abeles, Victoria Matlock, & More to Lead MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at New World Stages; Full Cast Announced

The producers of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET are thrilled to announce that original cast members Eddie Clendening (Elvis Presley), Lance Guest (Johnny Cash), and Robert Britton Lyons (Carl Perkins) will be joining the cast of the hit musical when it resumes performances at its new home at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) on Thursday, July 28. They will be joined by MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET alums David Abeles (Jerry Lee Lewis), Victoria Matlock (Dyanne), and James Moye (Sam Phillips).

In a statement, the producers of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET said, "We are overjoyed that Eddie, Lance, and Rob, three of the original actor/musicians who created the roles of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins will be joining us when we resume performances on July 28 at New World Stages."

Tickets are now available at www.Telecharge.com, by calling 212-239-6200, or by visiting the New World Stages Box Office (340 West 50th Street). All ticket prices are $89.50.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET opened last year to rave reviews from critics and had audiences leaping to their feet every night. The New York Times called the show, "a buoyant new musical that whips the crowd into a frenzy," New York Magazine said it is, "a dazzling raucous spectacle that sounds like a million bucks," and NY1 called it, "90 minutes of platinum grade entertainment." The musical recently wrapped up a run of over 500 performances in preparation for the transfer to New World Stages, the home of other Broadway musical hits such as Avenue Q and Rent.

The show won a Tony Award and Outer Critics Circle Award and received Tony nominations for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical, a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Musical Revue and three Drama League nominations including Distinguished Production of a Musical and two Distinguished Performance nominations.

In addition to the New York production, the Chicago production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET opened in 2008 and is still playing to packed houses at the Apollo Theatre. An upcoming national tour will launch in October in Cleveland, and a West End production is currently playing at the Noël Coward Theatre in London.

On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley together. The place was Sun Records' storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock and Roll," who discovered them all. The four young musicians united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time.

Inspired by the true story, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET features a treasure trove of the greatest rock and roll, gospel, R&B and country hits from these musicians, including such iconic songs as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Sixteen Tons," "Who Do You Love?," "Great Balls of Fire," "Riders in the Sky," "I Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET captures the infectious spirit, freewheeling excitement and thrilling sounds of a singular moment when four of the music industry's most extraordinary talents, all in their creative prime, came together for one of the most memorable nights in music history.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is directed by Eric Schaeffer and features a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. The design team for the New York production includes: Derek McLane (scenic design), Howell Binkley (lighting design), Jane Greenwood (costume design), Kai Harada (sound design) and Chuck Mead (musical arrangements and supervision).

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is produced by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions, American Pop Anthology, and Broadway Across America.

For more information about MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, visit www.MillionDollarQuartetLive.com.

Follow MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET news on Twitter @milliondquartet and on Facebook.

TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets for MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET are available at www.Telecharge.com, by calling 212-239-6200, or by visiting the New World Stages Box Office (340 West 50th Street). All ticket prices are $89.50.

Beginning Thursday, July 28 - MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET's performance schedule at New World Stages will be Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 PM, and Sundays at 7 PM. Matinees are Wednesday and Saturday at 2:30 PM and Sunday at 3 PM.

BIOGRAPHIES:

David Abeles (Jerry Lee Lewis) assumes the role of "The Killer" after having covered the role at the Nederlander Theatre. National tours: My Fair Lady and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Off-Broadway: The Public Theater, Vineyard, York and St. Ann's. Regional: A.R.T. (Once workshop), Williamstown, NYS&F, O'Neill. TV: "Law & Order: SVU." Trained at LAMDA. www.davidabeles.com. Thanks to family, Stacey and The Mine.

Eddie Clendening (Elvis Presley) continues with Million Dollar Quartet after originating the role in Chicago and New York. He brings with him well over a decade of stage experience. He's played alongside Elvis alumni Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana and James Burton, not to mention scores of other rock ‘n' roll greats from Jerry Lee Lewis all the way to Dale Hawkins. Eddie toured as a featured guitarist/vocalist in several nationally known combos, and he's been in demand all across the United States, Europe and Asia. With several popular recordings released and a brand new full-length album out now, he's extremely proud to be a part of the MDQ family. Check out his music at www.facebook.com/eddieclendening.

Lance Guest (Johnny Cash) received a Drama League Award citation for his work in Million Dollar Quartet. Theatre: Million Dollar Quartet (Broadway, Goodman/Apollo, Chicago; Village Theatre, Seattle; and Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona), Look Homeward Angel (Playmakers Rep, NC), Key Exchange (Chautauqua, NY), The Weather Outside (Ohio Theatre, NYC), Baby With the Bathwater (L.A. Public Theatre). More than 20 years of new works in L.A. at City Stage, the Road Theatre, Ziggurat and Andak Stage Company. Notable TV: "House," "Jericho," "NYPD Blue," "The XFiles," "Becker," "The Wonder Years," "Life Goes On," "Knot's Landing," "St. Elsewhere." Lead roles on film: The Last Starfighter, Halloween II, Jaws: The Revenge, The Wizard of Loneliness.

Robert Britton Lyons (Carl Perkins) created the role of Carl Perkins in Million Dollar Quartet in the Chicago, New York, and London productions. A singer-songwriter from Seattle, Rob has shared the stage with musicians whose projects include Pearl Jam, Harvey Danger, Santana and others. In Chicago, he sat in as both a singer and instrumentalist with some of the finest blues artists in the city. He's honored to pay homage to one of the most influential musicians of our time while bringing to life the passion and undeniable energy of the early Sun Records catalog.

James Moye (Sam Phillips) played the role of Sam Phillips earlier this year at the Nederlander Theatre. Other Broadway/Off-Broadway: Ragtime (revival), A Tale of Two Cities, The Full Monty, Urinetown, Happiness (LCT). Tours: The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldopho), Little Shop... (Orin), White Christmas (Bob, Ordway). Film/TV: Fair Game, Construction, The Warrior & The Savior, "Royal Pains," "ONN," "Law & Order: CI." Cast recording: Dream True. Proud Member, AEA. www.JamesMoye.com

Victoria Matlock (Dyanne) made her Broadway debut with Million Dollar Quartet. National tours: Wicked (Elphaba), Evita, The Full Monty. Off-Broadway: The Marvelous Wonderettes. Graduate, University of Northern Colorado. She also designs jewelry, takes headshots, makes clothing and purses and designs websites.