MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET's Chuck Mead Says Broadway is Ready for Rock 'n' Roll

Chuck Mead, musical arranger for the upcoming Broadway production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET said he had some apprehension about maintaining the rock authenticity in a big rock show on Broadway . However, Mead believes the Great White Way is ready for some authentic rock 'n' roll.

In an interview with the New York Daily News, Mead said, "The music can't be perfect, because it wasn't. That's the point. We're watching these guys inventing it as they went along."

Mead says he doesn't want a perfect, sound-alike showing at each performance. "If you come twice, you'll hear two different shows. Our musicians don't play 'Great Balls of Fire' the same way twice."

To read the full article from the New York Daily Post, click here.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, a new musical, opens on Broadway this Sunday, April 11th at the Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st Street).

The cast includes Eddie Clendening (Elvis Presley), Lance Guest (Johnny Cash), Levi Kreis (Jerry Lee Lewis), Robert Britton Lyons (Carl Perkins), Hunter Foster (Sam Phillips) and Elizabeth Stanley (Dyanne).

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 actual event, 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, features a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, and was originally directed and conceived by Mutrux. The design team for Broadway 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, Broadway Across America, and James L. Nederlander.

For information about the Chicago production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, visit www.MillionDollarQuartetLive.com.

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

Tickets for MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET are available online www.TicketMaster.com, by calling 212-307-4100, or by visiting the Nederlander Box Office (208 West 41st Street).

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET's performance schedule is Tuesday at 8 PM, Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 7 PM. Matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2 PM and Sunday at 3 PM. Beginning Tuesday, April 13 the performance schedule will be Tuesday at 7PM, Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 7 PM. Matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2 PM and Sunday at 3 PM.

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