Million Dollar Quartet Celebrates One Year In Chicago 10/8-11/5

Million Dollar Quartet, which recently announced its spring plans for a Broadway production, proudly announces its one-year anniversary in Chicago. Million Dollar Quartet will host a month-long anniversary celebration, beginning with a free lunchtime concert in the Courtyard of Willis Towers on October 8, 2009, and culminating with a celebratory press performance on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at 7:30 p.m.

Million Dollar Quartet has recently been extended and tickets are currently on sale through January 3, 2010. The smash-hit musical, inspired by the famed 1956 recording session that brought together legendary rock ‘n' roll icons Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, plays at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Tickets are available at (773) 935-6100 or www.ticketmaster.com.

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 'n' Roll," who discovered them all. The four legends-to-be 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.

Featuring a treasure trove of the greatest rock 'n' roll, gospel, R&B and country hits from these music legends, including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Sixteen Tons," "Who Do You Love?," "Great Balls of Fire," "Riders in the Sky," 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. The production has recently added new, hit songs, including "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line," and "Hound Dog."

"We are thrilled to announce we are celebrating one year of performances in Chicago with no sign of slowing down," said Gigi Pritzker and John Cossette, co-producers of Million Dollar Quartet. "From the very first preview performance, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, exceeding our expectations and confirming our hopes."

Directed by Eric Schaeffer and Floyd Mutrux, with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. Million Dollar Quartet is produced by Relevant Theatricals and John Cossette Productions.

Million Dollar Quartet features a stellar group of performers, equally adept as musicians and actors. The Chicago production stars Levi Kreis as Jerry Lee Lewis; Lance Guest as Johnny Cash; Rob Lyons as Carl Perkins; and Eddie Clendening as Elvis Presley. Chicago's own Tim Decker plays the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll" Sam Phillips, and Chicago-based actress Kelly Lamont plays Elvis' girlfriend Dyanne.

Million Dollar Quartet had its world premiere at Florida's Seaside Music Theatre, and was subsequently staged at the Village Theatre in Washington, breaking box office records. In Chicago, the production moved to the Apollo on November 5, 2008, following its sold-out, limited engagement at the Goodman's Owen Theatre. Plans for a spring 2010 Broadway opening were recently announced.

TICKETS
Tickets to Million Dollar Quartet at the Apollo Theater are currently on sale and available through the Apollo Theater box office, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave, (773) 935-6100. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets for the regular run are $25-$70. Rush student tickets are available 2 hours before each performance for $20 with valid student ID.

The Apollo performance schedule is as follows: Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

For groups of 15 or more contact Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at 312-977-1710 or groupsales@broadwayinchicago.com.

FAMILY NIGHTS
Million Dollar Quartet will offer special family discounts at the 6:30 p.m. shows on Sundays, September 27, October 18 and November 15, 2009. Tickets to Million Dollar Quartet family nights are buy one, get one free. (One child under 17 will be admitted free with each adult ticket purchase.) The evenings will feature giveaways with special gifts from Million Dollar Quartet.

Million Dollar Quartet is a 90-minute, family-friendly production. Audience members of all ages are invited to laugh, clap-and even dance-during the show. Audience members are welcome to leave their seats at any time during the production to use the restrooms and purchase concessions.

For more show information, visit www.milliondollarquartetlive.com.