Million Dollar Quartet Gives Free Concert At Harold Washington Library

Currently in its third year at Chicago's Apollo Theater, the Tony-nominated musical Million Dollar Quartet has now surpassed 1000 performances and is extended through September 2011. The Chicago Public Library joins the celebration of that milestone by presenting a program featuring the cast of Million Dollar Quartet performing hit songs from the show. The free event takes place on Friday, May 20 at 12:15 p.m., in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium (Lower Level) at the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St.

Million Dollar Quartet is inspired by the famed, one-time-only recording session in 1956, at Sun Records studio in Memphis, Tennessee. The occasion brought together legendary rock 'n roll icons Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley at an early time in their careers. This event, initiated by Sam Phillips (aka the "Father of Rock 'n Roll") became known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time.

The cast of Million Dollar Quartet will perform some of the show's great rock 'n roll hits including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Hound Dog," "Great Balls of Fire," and more, as they recreate their characters in the Library's state-of-the-art auditorium. Cast members also will participate in a question and answer session about their roles, the music and the staged production.

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. The Broadway production of Million Dollar Quartet is now playing at the Nederlander Theatre. The Broadway production has garnered three Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Featured Actor in a Musical, which was awarded to Levi Kreis; three Drama League Award nominations; and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination. Million Dollar Quartet is also currently playing in London at the Noel Coward Theatre.

The Chicago Public Library continues to encourage lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment and knowledge through materials, programs and cutting-edge technology.

The Chicago Public Library is comprised of the Harold Washington Library Center, two regional libraries and more than 70 neighborhood branches. All locations provide free access to a rich collection of books, DVDs, audio books and music; the Internet and WiFi; newspapers and magazines; sophisticated research databases, many of which can be accessed from a home or office computer. Each location continues to serve as a cultural center, presenting the highest quality author discussions, exhibits and programs for children, teens and adults.

The Harold Washington Library Center, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library and Conrad Sulzer Regional Library are open 7 days a week, the branch libraries are open 6 days a week and patrons can access all of the Library's collections online 24 hours a day. For more information, please visit the website at chicagopubliclibrary.org or call the Chicago Public Library Press Office at (312) 747-4050.

 

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