Million Dollar Quartet to Play at Thompson Center 8/5

The cast of the smash-hit Million Dollar Quartet, Chicago's beloved 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, and throngs of excited music-lovers will rock the Thompson Center with a free concert on Friday, August 5 at noon. The stars of Million Dollar Quartet will draw crowds to the Thompson Center plaza, playing a 30-minute set of beloved hits including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Great Balls of Fire," and "Who Do You Love," among others. Governor Quinn is expected to attend.

WHEN: FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 AT NOON

WHERE: The Thompson Center Plaza
(Inside atrium in case of rain)

OTHER: On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at 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 songs ever recorded, Million Dollar Quartet captures the infectious spirit and thrilling sounds of a singular moment when four of the music industry's most extraordinary talents came together for one of the most memorable nights in music history.

Directed by Floyd Mutrux and Eric Schaeffer, with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, Million Dollar Quartet is produced by John Cossette Productions and Relevant Theatricals. The Chicago production of Million Dollar Quartet stars Shaun Whitley as Elvis Presley, Sean Sullivan as Johnny Cash; Lance Lipinsky as Jerry Lee Lewis; and Gabe Bowling as Carl Perkins. Kelly Lamont plays Elvis' girlfriend Dyanne and Tim Decker plays the "father of rock and roll" Sam Phillips. Billy Shaffer (drums) plays the role of Fluke and Chuck Zayas (bass) plays Jay Perkins.

Tickets to Million Dollar Quartet at the Apollo Theatre are currently on sale through December 31, 2011 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 are $25-$77.50. Rush student tickets are available for $20.

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