Photo Flash: Inside Opening Night of Marriott Theatre's MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

There's a whole lot of shakin' goin' on with the smash hit MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, running January 16 through March 16, 2019 with a press opening on January 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Inspired by a true story, this rockin' tribute is directed by James Moye, joined by Jeff Award-winning Musical Director Ryan T. Nelson. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET captures the contagious spirit, freewheeling excitement, and thrilling sounds of the once-in-a-lifetime event where four of music's best talents came together.

"Marriott's theatre in the round set up brings out a level of intimacy to this production unsurpassed in previous renditions," says James Moye. "Audiences will feel as though they are in the room at Sun Records jamming with these music legends, and we cannot wait for everyone to experience this truly unique night."

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is set on December 4, 1956, when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary December night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations that is both poignant and funny. Relive the era with the smash-hit sensation featuring an incredible score of rock 'n' roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians. Hit songs include: "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Walk the Line," "Sixteen Tons," "Who Do You Love?," "Great Balls of Fire," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Hound Dog," and more.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET stars Christopher J. Essex as "Johnny Cash," Rustin Cole Sailors as "Elvis Presley,"Shaun Whitley as "Carl Perkins," Nat Zegree as "Jerry Lee Lewis," David Folsom as "Sam Philips," Laura Savage as "Dyanne," Zach Lentino as "Brother Jay," and Kieran McCabe as "Fluke." The cast is understudied by Lexis Danca, Brian Grey, Colte Julian, Doug Pawlik, Jake Saleh, Anthony Scandora and Steven Romero Schaeffer.

The production will feature set design by Jeffrey D. Kmiec, costume design by Theresa Ham, lighting design by Jesse Klug, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, properties design by Sally Zack, hair and makeup design by Miguel A. Armstrong and musical supervision by Patti Garwood.

The performance schedule for MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Ticket prices range from $50 to $60, excluding tax and handling fees. Call for student, senior, and military discounts. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings there are a limited number of dinner-theatre packages available for purchase through the Marriott Theatre Box Office. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.