The Southwest Florida Theatre Company presents Million Dollar Quartet from Jan. 28 through Feb. 14 at the Music & Arts Community Center (MACC) in Fort Myers. Million Dollar Quartet is a fictionalized retelling of the momentous occasion in music history when, on Dec. 4, 1956, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins – the eponymous Million Dollar Quartet – happened to be visiting the same Memphis recording studio at the same time. The four future legends recorded an impromptu jam session that would later inspire the musical, written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, which opened on Broadway in 2010. This jubilant jukebox musical features familiar favorites from the 1950s, spanning rock’n’roll, rhythm and blues, country and gospel, from “Great Balls of Fire” and “Blue Suede Shoes” to “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Hound Dog,” as well as the beloved spiritual, “Down by the Riverside.” “Audiences will love the nostalgia of this show and seeing the interactions of these musical legends who just serendipitously ended up in the same room together, ” says Julie Carver, Music Director of the Southwest Florida Theatre Company. “The cast is talented and energetic, and they all have experience in these iconic roles – and they’re not just acting and singing, they’re also playing an instrument.” While the show contains some mild adult language, Carver notes that it’s appropriate for children, adding, “This production has created multi-generational curiosity in these four music icons – it connects people of every age.” For show times and to purchase tickets for Million Dollar Quartet, call 239-277-1700 or visit MACCtickets.org. The Music & Arts Community Center is located off Daniels Parkway at 13411 Shire Lane in Fort Myers, Florida.
Cast and Creative team for Million Dollar Quartet at Music & Arts Community Center
Cast
Christopher Wren
Director
Christopher Wren is so happy to be back in the sunshine state directing a show that he started doing as an actor back in 2015 right here in Fort Myers, FL. Originally from Houston, he now resides in Chicago, IL, where he works as an actor, musician, and director. Prior to moving to Chicago, Christopher lived in New York City, where he attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy for musical theatre. Some past directorial credits include Million Dollar Quartet (Candlelight, Show Palace), Million Dollar Quartet Christmas (Candlelight), Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story (Suncoast Broadway), Ring of Fire (Show Palace), and Life Changes (The Secret Theatre NYC). When not acting or directing, you can find him performing rockabilly music in various tribute acts such as Under the Memphis Sun and A Rockin’ Memphis Christmas.
Jennifer Barnaba
Dyanne
Jennifer Barnaba is so happy to be back in sunny Florida for her 9th production of Million Dollar Quartet! Jennifer is originally from Ohio and enjoys playing piano, cross-stitching, befriending stray cats, and old-timey music. She and her husband, Steven Lasiter, have their own Johnny Cash & June Carter tribute show: Cash, Carter, & Company, and she is so pleased to be sharing the stage with him again. Her Fort Myers credits include: Million Dollar Quartet (Dyanne) – Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Elvis: A Musical Revolution – Broadway Palm. Other favorite credits include: Next to Normal (Natalie), Into the Woods (Cinderella), Footloose (Ariel), The Addams Family (Wednesday), Ring of Fire, Always…Patsy Cline, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, The Buddy Holly Story, Saturday Night Fever, and the Million Dollar Quartet National Tour.
Justin Bendel
Jay Perkins (bass)
Justin Bendel is in high demand as a performer and educator, becoming one of Pittsburgh’s most sought-after bassists. With 70+ musicals to his credit, he is no stranger to the eclectic music of Broadway. Most recently, he traveled to Japan with The Rave-Ons as the band’s bassist, thus marking his international debut. Previous engagements as Brother Jay in MDQ include: Aspen Theatre, Barter Theatre (Abingdon), Beef & Boards Dinner Theater (Indianapolis), Orpheum Theatre (National Tour), Hippodrome Theatre (Gainesville), and PCLO (Pittsburgh). Throughout his vast career, he has shared the stage with world-class artists ranging from Chris Thile, Yo-Yo Ma, Andrea Bocelli, The Moody Blues, Al Jarreau, Michael W. Smith, The Eagles, to the legendary Ray Charles, Elaine Stritch, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and fellow Pittsburgh native Billy Porter. Justin is endorsed by Lkland.
Tyler Breeding
Johnny Cash
Tyler Breeding is a born and raised small town Iowan actor / musician currently living in Branson, Missouri. Professionally, Tyler has had the privilege to perform all around the world, having recently traveled northern Europe and the Arctic singing onboard the Holland America Line ship, the Zuiderdam, and various theaters, parks, and casinos throughout the country. Some of his favorite theatrical experiences include playing Jimmy Ray in BRIGHT STAR, Burrs in THE WILD PARTY, Jesus in GODSPELL, and of course, Johnny Cash. Over the last 9 years, Tyler fell deep into the world of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET having played Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Elvis in 10+ productions of the show including the national tour and Branson productions, and Johnny Cash in the co-regional premiere of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS at Bucks County Playhouse directed by Hunter Foster. He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Illinois University. When not on stage, Tyler is often at the gym, or enjoying being a homebody in his peaceful community. He loves all things “nerdy” and can easily spend hours every day learning about obscure, niche subjects, and further diving into his favorite movies, shows, games, or music. Tyler is excited to perform with other MDQ friends and veterans from past productions, and would like to give special thanks and glory to God, for his blessings, guidance, and love.
Teddy Grey
Elvis Presley
Teddy Grey is a New York-based actor, musician, and writer. Notable credits include The British Invasion (National Tour), The Pretty Pants Bandit (Equity Showcase), and American Idiot (Masquerade Musical Theatre). Teddy is the writer, director, and star of the cult film Garfield: the Musical (A Garfield Parody), and the 54 Below cabaret show Teddy Grey Joins The 27 Club. He played the role of Jimmy in WildBrain’s YouTube Kids series The Ellie Sparkles Show. He also releases original music, fronting the power-pop band “Wifey.” You can find Teddy’s music under “Teddy Grey” or “Wifey” on Bandcamp and all streaming services. Special thanks to Jamie, his family, and friends.
Steve Lasiter
Carl Perkins
Steve Lasiter is happy to return to Southwest Florida for another round of MDQ with his beautiful wife Jennifer. Normally seen in the role of Johnny Cash for over 800 performances, he’s excited to put on some blue suede shoes and portray Mr. Perkins! He hails from Beaumont, TX, and has been performing professionally for over 20 years for anyone who would care to watch. Ft. Myers credits include Scotty Moore in Elvis: A Musical Revolution at the Broadway Palm, and Johnny Cash in Million Dollar Quartet at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Other favorites are Frank in Rocky Horror Show, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Hank Williams in Lost Highway, and Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story. If you find yourself near Denali National Park in Alaska, come by and see Steven and Jenn in their acoustic duo all summer long in Denali Square! Much love to my beautiful wife, Jennifer! Enjoy the show, and let’s rock and roll!
Mike Lucchetti
Fluke (drums)
hails from the Poconos, Pennsylvania, and has been touring professionally as a drummer since age 16. A music career that started off playing drums on Warped Tour, sharing the stage with notable artists such as Katy Perry, Paramore, Blink 182, and many other well-known acts, then led to musical theater, where he has performed copious amounts of shows in New York City and all across the USA, including Broadway National tours of Sweet Charity and Million Dollar Quartet. Mike is also a Guest Entertainer traveling the world aboard cruise ships with his band The Rave-Ons, a tribute to Buddy Holly and ’50s rock & roll.
Bear Manescalchi
Sam Phillips
is mighty honored to be producing these young talents as Sam Phillips, having recently been a more problematic producer as Phil Spector on The Tina Tour. Bear barbershopped as Jacey Squires in The Music Man with Gulf Coast Symphony in 2024. Other credits include many Frankie Valli’s in Jersey Boys, including the Broadway Palm Production, Seymour in Little Shop, Ogie in Waitress, Motel in Fiddler, Hector in Murder on the Orient Express, and Watson in Baskerville. He also sang and performed on Disney Cruise Line and at Universal Japan.
Mitchell Wiley
Jerry Lee Lewis
Mitchell Wiley, a native of Toledo, Ohio, grew up immersed in the arts. He recently received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Rider University, where he was given the ability to hone his craft. He was involved in many shows at the collegiate level, including Kiss Me Kate, Much Ado About Nothing, Anything Goes, and Nice Work If You Can Get It. Last summer, following his graduation, he performed at Tibbits Opera house playing Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet, and Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Besides performing, Mitchell can be found playing piano recreationally as well as for work, and also playwriting.
Nia Benn
Production Stage Manager
Nia Benn has over eight years of professional experience as a production stage manager and director in regional theatre, symphonic productions, tours, and educational programming. She is honored to return to Gulf Coast Symphony, where her previous Production Stage Management credits include West Side Story, The Music Man, Nunsense II, Route 66, Jerry’s Girls, and Murder for Two. Nia was recognized as the 2022 BIPOC Stage Manager of the Year and is known for her strong leadership, clear communication, and collaborative spirit. Her work spans both professional and youth-based productions, with a deep commitment to mentorship and artist development. In addition to her stage management career, Nia is the founder of Performing in Divine Purpose, an arts training initiative focused on empowering the next generation of performers. She is grateful to continue her work with Gulf Coast Symphony and is proud to be part of a company that values excellence, community, and storytelling.
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Music & Arts Community Center is at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, FL.
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