Million Dollar Quartet: Jared Mason to play Jerry Lee Lewis

Jared Mason will play Jerry Lee Lewis from 15 Mar 2011 in in the Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet, assuming the role from original cast member Levi Kreis.

Mason is currently playing the role of 'Carl Perkins' in the Million Dollar Quartet. He is an original Broadway cast member, having understudied the roles of 'Lewis' and 'Perkins.' In addition, he is an award-winning instrumentalist and composer and has appeared in national and international tours of 'Stomp.'

Tony Award winner Levi Kreis will play his final performance with the show on 13 Mar 2011. Kreis created the role of 'Jerry Lee Lewis' on Broadway and in Chicago.

Million Dollar Quartet currently stars Eddie Clendening (Elvis Presley), Lance Guest (Johnny Cash), Levi Kreis (Jerry Lee Lewis), Jared Mason (Carl Perkins), Elizabeth Stanley (Dyanne) and James Moye (Sam Phillips).

Million Dollar Quartet: 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.

The show is about the 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.

Inspired by the actual event, Million Dollar Quartet featuressome of the greatest rock and roll, gospel, R&B and country hits from these musicians, including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Sixteen Tons," "Who Do You Love?," "Great Balls of Fire," "Riders in the Sky," "I Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On."

The show opened at Broadway's Nederlander Theatre on 11 Apr 2010, following previews from 11 Apr, where it is currently booking through to 3 Apr 2011.

The musical opened to mixed reviews: There's a lot to like (NY Times); You're better off staying home (USA Today); Packs a joyous wallop (The Record); Wildly entertaining show (The Hollywood Reporter).

Million Dollar Quartet is currently playing at Chicago's Goodman's Owen Theatre, where it opened on 5 Oct 2008. The show recieved three nominations for Jeff Awards, including Best Production of a Musical (Large) and Best Ensemble.

Million Dollar Quartet is directed by Eric Schaeffer, features a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, and was originally directed and conceived by Mutrux.

The design team for Broadway includes: Derek McLane (scenic design), Howell Binkley (lighting design), Jane Greenwood (costume design), Kai Harada (sound design) and Chuck Mead (musical arrangements and supervision).

The musical is produced by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions, Northern Lights Inc., Broadway Across America, and James L. Nederlander.