Million Dollar Quartet: Lee Rocker begins his B'way debut

Lee Rocker, bassist and vocalist for the Grammy nominated band The Stray Cats, begins his Broadway debut on 21 Jan 2011 in the Million Dollar Quartet, playing 'Jay Perkins,' for 12 performances only, until 31 Jan 2011.

Rocker made his mark singing, playing, standing on, spinning and rocking his giant upright bass in the music group 'The Stray Cats.' Grammy-nominated, 'The Stray Cats' have sold nearly 10 million albums and garnered 23 gold and platinum certified records worldwide. Founded by Rocker, Brian Setzer, and Slim Jim Phantom, 'The Stray Cats' remain a radio staple, and were music video pioneers at the infancy of MTV.

Rocker will temporarily join the cast of Million Dollar Quartet while Corey Kaiser, who originated the role of 'Jay Perkins' on Broadway, takes a previously scheduled vacation. Kaiser will return to the production on 1 Feb 2011.

The show stars Eddie Clendening (Elvis Presley), Lance Guest (Johnny Cash), Levi Kreis (Jerry Lee Lewis), Robert Britton Lyons (Carl Perkins), Elizabeth Stanley (Dyanne) and James Moye (Sam Phillips)<.

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 15 May 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.