Million Dollar Quartet to play at the Nederlander Theatre

Million Dollar Quartet to play at the Nederlander Theatre Million Dollar Quartet, the new musical inspired by the famed 1956 recording session that brought together four legendary figures in the history of rock 'n' roll - Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley - will open at Broadway's Nederlander Theatre in April 2010, following previews from 13 Mar. Directed by Eric Schaeffer, with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, Million Dollar Quartet is produced by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions, Northern Lights Inc., Broadway Across America, and James L. Nederlander. Casting for Broadway to be announced. Million Dollar Quartet: On 4 Dec 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. Featuring a treasure trove of the greatest rock 'n' roll, gospel, R&B and country hits from these music legends, 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.' Million Dollar Quartet captures a 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. 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. The Chicago production stars Lance Guest as 'Johnny Cash,' Levi Kreis as 'Jerry Lee Lewis,' Rob Lyons as 'Carl Perkins,' Eddie Glendening as 'Elvis Presley' Brian McCaskill as 'Sam Phillips' and Kelly Lamont as 'Dyanne.' Here's what the Chicago critics had to say about the musical following the 5 Oct 2008 opening at the Goodman's Owen Theatre. "Great balls of fire! Here's a hit. A palpable hit. Virtuosic performances. The kind of jaw-dropping turns that snap your head to the stage and unlock your feet from the floor." Chris Jones Chicago Tribune "Musically dazzling, rhythmically propulsive. An altogether rollicking 90-minute fantasia performed with rip-roaring virtuosity by sensational performers. There is a whole lotta rockin' goin' on here." Hedy Weiss Chicago Sun Times "The most exuberant theatrical event I've experienced all year There's a poignancy to the show which marks not just the birth of rock 'n' roll, but the end of an era There's nothing like it on stage in Chicago right now, and that's saying something." Barbara Vitello Herald News "This is a show that's all about the music. This group sounds great together. They do rock the house." Steven Oxman Variety Eric Schaeffer (Director) is the co-founder and artistic director of the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, where his work has been honored with the 2009 Tony Award for Regional Theatre Excellence as well as numerous Helen Hayes Awards including Outstanding Direction. He directed 'Putting it Together' and 'Glory Days' on Broadway, the first national tour of 'big, The Musical,' and the West End debut of 'The Witches of Eastwick.' He also served as artistic director for the Kennedy Center's Sondheim Celebration. Floyd Mutrux (Co-bookwriter) has written, directed or produced numerous films, including the 'Hot Wax,' 'Dick Tracy' and 'Mulholland Falls.' Colin Escott (Co-bookwriter) is a noted music historian and the author of numerous books including 'Good Rockin' Tonight - Sun Records and the Birth of Rock 'n' Roll.' Escott was awarded a Grammy for producing 'The Complete Hank Williams,' and was nominated for a Grammy for producing 'B.B. King - King of the Blues.'