Review of Million Dollar Quartet at Geva Theatre Center

by June Santini

The latest entry into the trend of turning pop music nostalgia into a Broadway production has come to Rochester with toe-tapping, finger-snapping fun.

Million Dollar Quartet is a juke-box musical that depicts the real-life jam session with Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry-Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash which took place at Sun Records on December 4, 1956. The music, really the main reason to see the show, is fun. Solid performances of such well-known and well-loved hits such as "Blue Suede Shoes," "I Walk the Line," "Great Balls of Fire," and "Whole Lot of Shakin Going On" are enough to make you not notice that the story is a little thin. The minimal conflict in the story is really just a foil for more musical numbers.

John Michael Presney delivers a solid performance as Carl Perkins. His vocals are spot on. While you can’t really fault Trent Rowland as Elvis, this audience member may have been looking for a more inspired, more Elvis-impersonator-like experience. However, his rendition of "Hound Dog" was a highlight of the show and tons of fun.

Are you’re looking for a good time, like old-time rock and roll? Then go see this show!

Million Dollar Quarter runs through July 2 at GEVA. It's recommended for ages 10 and up. Click here for tickets.

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June Santini is Vice President of Operations at KidsOutandAbout.com.

Photos by Ken Huth.