You know how it goes..."One for the money, two for the show..."
If you take a gamble and journey this week downtown to Atlanta's Fox Theatre, not only will you hear these iconic words from Carl Perkins', "Blue Suede Shoes" but you will also enjoy a myriad of other classic rockabilly and early rock-and-roll songs sang and recorded by the legends you see pictured above (actual photo from 1956).
Songs such as, "Matchbox," "Shake, Rattle, and Roll, "Hound Dog," and "I Walk the Line" grace the Fox's stage this week as the play, "Million Dollar Quartet" (@Million$Quartet) hits the city of Atlanta.
In case you've missed any of my earlier posts, Million Dollar Quartet is the story of four of America's greatest and earliest rock-and-roll musicians (Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis) joining together for one fabled night -- December 4, 1956 -- in the famous Sun Records studio. All four stars were lured to the studio that iconic night by Sun Records founder and owner, Sam Phillips.
Sam was instrumental in discovering all four of these talents, giving them a chance when no one else would, and signing them to their very first recording contracts. If the story in this play holds true, all four of these men and Sam Phillips formed deep and respected bonds with each other. This was mostly due to the fact that Sam remained real and straight with each artist as their careers took off and skyrocketed while others around them seemed only to be pulling them in multiple directions and using them to make money.
The play chronicles that fabled night from the beginning to end, letting us hear the music these men were famous for and showcasing the relationships they had with each other and with Sam. It is such a great play. One of the best I have seen in a long while. It is funny and extremely entertaining. (Ben Goddard as Jerry Lee Lewis steals the show in my opinion.)
The play is about two hours long and has no intermission. So, take this into consideration before finding your seat. This play is suitable for children, but be warned, there are a few profanities. Nothing too harsh or to write home about, and I did see one or two children in attendance opening night.
One other thing I noticed about the crowd in attendance -- there were all types of people in the audience -- from all walks of life -- children, middle-aged people, seniors, gays, straights, rockers, hippies, women in full-length fur coats. This play is for everyone, because that's how music works -- it affects everyone, stripping away labels and social classes.
One final heads up -- don't leave after the curtain call. You are in for a very special treat. I won't spoil it here, and while I'm sure it's available on the internet, I'd rather keep the ending a secret so you can enjoy it fully and without premeditation.
I know I say this all the time, but my reviews are honest - so I will say it again -- if you have a chance, I encourage you to take your family to The Fox Theatre to see Million Dollar Quartet. Don't go expecting deep story lines or secrets revealed...
That's not what this play is about. It's about American history, American culture, and our country's rock-and-roll roots. It's about tapping your toes, nodding your head, clapping your hands, and singing out loud and along. Enjoy!
**********
The
national tour of the Broadway musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, inspired by
the electrifying true story, makes its Atlanta premiere now through March
12-17, 2013.
Ticket prices start at $33 and are available at the Fox Theatre box office, by visiting www.FoxAtlTix.com,
or
by calling 1-855-ATL-TIXX.
Group orders of 10 or more may be
placed by calling 404-881-2000.
*As a part of the Media, I do receive two (2) complementary tickets to each Broadway Across America production. However, these reviews are completely my own and are not biased or influenced by anyone.
