Review: Million Dollar Quartet At The Broward Center

BY SARAH SHARPE

Million Dollar Quartet kicked off the Fort Lauderdale Broadway Across America series this week, rocking the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on opening night, Tuesday, November 6th. The show is about the unlikely union of rock and roll legends Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. What did these guys have to do with one another, you might ask? Well, they all launched their careers at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee and were discovered by Mr. Sam Phillips. Even though they had this in common, they were only in the same room once in their lifetimes. On December 4th, 1956, Sam brought these boys together to make music history in one of the most famous impromptu jam sessions of all time, forever known as the Million Dollar Quartet.

I came into the show not really knowing what to expect. Would I be getting a concert? Would there be a plot line? Well, I’ll start out by saying that the show has a mix of both. The story behind the music is very interesting, but at the same time, if you’re just looking for a great night of rock ‘n’ roll, then I definitely recommend this show. There’s no orchestra pit in this show and the actors are actually playing the instruments on stage right in front of your eyes.

Martin Kaye is absolutely hysterical as Jerry Lee Lewis, but at the same time, is a powerhouse pounding out on the old ivories. The 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist, Cody Slaughter, plays none other than Elvis Presley. The physicality, the voice, the look, everything about Slaughter makes you believe you’re actually watching the “King of Rock ‘N’ Roll” himself. Lee Ferris is a rock star as the “Father of Rockabilly”, Carl Perkins. His character dynamic with Kaye is absolutely hilarious and his guitar playing is insane. The final member of the quartet, Johnny Cash, is played by Scott Moreau, who perfectly captures the essence of the legendary Cash.  His performance is nothing short of beautiful. And finally, the narrator of the show, the “Father of Rock ‘N’ Roll”, Sam Phillips, is played by Christopher Ryan Grant. His portrayal of Sam is incredible. You especially feel for him when the night takes a turn for the worse. Also, this guy has mad harmonica skills.

All in all, I was extremely impressed by this show. I did not expect it to be as fantastic as it was. It’s only playing until November 18th, so I suggest you get your tickets now. You can purchase two Student Rush tickets for $25 each starting two hours before the show at the Box Office. So, put on those “Blue Suede Shoes” and head on “Down by the Riverside” to catch the Million Dollar Quartet “Fever” at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. You’ll be glad you did!