Dean Poling | The Valdosta Daily TimesJerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Dyanne and Carl Perkins (played by Ethan Ray Parker, Pat Constant, Michael R. Bradley, Quinn Tierney Vaira and Chance Michael Wall) sing 'Peace in the Valley' in Peach State Summer Theatre production of 'Million Dollar Quartet.' 

PLAY REVIEW

VALDOSTA — The trick of “Million Dollar Quartet” is the illusion of seeing rock legends as real people with extraordinary talents.

The show is not about impersonators, or finding actors who look exactly like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis or Carl Perkins.

Again, it’s about creating the illusion of being a fly on the wall as these stars gather for an evening in the mid 1950s in the studio of Sun Records.

With that in mind, Peach State Summer Theatre creates magic with its opening musical “Million Dollar Quartet.”

Hank Rion directs a powerfully intimate 100 minutes of theatre and musical revue. The lack of intermission means there is no interruption in the dramatic tensions of having such larger-than-life personalities in one room and the explosive musical release as they run through a catalog of their impressive hits.

The size of Sawyer Theatre enables the “you-are-there” intimacy, allowing the audience to feel as if they have a seat inside the studio.

The actors playing guitars and piano also empower the being-there vibe. The actors don’t necessarily look exactly like the stars they play but they capture the essence of them, empowering the illusion.

Chance Michael Wall plays Carl Perkins with a chip on his shoulder as he looks for a hit to follow his blockbuster, “Blue Suede Shoes.” Wall plays the lesser-known rocker with verve, especially in scenes where he trades barbs with Jerry Lee Lewis. Wall also plays a mean electric guitar.

Pat Constant plays Johnny Cash as a man who wants to record gospel but can only record rock at Sun, a Johnny Cash who has new plans for his future but is reluctant to share those plans with Sam Phillips, the man who owns Sun Records. Constant has a mighty bass voice that brings heft to his portrayal of the Man in Black.

Michael R. Bradley plays Elvis Presley. Bradley captures both the devil and angel that sounded side by side in Elvis’ voice. He reminds audiences why Presley was known as Elvis the Pelvis in the 1950s, capturing several of the King’s well-known stage moves.

Ethan Parker plays Jerry Lee Lewis. Playwrights Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux wrote “M$Q” as a show for Jerry Lee Lewis to steal and Parker does not disappoint. He captures the flamboyance of Lewis, the world-conquering and arrogant wit, as well as the bold flourish of piano moves of playing seated, standing, backwards, dancing and from the top of the upright.

Quinn Tierney Vaira plays Dyanne, Elvis’ date to the Sun Records get-together. She plays a singer who is not cowed by the fame gathered in the studio. She has several numbers where her voice and dance moves shine.

Chris Williams and Trent Harper play drums and bass, backing the rock & roll royals. They are a steady presence, creating the backbone of the music, throughout the show. 

Joe Mason plays the non-musical part of Sam Phillips. While Phillips doesn’t sing or play an instrument, he is key in telling the story and the dramatic crux as the show takes place as the kingdom he built is threatened with falling apart. Mason, who is also the show’s vocal director, holds it all together, adding to the intimacy and tension within the show. He tells a powerful story.

“Million Dollar Quartet” is a fun, foot-tapping show. While there are dramatic notes holding it all together, the hits keep coming throughout the show: “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Real Wild Child,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Fever,” “Long Tall Sally,” “Brown-Eyed Handsome Man,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog,” “Peace in the Valley,” etc.

Twenty-three full songs in all highlighting each performer and allowing them to play as an ensemble.

“Million Dollar Quartet” is a million-dollar evening of entertainment.

The review is based on the May 25 opening night performance.

Peach State Summer Theatre’s “Million Dollar Quartet” continues 2 p.m. Saturday, June 2, and 3 p.m. Sunday, June 3, as well as additional dates throughout mid-July, Sawyer Theatre, Valdosta State University Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. Additional PSST! shows include Disney’s “Newsies” opening June 8, and “Hello, Dolly!” opening June 22, with all three shows running in rotating repertory through mid-July. More information: Visit valdosta.edu/psst or call the box office, (229) 259-7770. Box office hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 1 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays.