When I booked tickets to see Tuacahn’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet”, I had no idea what to expect. I mean, I figured it would be an enjoyable evening out. I also figured my husband would like it more than I did. After all, he’s the more musical one of our little duo. Even still, I’ve always liked oldies music. My parents raised us up right with the Beach Boys, “At the Hop” and such as a regular part of our musical diet.
But I wasn’t prepared to like the show as much as I did.
From the opening scene the absolutely incredible musical talent taking over the stage at the indoor Hafen Theater at Tuacahn, left me with my mouth agape.
No really. There were several times I had to remind myself to close it.
We were definitely among the youngest in the crowd that night — something I imagine is pretty standard at a show featuring the music of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. My favorite overheard conversation during intermission featured the following: “Take your hearing aids out, then it won’t be so loud.”
But this music was definitely meant to be enjoyed by old and young alike, hearing aids or not.
I was pleased when I studied the program to see that the actors would be playing their own musical instruments. It makes sense, but you don’t always find actors who can also perform well on a particular instrument. Apparently I hadn't counted on the remarkable ability of Kavan Hashemian (Elvis), Benjamin Hale (Johnny Cash), Gabe Aronson (Jerry Lee Lewis) and Colin Summers (Carl Perkins).
As a side note, it was so fun to see Ben Hale — an old friend I hadn't expected to see — tearing it up as a very believable Johnny Cash.
The show kicked off with high energy “Blue Suede Shoes” and I was immediately hooked.
Let me just say: Jerry Lee Lewis (played by Gabe Aronson) was astounding. Awe-inspiring. His antics at the piano were positively astonishing. For a moment I wondered how the other actors/musicians would keep up. But I did not wonder for long. The four men of the quartet, as well as Sun Records owner Sam Phillips (played by John Gardiner) and the backup musicians each brought their own brand of vivacious energy and unbelievable talent to their respective roles.
Like I said, my jaw dropped more than once.
In addition to loads of fun, familiar music including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog,” “See You Later Alligator” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, the script was filled with little nuggets of musical history. It left me wondering which pieces were true. Did Carl Perkins really learn to play while working as a share cropper. Subsequent research left me to believe the majority of the pieces of history are accurate.
I loved the incorporation of Dyanne — the show’s lone female — whose voice was as strong as it was sultry. With the scales tipped against her in terms of gender representation in the show, Kyli Rae completely held her own.
I realize there are only a few dates left to see “Million Dollar Quartet” at Tuacahn. If I were you, I’d get on the phone right now to see if you can make it happen because you do not want to miss this show.
