Million Dollar Quartet is just about as close as you can get to rock ‘n’ roll heaven. Very loosely based on an actual event which occurred on December 4, 1956, it captures the moment when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis had an impromptu jam session in Memphis. Sam Phillips, famed impresario of Sun Records, staged and recorded the evening.

All four featured actors are extraordinary musicians. You need know nothing about the early rock era to fully enjoy this show. In fact, there might be a benefit to not having potent memories of the now iconic figures presented. For those of us who were forever intoxicated by early rock, it does take a little while for willing suspension of disbelief to take root. Because assuming the personal and musical identity of a Super Star is a daunting task.

Robert Britton Lyons has it easiest as Carl Perkins, who is now the least well known of the recording artists. Nowadays, he wouldn’t be picked out of a lineup if he were wearing a T-shirt that said “Carl Perkins” on it. But at one time, he was a big star. Who remembers that it was he, not Elvis, who wrote and originally recorded “Blue Suede Shoes?” And he won the gold record to prove it, too.

Oddly, with all the Elvis impersonators and “tribute artists” imitating The King, Eddie Clendening neither looks nor sings like Presley. What’s most lacking is the raw sexual appeal that made him nearly irresistible, and drove a generation of young girls into a frenzy. In addition, let’s face it, Elvis was staggeringly handsome, with the chiseled features of a Greek god. The essential drive and smolder is missing; the stage should light up when Elvis enters, and it just doesn’t. Clendening makes terrific rock music, but he’s simply not the boy from Tupelo whom we remember. But then, who is?

Vocally, Lance Guest couldn’t be more on target as Johnny Cash. The grainy growl, the world weariness, the specific phrasing are all just right. I do miss the lean and hungry look that forever branded Cash as a dirt poor depression era boy from Arkansas; but it’s not a deal breaker. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this show is the inclusion of little bits of information. The man we know as “Johnny” was supplied this name by Sam Phillips. His actual birth certificate listed him as “J.R,” which he later changed to “John R.” Most people who hear “I Walk The Line” assume it was written in reference to second wife June Carter. In fact, the song referred to his marriage to first wife, Vivian.

It took me a while to warm to Levi Kreis, who looks more like Harry Connick, Jr. than Jerry Lee Lewis. But he won me over with his charm and expert piano pounding. Lewis came so close to being a caricature of himself, nothing is over the top for any performer portraying him.

Added to this mix is a young singer who is Presley’s girlfriend, and known only as Dyanne. Elizabeth Stanley does such a great job with the role, my curiosity is piqued. Did Dyanne actually exist? Who was she? Stanley looks perfect for the time period, in a ginger wig, bright pink sheath dress, and matching open toed high heels. Her voice is terrific, and she has genuine charisma. I predict that a very successful career is in her future.

Holding all this together is the man himself, Sam Phillips. Whatever plot there is centers around him. Will he sell out and be bought body and soul by RCA? Will his clients stay true, or desert him? As always, Hunter Foster is impressive in the role, and sparks an interesting question. What would have happened if Phillips, who genuinely knew music and cared about his artists, would have guided Elvis Presley’s career at RCA? Would the Phillips influence have been enough to countermand the nefarious dealings of Presley manager Colonel Tom Parker?

It was a wise decision to keep the plot at a minimum. At the end of the day, this is a show about a bunch of young, raw, bad boys showing off for the girl, scrapping among themselves, and creating music that changed the world.

Rock on, guys. Rock on.

All Photos by Joan Marcus

Million Dollar Quartet
Nederlander Theatre
208 West 41st Street
212-307-4100, ticketmaster.com

Michall Jeffers is an accomplished Cultural Journalist. She writes extensively, both in print and online. Her eponymous cable TV show is syndicated throughout the tri-state area, and features celebrity interviews, reviews, and commentary. She is a voting member of Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, American Theatre Critics Association, International Association of Theatre Critics, Dance Critics Association, and National Book Critics Circle. michalljeffers@verizon.net. michalljeffers.com