‘Million Dollar Quartet’ is must-see at Candlelight

The musical relives the famous day four rock ‘n’ roll legends came together

What happens when you put four of the most famous and revolutionary musicians together in one studio? Million Dollar Quartet tells this story of the famous day in December of 1956 when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis came together to create one incredible and unique night of music. It was the first and last time this union would happen.

Record producer Sam Phillips (Chas Lederer) converted an old gas station into Sun Studios where he discovered and recorded the famous rock ‘n’ rollers. This studio is the backdrop of our story and concert. Complete with a handful of strings, drums and Lewis’ piano, these boys are ready to rock.

Indeed, each expertly cast player sings and plays their own instruments, making me wonder where else I can see this musical talent in Northern Colorado — surely they must also play in some local bands. They are each that good.

Throughout the full concert of 22 songs, or parts of them, Phillips tells the story of how he met and discovered each of the four members of the Million Dollar Quartet. Then he tells us how he lost them to bigger record companies. All of this leads up to how the four musicians ended up at Sun Studios (or perhaps how Phillips orchestrated this reunion) to jam together for one remarkable night.

Lewis (Wyatt Andrew Brownell) was a crowd favorite with his Louisiana charm and ever optimistic and enthusiastic (though clearly warranted, we now know) faith in his burgeoning career. I mean this kid played the piano with his feet and butt — and well, I might add. Lewis’ appearance at Sun Studios is Phillips’ last hope after Presley (Jesse Plourde) left him and Perkins (Tarif Pappu) hasn’t had a hit since Elvis “stole” “Blue Suede Shoes” (I did not know that either!)

Steven Lasiter, as Johnny Cash, is just as dreamy if not more so than the real Cash, with his deep voice and Arkansas drawl. It is clear, that he, along with all the other players, studied their characters intensively and have the moves to prove it. But seriously, they all also had the voices and musical skills to easily transport you to that magical time in the ’50s when rock ‘n’ roll was just beginning to make fans faint.

Million Dollar Quartet taught me so much about this time in history and maybe even helped me understand my musical preferences. The first show of the Season 16 at Candlelight is sure to get you on your feet and shaking to the music of the ’50s. Including huge hits like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Great Balls of Fire,” it’s a good thing audience participation is encouraged — it might even be mandatory, if you ask the King.