"Million Dollar Quartet"
Meadow Brook Theatre
Rochester, Mich.
Through May 17, 2026
If one Elvis jukebox musical wasn’t enough this season, Meadow Brook Theatre’s “Million Dollar Quartet” is offering patrons another opportunity to hear a musical of Elvis tunes – plus a few others. The show, with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, features a slew of hits by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, as well as Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins in, essentially, a 90+-minute jam session. Directed by Travis Walter, it stars Tyler Michael Breeding as Elvis, Nathan Roberts as Johnny Cash, Alex Burnette as Jerry Lee Lewis and Sam C. Jones as Carl Perkins. Stephen Blackwell leads as Sun Records producer Sam Phillips.
The story was inspired by a real photo of the four taken at Sun Records in 1956 when the singers met and had an impromptu jam session – a dream concert for old-school rock ‘n’ roll fans. “Million Dollar Quartet” offers theatergoers a chance to be a fly on the wall.
The story tells the background of each of the singers – all of whom came from poor, rural Southern roots – and how they met Phillips, who subsequently started and nurtured their careers. Now that the singers have become successful – or are on the brink of doing so – complications regarding contracts and loyalty ensue.
But the musical is largely a rock concert, with songs played directly to the audience, as opposed to advancing the plot. The show features more than 20 of the singers’ greatest hits, including “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog,” “Walk the Line,” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” (Who knew it was originally a Perkins song?)
As Lewis, Burnette stole the show, capturing the charming, restless eccentricities of the singer. His live piano playing – which used all parts of his body – was particularly impressive and a natural extension of his character. From my limited Millennial experience, the actors captured the mannerisms and voices of the singers well (admittedly, I don’t know much about Perkins), made all the more convincing as they played their own instruments.
Blackwell’s Phillips was endearing, capturing a man at a crossroads, balancing his love for his music and singers with maintaining a successful career.
“Million Dollar Quartet” will hit hardest for old-school rock ‘n’ roll fans who enjoy hearing some of their favorite music live, watching iconic musicians return to life and learning some music history. And for those not as familiar with the singers, “Million Dollar Quartet” still offers a fun evening that will leave you dancing in the aisles.
