#Million dollar quartet real wild child full#

Hale as Johnny Cash powerfully stares down the audience, ending the song in a characteristic snarl. Hale wears all black and displays Cash’s signature way of holding the guitar. He is able to execute the simplistic Cash style. Hale performs the first number, “Sixteen Tons,” and the performance is breathtaking. This number is just the first taste of an incredible performance by Benjamin D. Hale hit Cash’s low note, but he also beats it, venturing even chillingly deeper. Hale’s first solo, “Folsom Prison Blues,” I wondered if he would be able to hit the difficult low notes as Johnny Cash does in certain parts of the song, including the lyric, “on down to San Antone.” Not only does Benjamin D. As a huge Johnny Cash fan, I was skeptical as to whether I would be convinced, especially in consideration of Johnny Cash’s unique style. Hale as Johnny Cash affects the heart the most. While Smith takes MVP, vocally Benjamin D. Potter as Elvis Presley, Collin Summers as Carl Perkins, and David Smith as Jerry Lee Lewis. Numbers particularly worth mention are his opening number, “Real Wild Child,” and in his closing piece, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”

Overall, he has such a fantastic performance. While extreme expressiveness and silliness can sometimes be too much or too cheesy, Smith executes perfectly and effectively. Smith undoubtedly brings the best comedic aspect to the show. Even when Smith’s character is in the background of a scene, his expressiveness and his reactions to the action around him is magnetic. Smith brings such a staggering energy to the show. Key features include his exaggerated mannerisms, wild eyes and hair, and especially his vigorously amusing jam sessions at the piano. Smith’s interpretation of Lewis is compelling. David Paul Smith playing Jerry Lee Lewis steals the show. Hale Center Theater‘s cast and crew of Million Dollar Quartet offer accomplished acting, vocals, and execution. These tidbits chronicle the journey of the four superstars in discovering and developing their musical styles. Barlow’s character, Sam Phillips, narrates the fact that no rich man can write good rock and roll and that no Christian album is going to sell. The camaraderie is exemplified in the number, “Down by the Riverside.” This number is a fantastic harmony including the entire company. Likewise, the group shares a certain degree of straying from their Christian upbringing and the inability to find fame through wholesome gospel music.

#Million dollar quartet real wild child full#

The artists share similarities in background, each artists stemming from small farm towns in the south as well as a Christian upbringing full of gospel music. The show also imparts an intimate look at the highs and lows of fame, the politics of the record industry, and the volatility of success in music.

Additionally, each musician has a historically accurate personal journey the death of Johnny Cash’s brother and the fact that Jerry Lee Lewis has a second marriage before the end of his first marriage are included. One tribute is the price of gas being a whopping 25 cents per gallon. Million Dollar Quartet often pays tribute to the past with minute details.

Designed by Cole McClure, the set is a proper rendering of a 1950’s recording studio with a black and white checkered floor, a collection of musical instruments, and classic retro style mic stands. Then the set clears and each legend has his own introduction exhibited through the boisterous lens of Sun Records founder Sam Phillips (played by Blake Barlow). Opening with a rousing rendition of, “Blue Suede Shoes,” performed by the company, the show quickly hints to the nostalgic fun and entertainment to come.