This holiday season, the four greatest rock n’ rollers in history are gathering at The Phoenix Theatre Company to give audiences an event to remember: the world premiere of Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. Great on their own but even better together, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley continue their story on stage Nov. 17, 2021, through Jan. 2, 2022.
The original Million Dollar Quartet musical gives audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most legendary musical experiences ever when Cash, Lewis, Perkins and Presley serendipitously meet and cut an impromptu record together at the birthplace of rock ‘n roll, Sun Records in Memphis, in December 1956. The new holiday-themed show picks up the next day.
Sun Records, now festively decorated with a Christmas tree, garland and mistletoe, rings with sounds of the season. The chart-toppers are up to their usual antics as they take audiences on a journey through stories of Christmas past, present and future.
“Whether you have seen the original Million Dollar Quartet or are intrigued by the holiday spin on the sequel, you will not be disappointed in this show,” said Scott Weinstein, director. “Audiences will be captivated by the remarkable talent of these performers and their ability to not only act and sing, but also play all their own instruments on stage.”
Weinstein has a warm connection to these characters. He served as the associate and resident director to Eric Schaeffer on the original production of Million Dollar Quartet. He also oversaw the Equity National Tour as well as Chicago and Las Vegas productions. Weinstein has directed Million Dollar Quartet at numerous regional theaters around the country, including several times at The Phoenix Theatre Company.
“I have been part of the Million Dollar Quartet family for nearly a decade and I am honored to be able to bring the next chapter of this remarkable story to the stage at The Phoenix Theatre Company,” Weinstein added. “This new show is about family and taking stock in our lives at the holidays, something I am sure many people will be doing this year, especially after the pandemic. I have no doubt audiences will love this heart-felt, nostalgic and energetic show, just as much as I do.”
Audiences will be humming along the whole time to classic rock n’ roll hits, plus a special selection of heartwarming holiday tunes, all done up in that unmistakable rockabilly style.
The Phoenix Theatre Company is presenting Million Dollar Quartet Christmas in partnership with Madison Wells Live, the producers of the original Broadway production of Million Dollar Quartet. The cast includes Gregg Hammer as Johnny Cash, JP Coletta as Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Sherwood as Carl Perkins, Daniel Durston as Elvis Presley and Kyle Sorrell as Sam Phillips.
Tickets for Million Dollar Quartet Christmas are on sale now. To purchase call (602) 254-2151 or visit www.phoenixtheatre.com.
At The Phoenix Theatre Company, masks are strongly encouraged. Upon arrival to regular shows, all patrons will undergo a mandatory temperature check. Seating is not socially distanced. Safety protocols will continue to be updated to ensure patron and staff comfort and wellbeing throughout the ongoing global pandemic. To provide patrons who would feel more comfortable in a fully masked environment with an opportunity to attend productions, the theatre has designated the following performances of Million Dollar Quartet Christmas as “Mask and Vaccination Required:” Saturday December 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
During these performances, masks and vaccines will be required for all patrons and staff in the lobby and theatres unless actively eating/drinking. No food or beverages will be allowed in the theatres. Patrons will still undergo the standard temp check at the door but also must show proof of vaccination at their time of entry into the theatre with their valid ticket. “Fully vaccinated” means the performance date must be at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Exceptions are being made for children under 12 and people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination. These guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within six hours of the performance start time.
The Phoenix Theatre Company is the largest professional regional theatre company in the state. As the first arts organization in Arizona and a founding member of the Central Arts District, The Phoenix Theatre Company is committed to advancing performing arts in the Valley with nearly 500 performances each year on multiple stages. Located at 1825 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix, The Phoenix Theatre Company’s mission is to create exceptional theatrical experiences by using the arts to articulate messages that inspire hope and understanding.
