BEVERLY — Starting this September, Bill Hanney’s award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) will present the smash-hit sensation “Million Dollar Quartet,” featuring the music of Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley. The jukebox musical will rock the NSMT stage from Tuesday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024.
“I am very excited to bring ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ to our audiences at North Shore Music Theatre,” Hanney said. “After collaborating with him previously at Theatre By The Sea, I am excited to welcome director and choreographer Greg Santos to NSMT to helm this high-voltage production. We have found an extraordinary cast of talented actor-musicians to bring to life this story of four music legends coming together for a rock ‘n’ roll jam session that audiences will not soon forget.”
Set on Dec. 4, 1956, when a twist of fate brought Cash, Lewis, Perkins, and Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever, “Million Dollar Quartet” brings that legendary December night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, and celebrations that is both poignant and funny. Audiences will relive the era with an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B, and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians. Showcased hit songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more.
The Tony Award-nominated musical features a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, based on an original concept by Mutrux and inspired by Presley, Cash, Lewis, and Perkins. “Million Dollar Quartet” is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
“Million Dollar Quartet” will star Noah Barnes as Presley, Blake Burgess as Cash, Brandon Fillette as Lewis, and Sam Sherwood as Perkins. Joining the quartet will be Joe Bentley (Brother Jay), Stephen Blauch (Fluke), Zach Cossman (Sam Phillips), and Hailie Lucille (Dyanne).
Completing the 12-member cast will be Jonathan Acorn as the offstage understudy for Lewis, Chris Coffey as the offstage understudy for Brother Jay and Fluke, Margaret Dudasik as the offstage understudy for Dyanne, and Chance Michael Wall as the offstage understudy for Presley, Perkins, Cash, and Phillips.
The creative team for “Million Dollar Quartet” includes Greg Santos (direction and choreography), Sam Sherwood (music direction), Kyle Dixon (scenic design), Travis M. Grant (original costume design), Jose Santiago (lighting design), Alex Berg (sound design), Rachel Padula-Shuflet (wig and hair design), Stephen MacDonald (production stage manager), Chance Michael Wall (assistant director), and Dakotah Wiley-Horan (assistant stage manager).
“Million Dollar Quartet” is produced for North Shore Music Theatre by Hanney (owner and producer), Kevin P. Hill (producing artistic director), and Matthew Chappell (associate producer and casting director).
Tickets for “Million Dollar Quartet” start at $70. Performances are Sept. 24 through Oct. 6, with evening performances on Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m. Kids ages 4 to 18 save 50% at all performances. $25 student rush tickets are available. Group rates are available when purchasing 10 or more tickets. For tickets and information, call (978) 232-7200, visit www.nsmt.org, or visit the box office in person at 54 Dunham Road, Beverly.
North Shore Music Theatre’s 2024 musical season will continue with “Titanic the Musical” (Oct. 29 – Nov. 10) and the 35th anniversary production of “A Christmas Carol,” starring David Coffee (Dec. 5 – 22).
