Chicago’s longest-running Broadway musical to close
With almost 3,000 performances and now in its eighth year in Chicago, Million Dollar Quartet, Chicago’s longest-running Broadway musical (our review ★★★½), is set to close this coming January. The Tony Award winning rock ‘n’ roll musical has been breaking box office records at the Apollo Theater, where it will be running for only twelve weeks more. (read more)
“When Million Dollar Quartet opened at the Goodman Theatre in 2008, we were hoping for the best for our 4-week run at the Owen. To quote Sam Philips, the Father of Rock ‘n’ Rock, ‘We’ve enjoyed success beyond our wildest imaginings,” comments producer Gigi Pritzker.
Eight years later, Million Dollar Quartet has decided on a final extension through January 2016, with current cast members Brandon Bennett and Robby Kipferl (Elvis Presley), Shaun Whitley and Kurt Jenkins (Carl Perkins), Colte Julian and Lance Lipinsky (Jerry Lee Lewis), Adam Lee (Johnny Cash), Andy Ahrens (Sam Phillips), Kelly Lamont (Dyanne), Chuck Zayas (Jay Perkins/Bass player) and Patrick Morrow (Fluke/Drummer). The Tony Award-winning musical is inspired by the famed 1956 recording session that brought together legendary rock ‘n’ roll icons Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley for the first and only time.
“We now look forward to the next chapter in Million Dollar Quartet’s history,” continues Pritzker. “It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Chicago.
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About the future of the show
Million Dollar Quartet continues to flourish in Las Vegas, Branson, and soon on Norwegian Cruise Lines. A new national touring company of Million Dollar Quartet kicked-off its fifth year of touring in early October, and will continue to more than 40 cities throughout the 2015-2016 season. An all-new production of Quartet, which opened to excellent reviews this past June at Welk Resort Theatre in Branson, MO, will play through December 31, 2015 and then reopen March 2016 through December 2016.
Norwegian Cruise Line will feature Million Dollar Quartet on board its largest ship ever, Norwegian Escape. Carrying 4,200 guests to tropical Caribbean destinations, Norwegian Escape will sail weekly seven-day cruises from her year-round homeport of Miami.
About “Million Dollar Quartet”
On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together. The place was Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ’n’ Roll,” who discovered them all. The four legends-to-be united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time.
Million Dollar Quartet features a treasure trove of the greatest rock ’n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits from these music legends, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” ”Great Balls of Fire,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” Whole Lotta’ Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Fever,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Hound Dog.” It captures the infectious spirit, freewheeling excitement and thrilling sounds of a singular moment when four of the music industry’s most extraordinary talents, all in their creative prime, came together for one of the most memorable nights in music history.
Directed by Eric Schaeffer and Floyd Mutrux, with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. Million Dollar Quartet is produced by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions and Northern Lights Inc.
Million Dollar Quartet had its world premiere at Florida’s Seaside Music Theatre, and was subsequently staged at the Village Theatre in Washington, breaking box office records. In Chicago, the production moved to the Apollo on November 5, 2008, following its sold-out, limited engagement at the Goodman’s Owen Theatre. The Broadway production garnered three Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Levi Kreis (winner); three Drama League Award nominations; and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination. Million Dollar Quartet is the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago’s history.
Tickets
Million Dollar Quartet tickets are on sale through January 2016. Tickets are available through the Apollo Theater box office, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave, (773) 935-6100. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster. Tickets start at $25. (Standard ticketing fees apply.) Rush student tickets for select performances (Wed-Fri and Sun evenings only) are available 2 hours prior to curtain at the box office with valid Student ID. Student rush tickets are subject to availability
Performances continue on Wednesdays at 2pm and 7:30pm, Thursdays 7:30pm, Fridays 8pm, Saturdays 5pm and 8pm, Sundays 3:30pm and 6:30pm.
Million Dollar Quartet is a 90-minute, family-friendly production. Audience members of all ages are invited to laugh, clap—and even dance—during the show.
For more show information, visit www.milliondollarquartetlive.com.
