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| From left: Nick Kenrick, Tarif Pappu, Michael Perrie Jr., Sammi Hildebrandt and Sam C. Jones. (Photo by Mark Kitaoka & Tracy Martin) |
“Million Dollar Quartet,” presented by Broadway By
the Bay, tells how Carl Perkins (Tarif Pappu), Johnny Cash (Michael Perrie
Jr.), Jerry Lee Lewis (Nick Kenrick) and Elvis Presley (Sam C. Jones) belted
out one hit after another.
Sam Phillips (Rich Matli), founder of Sun Records,
was hoping to have them under contract to keep them away from rival Columbia
Records.
The plot by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux is fairly
thin, but it’s secondary to the music.
In a mere 95 minutes without intermission, the
audience is treated to such hits as “Blue Suede Shoes,” written by Perkins but
appropriated by Presley; “Memories Are Made of This,” “Down by the Riverside,”
“Long Tall Sally,” “Hound Dog” and “See You Later Alligator.”
Although all four singers are terrific, Perrie
stands out as Cash in “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Sixteen Tons,” “I Walk the Line”
and “Ghost Riders in the Sky.”
Reprising his role from the Palo Alto Players
production in September (as do Pappu as
Perkins and Daniel Murguia on bass), Kenrick as Lewis is a terrific, athletic
pianist. He showcases his skills in “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta
Shakin’ Goin’ On.”
Sammi Hildebrandt as Dyanne, Elvis’ girlfriend, adds
heat with “Fever” and “I Hear You Knocking.”
While Kenrick plays piano, the other three men play
some mean guitar. They’re backed by Lane Sanders on drums and Murguia on bass.
Audience members who remember these hits will
probably be tempted to sing or hum along. The younger set will undoubtedly be
enthralled by the songs’ sheer energy and power. All will likely tap their toes
to the infectious rhythms.
Director and music director Alicia Jeffrey keeps
everything moving smoothly. She’s aided by Kelly James Tighe’s set, Aaron
Spivey’s lighting, Karina Chavarin’s costumes and Jon Hayward’s sound.
“Million Dollar Quartet” will continue through June
24 at the Fox Theater, 2215 Broadway St., Redwood City.
