Welcome to Sun Studios, where one night, four future musical legends made history. Million Dollar Quartet tells their story and runs through May 17, 2026, at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.
We all have that one artist or band we wish we could have seen live. Can you imagine being in a room with the Father of Rockabilly, the King of Rock ‘n Roll, The Killer, and The Man in Black?
With a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux and the original concept and direction by Floyd Mutrux, Million Dollar Quartet is a snapshot of December 4, 1956, in Memphis Tennessee when record producer Sam Phillips (Stephen Blackwell) brought together Jerry Lee Lewis (Alex Burnette), Johnny Cash (Nathan Roberts), Carl Perkins (Sam C. Jones), and Elvis Presley (Tyler Michael Breeding) for an impromptu jam session at Sun Studios that would create one of the most memorable moments in music.
The moniker, ‘Million Dollar Quartet,’ is credited to Robert Johnson, an editor for the Memphis Press-Sinclair. He said the quartet could “sell a million.” In today’s currency, that would translate to over $10 million. While most of us know these musicians after they became seasoned performers, at the time of this session, Lewis and Elvis were just 21, Cash and Perkins were 24, and Sam Phillips was the ‘old man’ of the group at 33.
The show starts strong with a rousing rendition of “Blue Suede Shoes” with all four icons singing and ending the song in one of their signature poses.
This musical is as much Sam’s story as it is about the musicians. It is a journey. A family built out of nothing. Sam Phillips had a knack for finding and refining raw talent, turning them into stars and churning out hit records. He takes the risks big record labels won’t. Sam shoots straight from the hip. He’s honest, loyal, and expects the same in return. Blackwell’s thoughtful portrayal of Sam shows how hard he works and how much he cares. You are rooting for him to succeed against all odds.
Sam pulls something out of each of these musicians by showing them what makes them unique. When Sam first meets Elvis, he says, “We already have a Dean Martin. Why don’t you show me who Elvis Presley is?” Sam permits his artists to be themselves by celebrating their style.
And boy, do these musicians have style in spades.
Alex Burnette is a powder keg of energy as Jerry Lee Lewis. From start to finish, he portrays Lewis with so much swagger and confidence, it’s like he hasn’t slept in days and is being powered by 20 pots of high-octane coffee. Burnette is an absolute delight to watch in this role. As the newcomer of the group, Lewis is like the annoying kid brother mom said you had to let tag along, which irks Carl Perkins to no end.
Sam C. Jones plays Carl Perkins, the father of rockabilly and a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to music. He doesn’t see why his session needs a ‘two-bit piano player.’ Especially when his song “Blue Suede Shoes” reached number one on pop, R&B, and country charts. Jones plays Perkins in a steady, likable manner and is a wonderful complement to Lewis’ over-the-top antics.
As Johnny Cash, Nathan Roberts exudes a quiet strength that made Cash such an arresting figure. Somber and humble, Roberts reminds you of what made Cash so special, and when he hits those rich baritone notes, it sends shivers up your spine.
Rounding out the quartet is Tyler Michael Breeding as Elvis Presley. With a larger-than-life legacy, it’s easy to forget that Elvis was once young and trying to make his mark. Breeding’s honest portrayal of Elvis reminds us how pure and genuine his talent was. Joining Elvis at Sun Studios is his girlfriend at the time, Dyanne, played by Kasie Buono Roberts. What I loved about her character is that she’s not just there as arm candy. She is a singer in her own right and shows the fellas how it’s done on her solos “Fever” and “I Hear You Knockin’.”
Providing the backbone, backbeat, and comedic relief at this historic session are Chris Blisset (bass and harmonica), who plays Perkins’ older brother Jay, and Brady Jacot (drums) as Fluke.
Two of my favorite musical moments in Million Dollar Quartet come when Breeding, Burnette, Jones, and Roberts blended their voices in harmonic perfection on “Memories Are Made of This” and “Down By The Riverside.”
As I said earlier, Million Dollar Quartet is as much about family as it is about history-making music. And like all families, there are rivalries, jealousy, and a time when you have to leave the nest to spread your wings. Phillips is at a crossroads. Does he keep finding and nurturing underappreciated artists, or does he pack it all in and walk away?
This jam session is the swan song for some of the artists, too, and they all go out on a high note.
Million Dollar Quartet treats you to an evening of over 20 well-known hits that have stood the test of time, censors, and pearl clutchers. Proving that rock ‘n roll was never a fad, but a revolutionary expression of the human collective with these four musicians blazing the trail. Another reason this show is so electrifying is that Breeding, Burnette, Jones, Buono Roberts, and Roberts have been in numerous Million Dollar Quartet productions. They play their respective instruments impressively; their collaboration is tight, and their passion for the characters they bring to life is awe-inspiring.
The full-house audience on opening night agreed by giving them two standing ovations!! I heard one woman say it was the best $50 she’s ever spent. And if you’ve looked at concert ticket prices lately, you know that’s a great price for an evening of outstanding music. I promise you will leave the show in a great mood.
Million Dollar Quartet isn’t just a musical filled with memorable music. It is an intimate look into the origins of these men at the beginning of their careers. So, put on your “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Walk the Line” straight to see Million Dollar Quartet at Meadow Brook Theatre.
This performance runs for 100 minutes without an intermission.
MBT has given this production a rating for Middle School age and older.
Million Dollar Quartet is directed by Travis W. Walter, with Chris Blisset as music director. Scenic design is by Mia Irwin, costume design by Karen Kangas-Preston, assisted by Maya Van Noord, lighting design by Scott Ross, and sound design by Brendan Eaton. Brittanie Nichole Sicker is the stage manager, and Tobin Hissong is the assistant stage manager. Giacomo Fizzano, Leo Hellar, and Alexa Huss are the understudies for this production.
Tickets range from $40 to $48 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.Ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.
About Sarah Hovis