In today’s music industry, where songs often boast duets or "featuring" of massive stars on each other’s songs, it doesn’t seem as big of a deal to have superstars collaborating or jamming together. In another era however, it was often unheard of. On December 4^th, 1956 Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and a then unknown Jerry Lee Lewis ended up at Memphis’ Sun Studios by accident. The four ended up jamming together, but the tracks were not released until decades later. The recordings were dubbed the Million Dollar Quartet. In 2010 a musical based on what may have happened that night debuted, and now Stage West features its own production running until November 13th.

The story starts with Carl Perkins (Tyler Check), still working to create another hit after success with Blue Suede Shoes, coming in to record songs with a new performer - Jerry Lee Lewis (Gerrad Everard). Elvis Presley (Matt Cage) stops by the studio along with his girlfriend, a singer named Dyanne (Laura Mae Nason) (at the real session, Elvis' girlfriend was a dancer, Marilyn Evans.) Johnny Cash (Maxwell Theodore Lebeuf) has stopped by to talk to recording impresario Sam Philips (J. Sean Elliot). They soon have a jam session together.

There are multiple aspects to what makes the show special. First are the obvious – a long list of instantly recognizable songs like Great Balls of Fire, Folsom Prison Blues and Hound Dog – just to name a few. There is seeing iconic performers brought to life on stage and the knowledge that this moment (although dramatized) did happen and was something special. There is more behind the scenes however. Million Dollar Quarter marks the return to Stage West of Gerrad Evarard for the first time in seven years. He captures the frantic energy of Jerry Lee Lewis perfectly, including the trademark playing piano backwards – no easy feat. The fact that his real life wife is Laura Mae Nason and their adorable baby Elliot are with him shows how supportive Stage West is of working theatre families – baby Elliot is watched backstage while Mom and Dad are working. Another Elliot – that being J. Sean Elliot as Sam Philips – is a staple of Stage West both on stage and as a director of multiple shows. Matt Cage has a successful career in Vegas and around the world as an Elvis tribute performer. There is some real firepower in the cast.

The veterans are balanced out by two relative newcomers and young talents in Tyler Check and Maxwell Theodore Lebeuf. Lebeuf especially makes his professional theatre debut in this production and it is evident he is a quick study. Subtle things in the way Cash performed, spoke, and played guitar are all captured brilliantly. Check has the task of portraying Perkins, who has the least "larger than life" personality or trademarks of the 4 main performers but he is absolutely awesome in the role. Stage West has long had an eye for talent, and these two young men have an incredible future in front of them. The cast is rounded out by Zachary Knowles as bassist Jay Perkins and Scott Carmichael as Fluke on drums.

From the story to the songs to the performances, Stage West’s Million Dollar Quartet is a fantastic example of what great talent can do with a show. These legends are brought to life not only through song, but as human beings. There are some genuinely emotional moments amidst everything. It’s a remarkable show that is worth going out of your way to see.