Million Dollar Quartet – Reviews Round-up

A round-up of reviews for Million Dollar Quartet at the Noel Coward Theatre

Million Dollar Quartet is the hugely successful Broadway musical that has now made its way to the West End’s Noel Coward Theatre.

It tells the electrifying story of one night in 1956 when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis all came together to make music in the recording studio of Sun Records’ producer Sam Phillips.

The stars of the show, including Bill Ward as Sam Phillips, Ben Goddard as Jerry Lee Lewis, Derek Hagen as Johnny Cash, Robert Britton Lyons as Carl Perkins and Michael Malarkey as Elvis Presley, all get great notices from the critics, particularly Ben Goddard.

Whilst the book of the show comes in for some criticism, the music and performances more than makes up for it.

Read extracts of reviews, below, from the Times, Telegraph, Guardian, Independent and Evening Standard.

Book tickets to Million Dollar Quartet at the Noel Coward Theatre

Ben Goddard, Derek Hagen, Francesca Jackson, Robert Britton Lyons And Michael Malarkey Join Bill Ward In “Million Dollar Quartet” Performances Begin 8 February At The Noël Coward Theatre

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, the new West End musical that tells the electrifying story of the night in 1956 when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis came together to make music and ended up making history, will star Ben Goddard (Jerry Lee Lewis), Derek Hagen (Johnny Cash), Francesca Jackson (Dyanne), Robert Britton Lyons (Carl Perkins) and Michael Malarkey (Elvis Presley), joining the previously announced Bill Ward (Sam Phillips).

The full cast is confirmed as: Steven Bor, Justin Brett (Alternate Johnny Cash), Sharon Clancy, Matthew Empson (Jerry Lee Lewis at certain performances), Gez Gerrard (Jay Perkins), Ben Goddard (Jerry Lee Lewis), Derek Hagen (Johnny Cash), Francesca Jackson (Dyanne), Robert Britton Lyons (Carl Perkins), Kevin Mains (Elvis Presley at certain performances), Michael Malarkey (Elvis Presley), Adam Riley (Fluke), Oliver Seymour-Marsh (Carl Perkins at certain performances) and Bill Ward (Sam Phillips).

Robert Britton Lyons was a member of the original Broadway cast and is appearing with the support of UK Equity, incorporating the Variety Artistes’ Federation, pursuant to an exchange programme between American Equity and UK Equity.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET features over 20 classic hits including: Blue Suede Shoes, I Walk The Line, Fever, Great Balls of Fire, Hound Dog, Folsom Prison Blues and Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is directed by Eric Schaeffer, with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, and was originally directed and conceived by Floyd Mutrux. The creative team also includes: Derek McLane (scenic design), Jane Greenwood (costume design), Howell Binkley (lighting design), Kai Harada (sound design) and Chuck Mead (musical arrangements and supervision).

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is produced by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions, American Pop Anthology, John Gore, Thomas B. McGrath, Joseph Smith and Michael McCabe.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will open at London’s Noël Coward Theatre on 28 February 2011 with previews from 8 February 2011. Tickets are now on sale.

CAST INFORMATION

Bill Ward (Sam Phillips)

Bill Ward played ‘Charlie Stubbs’ in Coronation Street from 2003-2007, winning 2 British Soap Awards, 2 Inside Soap Awards and multiple award nominations including ‘Best Actor’. His recent theatre roles include ‘Sir Lancelot’ in Monty Python’s Spamalot in the West End; ‘Jimmy Porter’ in Look Back In Anger for Northern Stage; Ibsen’s The Lady From The Sea at the Manchester Royal Exchange and ‘Prospero’ in The Tempest for the Guildford Shakespeare Company. His numerous recent television appearances have included ‘Ruthless Rufus’ in Robin Hood (BBC1); ‘Rob Towler’ in The Bill (ITV1); Doctors (BBC1) and Cold Blood (ITV1).

Gez Gerrard (Jay Perkins, Bass)

Gez Gerrard has been playing Rockabilly music since he was sixteen years old. In that time he has toured, performed and recorded in venues all over the world (from Las Vegas to the West End). He is a singer, guitarist, bassist and blues harp player and has worked as a solo artist, bandleader and session musician.

Ben Goddard (Jerry Lee Lewis)

Ben Goddard played ‘Joe Gillis’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard and ‘Arnaud du Thil’ in Martin Guerre, both directed and staged by Craig Revel Horwood at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury. Sunset Boulevard transferred to the West End’s Comedy Theatre where it won 4 Olivier Award nominations including Best Company Performance.

Derek Hagen (Johnny Cash)

Derek Hagen’s London theatre credits include ENRON, directed by Rupert Goold; Carousel, directed by Lyndsay Posner; Gone With the Wind, directed by Trevor Nunn and Wonderful Town, at Grange Park Opera, directed by Anthony McDonald. His television and film appearances include: D-Da; Amazing Grace and The Tiger and the Snow.

Francesca Jackson (Dyanne)

Francesca Jackson starred as ‘Petra’ in A Little Night Music opposite Leslie Caron and Greta Scacchi at Le Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Her other theatre appearances include: Dreamboats and Petticoats (Playhouse Theatre and UK tour); Can’t Smile Without You and Tonight’s The Night (UK Tours). Francesca was one of the finalists in the BBC’s I’d Do Anything.

Robert Britton Lyons (Carl Perkins)

Robert Britton Lyons is making his West End debut in Million Dollar Quartet. He made his Broadway debut playing ‘Carl Perkins’ in Million Dollar Quartet at the Nederlander Theatre, the role he created and has played in all previous productions of the show. A singer-songwriter from Seattle, Rob has shared the stage with musicians including Pearl Jam; Harvey Danger; Santana and others.

Michael Malarkey (Elvis Presley)

Michael Malarkey is making his West End debut playing ‘Elvis Presley’ in Million Dollar Quartet. He was born in Beirut, Lebanon and raised in Yellow Springs, Ohio. He trained at LAMDA and made his professional stage debut in Laurie Sansom’s acclaimed productions of Eugene O’Neill’s Beyond The Horizon and Tennessee Williams’ Spring Storm at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton, which transferred to the National Theatre.

Adam Riley (Fluke, Drums)

Adam Riley has performed and recorded with an array of artists such as King Salsa; Cubana Bop; Tanita Tikaram and Down to the Bone. He also wrote and performed a duet for Gary Husband in the Rhythm Sticks Festival 2000. Adam’s television appearances include comedy series Bo Selecta as Craig David’s long-suffering drummer, ‘Colin’.

Steven Bor (u/s Carl Perkins)

Steven Bor has previously played ‘Buddy Holly’ on numerous occasions including Buddy Holly and the Cricketers (UK Tour) and Rave On: The Buddy Holly Story for Paul Elliott/P&O Aurora. He played ‘Brad’ in Hairspray (Shaftesbury Theatre) and was a member of the Supergroup on Don’t Stop Believing (Channel Five).

Justin Brett (Alternate Johnny Cash)

Justin Brett is making his West End debut in Million Dollar Quartet. His recent theatre appearances include Robin Hood (Theatr Clywd); ‘Dick Barton’ in Dick Barton Special Agent; ‘Captain Tempest’ in Return to the Forbidden Planet (Oldham Coliseum and Tour) and Blue/Orange (Octagon, Bolton), for which he was nominated ‘Best Actor’ at the 2006 MEN Awards. Television includes: Peep Show; Pulling and Gory Greek Gods. Films include: War Horse; Gulliver’s Travels and The Fallen.

Sharon Clancy (u/s Dyanne)

Sharon Clancy has appeared in numerous musicals including: The Blues Brothers; Over the Threshold; Grease; Tonight’s The Night; Zing Went The Strings, Mamma Mia!; Jesus Christ Superstar and Rent. Her many film and television appearances include: Doctors and Rekindled.

Matthew Empson (Jerry Lee Lewis at certain performances)

Matthew Empson is making his West End debut in Million Dollar Quartet. He began singing and playing piano at the age of eight and by fourteen he was playing solo sets in Jazz clubs. He soon formed his own band, joined several others and subsequently played in Las Vegas.

Kevin Mains (Elvis Presley at certain performances)

Kevin Mains is making his West End debut in Million Dollar Quartet. He trained at Langside College in Glasgow and his recent theatre credits include: Romeo and Juliet (Open Book Theatre); The Pillowman; The Lieutenant Of Inishmore; One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; Mary Queen Of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off and Sugar (XLC). Television includes: Zig Zag Love with Robert Carlyle; River City and How Do I Get Up There?

Oliver Seymour-Marsh (Carl Perkins at certain performances)

Oliver Seymour-Marsh is making his West End debut in Million Dollar Quartet. He starred as ‘Buddy Holly’ in Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story on UK national tour and also played the role for Moonlight Musicals in Lubbock, Texas. He has also starred in Dreamboats and Petticoats (UK tour) and made numerous appearances at the Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch including: Aladdin; The Mysterie of Maria Marten and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.

Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AU

Previews from: Tuesday 8 February 2011
Opening Night: Monday 28 February 2011
First booking period to: Saturday 1 October 2011

Release issued by: Amanda Malpass Media

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Million Dollar Quartet comes to London

The Tony Award-winning Broadway show Million Dollar Quartet is coming to the West End this February.

The show tells the electrifying story of the night that Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis all came together to make music, and ended up making history.

Million Dollar Quartet will open at the Noel Coward Theatre, currently home to Deathtrap starring Simon Russell-Beale and Jonathan Groff, on 28 February 2011, with previews from 8 February. Tickets go on sale on 4 December.

The musical is inspired by the actual event, that took place on 4 December 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis, when Sun Records’ founder Sam Phillips, who discovered all four of the musicians, masterminded the legendary meeting. Phillips brought Elvis Presley (and his then girlfriend) back to the recording studio that launched him to stardom, together with Sun Records’ fast-rising new superstar Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, who was still chasing his next big hit after writing and recording Blue Suede Shoes. The fourth member of this impromptu “quartet” was Phillips’ latest signing, Jerry Lee Lewis.

A story of fame, friendship, discovery, divided loyalties, professional jealousy and incredible music, the show features over 20 classic hits from a golden era of music including Blue Suede Shoes, Folsom Prison Blues, Fever, Memories Are Made Of This, That’s All Right, Down By The Riverside, Sixteen Tons, (There Will Be) Peace In The Valley, I Walk The Line, I Hear You Knocking, Great Balls Off Fire, Hound Dog, Riders In The Sky, See You Later Alligator and Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.

Currently playing on Broadway and in Chicago, the show will be directed by Tony Award-winner Eric Shaeffer (The Witches Of Eastwick) with a book by Tony Award nominees Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. Casting is to be announced.

LINKS

Book tickets to Million Dollar Quartet at the Noel Coward Theatre in London

Million Dollar Quartet tickets at the Noel Coward Theatre staring Bill Ward

The Tony Award-winning Broadway show Million Dollar Quartet comes to the West End telling the electrifying story of the night Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis came together to make music, and ended up making history.

Inspired by the actual event, that took place on 4 December 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis, this ecstatic and engaging musical is a story of fame, friendship, discovery, divided loyalties, professional jealousy and incredible music as four of the music industry’s most extraordinary talents, all in their creative prime, made music together for the first and only time in their careers.

The legendary meeting was masterminded by Sun Records’ founder Sam Phillips, who discovered all four of the musicians, and brought Elvis Presley (and his then girlfriend) back to the recording studio that launched him to stardom. Together with Sun Records’ fast-rising new superstar Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, who was still chasing his next big hit after writing and recording Blue Suede Shoes, the fourth member of this impromptu “quartet” was Phillips’ latest signing, Jerry Lee Lewis.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET features over 20 classic hits from a golden era of music including: Blue Suede Shoes, Folsom Prison Blues, Fever, Memories Are Made Of This, That’s All Right, Down By The Riverside, Sixteen Tons, (There Will Be) Peace In The Valley, I Walk The Line, I Hear You Knocking, Great Balls Off Fire, Hound Dog, Riders In The Sky, See You Later Alligator and Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.

Deathtrap – Save £13 on tickets

Save £13 on tickets to see DEATHTRAP at the Noel Coward Theatre in London

Deathtrap is the wickedly funny thriller that has enjoyed rave reviews at the Noel Coward Theatre in London for its stellar cast and ingeniously clever and hilariously twisted plot.

Ira Levin’s comic thriller stars acclaimed actor Simon Russell Beale as best-selling author Sidney Bruhl, alongside Jonathan Groff (Glee) as Clifford and Claire Skinner (Outnumbered) as his wife Myra. The cast also includes legendary American actress Estelle Parsons (Bonnie & Clyde) as Helga.

The play is directed by Matthew Warchus, who won a Tony award last year for his production of God of Carnage, and has recently directed La Bete at the Comedy Theatre and now on Broadway.

The 1978 thriller, which was made into a film starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve, sees good-looking young author Clifford turn up at Bruhl’s Connecticut home with a brilliant new stage thriller, at a time with Bruhl’s career has hit the skids. Much hilarious twisting and turning ensues.

Its author Ira Levin has written a number of celebrated screenplays and plays including The Stepford Wives, Rosemary’s Baby, The Boys from Brazil and A Kiss Before Dying.

Deathtrap is produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, producers of Brief Encounter, Equus and recent success Calendar Girls.

“Its brand of unapologetically giddy entertainment makes it sure to be a hit.” (Evening Standard)

Enjoy our special offer on stalls and dress circle tickets, and grand circle tickets for Monday to Friday evening performances and Wednesday and Saturday matinees.

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VIDEO: Deathtrap at the Noel Coward Theatre

Simon Russell Beale and Jonathan Groff star in London revival of Deathtrap.

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VIDEO

Deathtrap at the Noel Coward Theatre

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Avenue Q, Sister Act close tonight

The West End bids farewell to long-running shows Avenue Q and Sister Act tonight, 30 October 2010.

Patina Miller, Simon Webbe and Sally Dexter will perform for the last time tonight, Saturday 30 October, at the London Palladium as a packed house will cheer out Sister Act after 17 months in town.

The hit musical, based on the movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, opened on 2 June 2009 with Patina Miller as nightclub singer Deloris van Cartier and Sheila Hancock as Mother Superior. Whoopi Goldberg also played the role of Mother Superior for short stints in August and October this year, alongside regular Superior – Sally Dexter.

The show will vacate the Palladium leaving a three month gap before The Wizard of Oz opens at the theatre in February 2011.

Sister Act will move to Broadway following its London closure, with Broadway veteran Jerry Zaks (The Addams Family) taking the director helm. The show will open at the Broadway Theatre on 20 April 2011.

And over at the Wyndham’s Theatre, cult Broadway show Avenue Q will also bow out of London today, after opening on 1 June 2006 at the Noel Coward Theatre.

The musical had been scheduled to close at the Noel Coward in March 2009 but a surprise surge in bookings led producer Cameron Mackintosh to keep it going, transferring the show to the Gielgud Theatre. It made a further move to the Wyndham’s Theatre, its current home, in March this year.

The show won three Tony Awards on Broadway and continues to run off-Broadway in New York. The London cast saying farewell tonight include Delroy Atkinson, Cassidy Janson, Rachel Jerram, Sion Lloyd, Tom Parsons, Paul Spicer, Jacqueline Tate, Irene Alano-Rhodes, Alan Pearson, Amanda Posener, Jaygann Ayeh, Sam Harrison and Maria Lawson.

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Deathtrap and Free Dinner

Enjoy stalls or dress circle tickets to DEATHTRAP and a free pre or post theatre dinner for only £49.50

Deathtrap is the wickedly funny thriller that has enjoyed rave reviews at the Noel Coward Theatre in London for its stellar cast and ingeniously clever and hilariously twisted plot.

Ira Levin’s comic thriller stars acclaimed actor Simon Russell Beale as best-selling author Sidney Bruhl, alongside Jonathan Groff (Glee) as Clifford and Claire Skinner (Outnumbered) as his wife Myra. The cast also includes legendary American actress Estelle Parsons (Bonnie & Clyde) as Helga.

The play is directed by Matthew Warchus, who won a Tony award last year for his production of God of Carnage, and has recently directed La Bete at the Comedy Theatre and now on Broadway.

This is our first special offer on the show and provides a top price stalls or dress circle ticket to Deathtrap and a FREE, delicious two course Italian meal from the pre or post-theatre menu at Spaghetti House St. Martin’s Lane (just a 2 minute walk from the theatre).

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