Million Dollar Quartet Reviews

Daily Herald - Highly Recommended

"...Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin's exclamation at the conclusion of Stolp Island Theatre's inaugural production of "Million Dollar Quartet" summarized perfectly the press preview audience's rapturous response to this irresistible celebration of rock 'n' roll in all its raw, primal, original glory."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...There are over two dozen works of music. Music that will bring back many memories for those who were alive in the 1950's. I know I knew the words to about 75% of them. The music and the guys bringing the quartet to life are what makes this special. Of course, Sam Phillips ( deftly handled by Sam Pearson) is a major player as he leads us through that eventful night. We first meet Carl Perkins (Christopher Wren) who is known for "Blue Suede Shoes" and yet it was Elvis Presley ( a dynamic performance by Alex Swindle) who got to sing it on Ed Sullivan's "Your Show of Shows" on CBS. These are two of Sam's "boys" and then a newcomer shows up- one Jerry Lee Lewis ( Garrett Forrestal is uniquely perfect in this role), a young piano player who does things with a piano that no one ever thought could be done. Last but not least, Johnny Cash ( Bill Scott Sheets- if you close your eyes, you will swear that Cash is in the room)."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...This musical marks a stupendous beginning to the Paramount Theatre season. Even program is creative and fun! Stolp Island is a sparkling new venue that'll undoubtedly continue to be an important part of the ever-growing quality of entertainment events. Their inaugural production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is a polished, professionally performed show that's also a warm tribute to four of America's best loved musicians. Presented in an intimate and immersive setting, and featuring a cast of gifted, multitalented performers, this classic reminds us that "Memories Are Made of This.""

Chicago Culture Authority - Highly Recommended

"...Hard on the bank of the Fox River, the intimate Stolp Island Theatre is the latest Paramount Theatre venue to open in downtown Aurora and it looks like a million bucks. Which is only fitting, since it opened Saturday night with a raucous, richly entertaining production of Million Dollar Quartet, the musical dramatizing the December night in 1956 when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis gathered together in Memphis' Sun Studio for the first and only time."

BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended

"...Directors Jim Corti and Creg Sclavi have created an amazing night of theatre not to be missed. Music director/supervisor Kory Danielson has presented these classic rock and roll songs in the way they should be heard. Jeffrey D. Kmiec, scenic designer, along with Jonathan Berg-Einhorn, properties designer, have time warped us back to 1956. Be sure to look carefully at the set."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...The cast is just about perfect in terms of both musicianship and resemblance to the original musicians. As Cash, Sheets has a voice as deep as a well. He mimics Cash's self-possessed bearing-it's fun to see him casually tuck a dollar bill into his guitar strings to get the shuffle sound on "I Walk the Line." As Lewis, Forrestal is so absurdly good-looking that it's unfair that he can also play the piano so well."