Review: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, The Barn Theatre Cirencester
Alex Tabrizi
Million Dollar Quartet returns to the Barn Theatre and it's easy to see why audiences continue to flock back. Based on the legendary recording session that took place at Sun Records in Memphis on 4 December 1956, the musical imagines the night Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley found themselves together in the same studio, creating a moment that would become part of rock ‘n’ roll history.
What becomes immediately apparent is just how deeply this music has embedded itself into popular culture. Beyond the obvious chart-topping classics, many of the songs feel instantly familiar, creating a powerful sense of nostalgia even for those who may not realise quite how many of these tracks have formed the soundtrack to their lives.
Darren Day opens the show with confidence and charisma as record producer Sam Phillips, effortlessly guiding the audience through the story whilst providing context for the historic gathering. His natural stage presence immediately puts the audience at ease and he even handles some unexpected audience participation with impressive humour and professionalism, earning plenty of laughs along the way.
The production's greatest strength lies in its cast. Every performer is an accomplished actor-musician, seamlessly combining acting, singing and live musicianship throughout the show. Joe Bence's Jerry Lee Lewis is a particular standout, bursting with infectious energy and delivering some of the evening's most exhilarating moments from behind the piano. Chris Erasmus brings a cool, understated confidence to Johnny Cash, while Connor Payne's Elvis Presley and Joey Bradick's Carl Perkins complete a formidable quartet. There isn't a weak link amongst the company, with each performer demonstrating remarkable stamina and skill as they sing, act and play live instruments throughout the evening.
Jonathan O'Boyle's direction keeps the pace moving smoothly, while Libby Watson's set and costume design effectively transports the audience back to 1950s Memphis. The intimate recording studio setting allows the relationships between the characters and the music itself to take centre stage.
The show's final section transforms the theatre into something closer to a live concert. Following the curtain call, the cast launch into a celebratory encore packed with some of the biggest hits of the evening. Audience members are soon on their feet, singing, clapping and dancing along. The cast throw every ounce of energy into the performance and the joy radiating from the stage is palpable. Their enthusiasm proves infectious, creating a genuinely uplifting atmosphere that leaves the audience buzzing long after the final note.
Packed with outstanding musicianship, timeless songs and a cast operating at the top of their game, Million Dollar Quartet delivers a hugely entertaining celebration of one of music's most legendary nights.
**** Four Stars
Reviewed by Tara Whenray
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