Share and Follow
SAVANNAH, Ga. () — One night in 1956, musical history was made when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together for the most incredible jam session. That event– known as the Million Dollar Quartet – will soon come to life again at the Historic Savannah Theater.
The Tony Award-nominated show tells the mostly accurate story of what happened when these then-young performers (some details have been dramatized for entertainment purposes) came together at Sun Records studio in Memphis. Savannah Theater has put together a stellar cast and Zachary Tate – who was born and raised in Savannah – stars as Johnny Cash.
“I’m just so blessed to be able to do the show in Savannah, a town that I love with my whole heart. I think it’s going to be a great time for everybody. This is my first time music directing the show, so I’m excited to have a little bit more creative freedom in that regard with the music.”
First time as music director, but not his first time with ‘Million Dollar Quartet.’ This is his tenth production of the show, so he knows each character inside and out.
“I’ve done what’s called ‘swinging,’ which is when you cover multiple roles. I’ve portrayed Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley.”
Zachary says this show has something for everyone, whether you grew up listening to the Million Dollar Quarter or not. “I think [the show] for all ages, especially folks who were around when these guys were playing music and maybe got a chance to see Elvis or Johnny Cash in person and they want to relive that…to go back to their childhood and feel like a kid again. And then for younger folks who maybe aren’t as familiar with these musicians, I think there’s a lot for them too, because I know our lives have been just greatly moved by these artists.”
‘Million Dollar Quartet’ isn’t just actors singing songs. It is a true musical revue. Tate says, “You’re not just hearing the music. You’re learning the story of that fateful night in music history. “People are drawn to the big names like Elvis, Cash, Perkins and Lewis. But you get to know who Sam Phillips is too.” (Philips was the owner of Sun Records who brought the musicians together for the session.) “If Elvis is the king of rock and roll, Phillips is the father of rock and roll.”
As a Savannahian, it’s not lost on Tate how special it is bringing this show to the Historic Savannah Theater.
“This is the first time that I’ve gotten to work professionally here in Savannah. It’s awesome to be home, especially with such an awesome show.”
Get ready to sing and dance in the aisles at the Historic Savannah Theater when Zachary Tate and the talented cast of ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ take the stage beginning April 10th. Get your tickets here.
