IVINS — The joy of live theatre is often discoveries. I might see an actor for whom I have a new-found appreciation, a design choice I couldn’t have conceived, or a story device that tickles my brain in just such a way. Sometimes, it’s a piece of trivia; like the discovery I made during Tuacahn’s production of Million Dollar Quartet, with book by Colin Escott and Floyd Murtix, that Elvis Presley unfairly gets credit for the song “Blue Suede Shoes” which is actually a Carl Perkins creation. The more you know.
Overview
Like many Jukebox Musicals, Quartet tells the story of real people using their own music. It focuses on a singular day in history that deeply impacted the life of Sam Phillips, known by many as a central figure in the formation of Rock ‘n Roll. Phillips is the founder of Sun Records who discovered and first distributed the talented musicians Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis. On December 4, 1956 the four gathered at Sun Records in what would turn out to be a historic jam session and a day of transition for all. This show has many compelling elements, but the main draw is the actors playing iconic figures.
Acting
Playing a true representation of a historical figure requires a unique blend of authenticity and artistry. Elvis impersonators for decades have modeled the King’s iconic hair do, various famous costumes and is bluesy vocals. Sean Buckley was tasked with that in this production and channeled a young, fun version of Elvis. Buckley’s footwork was particularly notable as he had a bouncy and graceful sway to the King’s gait and dance moves. As he stood on tip toes and crooned, his knee bend was fluid and iconic in the way that may have made some of the show’s more senior patrons swoon during Elvis’ heyday. His voice was strong and Buckley made the King vulnerable and engaging.
Michael Potter played Johnny Cash and was instantly recognizable with his chest-height guitar hold that emulated the Man in Black’s signature boom-chick style. Potter was surly, solemn and brought the quiet emotional complexity the character needed. Potter made the discussion about leaving Sun records filled with regret, and he carried that soulful nature into his excellent vocal performances, especially “I Walk the Line” and “Sixteen Tons.” Listening to recordings after the show, I felt that Potter, who has an extensive background performing as this man, somehow played Cash more accurately than Cash himself.
Colin Sumners brought an edge and bitterness to Carl Perkins that was perfect. Sumners was the most compelling guitar player to watch of the three and his saltiness was just right for Perkins at that stage of his career. Though taller than the others, his sulking made Perkins wilt when necessary in a way that was always compelling.
The wildcard of the cast was Ian Fairlee who played Johnny Lee Lewis. Fairlee’s skill and flair on the keys was jaw dropping and at times hilarious. Along with Two Pianos, Four Hands this season, it’s one of the most exhilarating live music performances I’ve seen on stage. Fairlee was the crass, kooky counterpart to the more grounded other three and his contrast elevated the play’s relatively low stakes and sometimes overly serious moments.
The show’s protagonist, Sam Phillips, was played by Luke Darnell. Darnell made Phillips both sympathetic and somewhat disillusioned with the business. This tracks as Phillips eventually sold Sun Records and was eventually almost entirely out of the music business in his later life. Darnell’s character was central, and he was able to convey the disappointment, and even rage, of Phillips with a reasonably even-keel that played with the other character’s mellower performances. Sarah Ellis played Elvis’ fictionalized girlfriend known in the show simply as Dyanne. Ellis had a couple of solos including “Fever” and brought a sultry air to the piece as she flirted with the various members of the cast. Ellis had dynamic chemistry with each actor but her role didn’t add much to the story.
Live Musicians
The show also featured local Utah talent Isaac Ericksen, (Brother Jay), and noted musician David Sonneborn, (Fluke), as live players of the upright bass and drums, respectively. Both were exceptional, adding to tonal underscoring, and accompanying the focal performers throughout the show. Ericksen was particularly fun playing the bass upright, upside down, on his back, and with as many techniques as the show demanded. The live music they brought was an exceptional part of the production and Sonneborn’s musical direction was a highlight from start to finish.
Design & Tech
The show’s technical elements deliver across the board. Large hanging flats show the studio’s interior, exterior and reveal a rock concert lighting rig during the show’s several encore numbers. Costume Coordination from Faith Brown and Hair/Makeup design from Annie Hardt checked all the boxes to tell the visual story the audience expects. Lighting designer Paul Black had cues perfectly synced to dialogue, lyrics, and creatively detailed locations, emotional shifts and foci throughout the show.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Quartet reminds us the death of Rock ‘n Roll has been declared in nearly every decade since its inception. The music comes from a place of yearning, passion and a need to be heard. The show’s main characters are so part of American zeitgeist that they’ve almost become caricatures of who they really were, but Tuachan’s production does a nice job of bringing back the love of the sounds of these sinners and saints for audiences to enjoy again.
MORE INFO: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is currently playing at Tuacahn Center for the Arts (1100 Tuacahn Dr, Ivins, UT 84738) in the indoor Hafen Theatre as part of Tuacahn’s Broadway in the Canyon season. Performances are held at 7:30 PM on select evenings, with some 2:00 PM matinees on Fridays and Saturdays through March 7, 2026. Tickets for Million Dollar Quartet typically range from $40 to $102. For the most up-to-date schedule, performance details, and official ticketing, visit the Tuacahn Center for the Arts website: https://tuacahn.org/