Get ready for a musical journey back in time as the Cain Center for the Arts and Davidson Community Players (DCP) bring you "Million Dollar Quartet"! This exciting collaboration marks a first for these two Lake Norman arts organizations, and it's a partnership that promises to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience.
The show, which runs from August 8th to 23rd, transports us to a historic recording session at Sun Records in Memphis on December 4, 1956. Imagine being in the room with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis as they jam together for an impromptu session. It's a musical moment frozen in time, and now it's coming to life on stage.
A Unique Collaboration
What makes this production especially fascinating is the behind-the-scenes story. Justin Dionne, the executive director of Cain Center, and Steve Kaliski, his counterpart at DCP, have been building a relationship for years. DCP has been renting Cain Center's stage for productions like "Frozen Jr." but this co-production takes their partnership to a whole new level.
By sharing financial risk and creative control, these organizations are not only putting on a fantastic show but also testing the waters for a broader vision. They aim to strengthen the region's professional theater and arts ecosystem, providing more opportunities for local talent to thrive at home rather than seeking larger markets.
The Benefits of Co-Production
One of the key advantages of this co-production is the extended run. Instead of the typical short three-day technical rehearsal and brief run, the show will be performed for two and a half weeks. This allows for word-of-mouth to build, creating a more sustainable and professional theater model. As Kaliski notes, "That is always a goal that it's hard for us" to reach with shorter runs.
Additionally, the extended run and shared resources enable a more ambitious set design, elevating the production values. Dionne emphasizes, "We're pooling resources here... Whatever 'Million Dollar Quartet' is written to be, we can do that. We don't have to compromise."
A Natural Fit for Lake Norman
"Million Dollar Quartet" is a perfect fit for the Lake Norman audience, according to Dionne. With its broad appeal across age groups, it's a show that brings people together. Kaliski adds that the "jukebox musical" format, built around existing songs that audiences already know and love, makes it an ideal first project for this collaboration.
The cast, featuring Eli Fischer as Elvis Presley, Ian Benjamin as Jerry Lee Lewis, Connor Nielsen as Johnny Cash, and Matty Montes as Carl Perkins, is made up of North Carolina talent. Much of the production crew also calls the Lake Norman area home, adding a local touch to the production.
A Test Case for a Bigger Vision
Both Dionne and Kaliski see this production as a test case for a grander vision. They dream of strengthening the region's professional theater scene, filling the gap that currently exists in Charlotte, which has professional symphony, ballet, and opera companies but no professional theater company.
"What if we were able to make that happen?" Dionne asks. "Steve and I are big dreamers. This show is testing out the market to find out if this community would like more of this."
Catch the Show
"Million Dollar Quartet" will be performed Wednesdays through Sundays, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets, priced from $40 to $60, are available through Cain Center's website. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a piece of musical history and support the local arts scene!
So, will this production be the catalyst for a thriving professional theater scene in Lake Norman? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: this collaboration is a step in the right direction, and it's an exciting development for arts enthusiasts in the region.
