On December 4, 1956, Carl Perkins, who had already successfully released his hit “Blue Suede Shoes,” arrived at Sun Record Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, to cut some new material with his brothers Clayton and Jay and drummer W.S. Holland. In the hopes of enriching the sparse rockabilly instrumentation, Sun Records owner Sam Phillips brought in a young Jerry Lee Lewis, unknown outside of Memphis at that point, to accompany Perkins on piano.

Later that afternoon, a former Sun artist dropped in to pay a casual visit. 21-year-old Elvis Presley, accompanied by his girlfriend, listened to the playback of Perkins’ session with Phillips in the control room. At some point during the day, Sun artist and new country music star Johnny Cash popped in to the studio as well. Elvis sat down at the piano and the group started singing originals, familiar gospel songs, and a few Bill Monroe songs. Sound engineer Jack Clement made the decision to hit the record button while the four were in the studio and thus the “Million Dollar Quartet” was born. Phillips called in the press to take photos that would appear in newspapers the next day. However, the recordings from that day wouldn’t be released to the public until about 25 years later.

The session was archived in Sun’s catalogue and not discovered until around 1969, when Shelby Singleton bought Sun Records. A portion of the session was licensed to the British recording label Charly and released in Europe in 1981. The album was titled “The Million Dollar Quartet” and consisted of gospel and spiritual music. Several years later, additional material was discovered and released, and in 2006 a 50th anniversary issue of the session was released on RCA, containing approximately twelve minutes of previously unavailable material.

The complete catalogue from the “Million Dollar Quartet” session contains 46 musical tracks, interspersed with chatter between the participants. While they were never meant for commercial release, the recordings reflect the sound of a group of friends gathered together to play old favorites and share the pleasure of making music together. To veteran music historian and writer Colin Escott and film writer-producer Floyd Mutrux, the real-life event was a perfect opportunity to create a fictional stage version of what transpired that evening. In writing the book for Million Dollar Quartet, Escott took a few creative liberties by compressing events that had occurred over 18 months into one period. “The show catches these four guys at a point when their career trajectories are taking them in different directions,” says Escott. “It seemed like the ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ session was a cultural flashpoint that we could use to say something meaningful about where those guys had been and where they were going and about rock ’n’ roll in its infancy.”

Million Dollar Quartet premiered at Florida's Seaside Music Theatre in 2006. It was then staged at the Village Theatre in Issaquah, Washington, in September through October 2007, and Everett, Washington, in January 2008, where it broke box office records. Million Dollar Quartet then opened in 2008 at the Apollo Theatre in Chicago, where it is still running today and where it recently celebrated its 2500th performance on September 20, 2014. Million Dollar Quartet premiered on Broadway at Nederlander Theatre on April 11, 2010, and ran for almost 500 performances until June 12, 2011. Since 2011, the show has also enjoyed a year-long run in London’s West End, a brief off-Broadway run, and a U.S. National Tour. The musical includes timeless hits and favorites such as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Great Balls of Fire," "I Walk the Line," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Fever," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Hound Dog.” Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet was nominated for three 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical for Levi Kreis, who won the Tony for his portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis.

Hunter Foster, who starred as Sam Phillips in the Broadway production of Million Dollar Quartet, returns to the Ogunquit Playhouse to direct the show’s regional theatre premiere following its Broadway run. The actors portraying the famous foursome not only look the part, but are also extremely talented musicians, playing all the instruments live on stage. “The show just wants to be real about what these guys were and where they came from,” says Escott, “Because these are real guys who came from nowhere and started with nothing, but went on to change the course of pop music forever.” This thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio with the major talents who came together as a red-hot rock ‘n’ roll band for one unforgettable night.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Book by COLIN ESCOTT and FLOYD MUTRUX

Original Concept and Direction by FLOYD MUTRUX

Inspired by ELVIS PRESLEY, JOHNNY CASH, JERRY LEE LEWIS and CARL PERKINS

Developed and produced at Village Theatre, Issaquah, Washington

Robb Hunt, Producer - Steve Tomkins, Artistic Director

Originally presented by Seaside Music Theater

Tippan Davidson, Producer - Lester Malizia, Artistic Director

ROBERT BRITTON LYONS (Carl Perkins/Music Supervisor) Originally from Seattle, WA, Rob originated the role of Carl Perkins and has been with the show through all of the productions including Broadway, London’s West End and Las Vegas. He is excited to bring his experience to the legendary Ogunquit Playhouse. He also writes, records and performs his own original music and has recently released his first full-length album, “When It Haunts You” (available

on iTunes).

SCOTT MOREAU (Johnny Cash) is from Litchfield, ME, and received a BFA in Music Theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University. Scott is proud to be making his Ogunquit debut, reprising his role from the 1st National Tour. Tours: MDQ (Johnny Cash), A Christmas Carol (Fred). Regional: Ring of Fire for the Prather Entertainment Group, Johnny Guitar (Johnny) at Cortland Repertory Theatre, Mary Poppins (Mr. Banks) at the Springer Opera House, Ragtime (Willy Conklin) at Seaside Music Theater, Oliver! (Bill Sykes) at the Arundel Barn Playhouse, and Joseph...(Dan) at Maine State Music Theatre. Scott also appeared as Young Jim Neary in the series finale of HBO's "Boardwalk Empire." He sends thanks to everyone at The Krasny Office and especially to his parents Leonard and Donna for their endless support. Look for Scott's Johnny Cash tribute album (recorded at Sun Studio) in the gift shop! scottmoreau.com

NAT ZEGREE (Jerry Lee Lewis) is thrilled to be making his Ogunquit debut playing his dream role! From Kalamazoo, Michigan, Nat has been playing piano since he was three years old. You can currently see him and hear him in Arena Stage Company’s production of the brand new Pasek and Paul musical Dear Evan Hansen. Putting on multiple sold out concerts at 54 Below, The Laurie Beechman, and Don’t Tell Mama’s since moving to NYC in last year, he is also a songwriter and composer, currently working on his debut album, “Fly More Than You Fall.” He is also the composer/lyricist of an upcoming original musical, The King’s Critique, written with his writing partner, Eric Holmes. Big thanks to Momma, Eric and Erin, and FTC forever. Always for

you, Dad.

JACOB ROWLEY (Elvis Presley) is an actor, musician, singer and songwriter from the small, 'down home' town of Nederland in South-East Texas. Jake first took on the role of Elvis Presley in the national tour of Million Dollar Quartet at the young age of 19. The striking similarities between Rowley and Elvis have led the press to nickname Rowley as “the new Teen King.” Jake plays guitar and piano and has an intrinsic ability to sing and act. His uncanny resemblance to a young Elvis Presley has caused Jake to be in high demand for acting roles and for concerts in tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll. After his time with Million Dollar Quartet, Jake will perform many concerts across the country including opening for the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis himself. Jake will continue to pursue many new acting roles in theater, television and film and will also be launching his recording career in 2016. www.JakeRowleyLive.com

JASON LOUGHLIN (Sam Phillips) is thrilled to be making his Ogunquit debut with Million Dollar Quartet. A North Carolina native, Jason was most recently in The Audience with Helen Mirren on Broadway. Other recent credits include the Broadway production of Machinal directed by Lyndsey Turner and playing Major Nichols in the National Tour of War Horse directed by Bijan Sheibani. He has worked regionally in North Carolina, Georgia and New York. This performance is dedicated to

Sandra Loughlin.

BLIGH VOTH (Dyanne) NYC: Primary Stages: Nineteen (workshop). Atlantic Theater Company: The Searchers (workshop). REGIONAL: Signature Theatre: Gone Country; Signature Sings 2005-2009, Ladies Choice. Ford’s Theatre: The Civil War; A Christmas Carol; Parade. Washington Stage Guilde: Red Herring. Studio Theatre: Jerry Springer: the Opera, Reefer Madness; Kennedy Center Millennium Stage: Blonde Ambish. Totem Pole Playhouse: Steel Magnolias. Lyric Theater Oklahoma: Big River. Boston Conservatory: Rocky Horror Picture Show. Catholic University of America: Candide. EDUCATION: The Boston Conservatory. blighvoth.com

SAM WEBER (Brother Jay) is beyond excited to be back at Ogunquit and joining the MDQ family. Last seen here as Joe B. in Buddy, he can't wait to rock out with this amazing group! National Tours: Buddy, Joe B. Regional Favs: Buddy, Joe B. (MUNY, Ogunquit, MSMT, Casa Mana) Hairspray, Link (Beef and Boards), Tick,Tick...BOOM, Jonathan (Charleston Stage). Love to my amazing wife Brittany, the reason I play from the heart, and all my family! And thanks to Brad and Hunter for this amazing opportunity!

DAVID SONNEBORN (Fluke) is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and thrilled to be making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut. He is a longtime NYC musician, and just completed his fourth year as an original cast member of Million Dollar Quartet National Tour. David has performed at the New York Musical Theatre Festival as well as touring nationally in Always, Patsy Cline, and Honky Tonk Angels. He studied drums and percussion at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, and attended Ohio State University. Specializing in western swing and classic country music, David currently plays drums or bass in “Western Caravan,” “The San AnTones,” “Gunsmoke,” “The Mary Lamont Band,” and “Teri Joyce and the Tag-alongs.” Love to wife Becky, and daughter Audrey.

COLIN ESCOTT (Co-Author) Born in England, Colin Escott lives near Nashville, Tennessee. He is the author of Good Rockin' Tonight: Sun Records and the Birth of Rock 'n' Roll, the first in-depth account of the Sun Records story. His book Hank Williams - The Biography has been adapted into the movie I Saw the Light, starring Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Olsen. His multi-CD box set, The Complete Hank Williams, won a Grammy, and another of his productions, B.B. King - King of the Blues, was nominated for a Grammy.

FLOYD MUTRUX (Co-Author, original concept and direction) worked Second City, Chicago; attended Columbia University, NY; in LA, conceived, wrote, directed or produced 50 films: American Hot Wax (Best Picture, Director), Scarecrow (Best Picture), Urban Cowboy, Untouchables, Up in Smoke, Dick Tracy, and with his wife Birgitte, is preparing new film Moon Over Memphis (a rock ‘n’ roll Field of Dreams).

HUNTER FOSTER (Director) is an Artistic Associate at the Bucks County Playhouse where he has directed Company, Ain't Misbehavin’, The Rocky Horror Show, Summer of ’42 and National Pastime. Most recently he directed My Fair Lady at the Cape Playhouse. And last winter at the York Theatre in New York City he directed Sally Struthers and Annie Golden in a one night staged reading of the new musical, Cheer Wars. As a librettist, he has written the books to the off-Broadway musicals: Summer of ’42 (Outer Critic Nomination for Best New Musical) and Jasper in Deadland. Other musicals include, Clyde and Bonne: A Folktale, The Circus in Winter and The Hollow. As an actor, he has performed in the Broadway musicals, The Bridges of Madison County, Hands on a Hardbody, Million Dollar Quartet, The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors, Urinetown, Les Miserables, Footloose, Grease and King David. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

DEREK McLANE (Original Broadway Scenic Design) Broadway: Beautiful, The Heiress, Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Best Man, Follies, Anything Goes, How to Succeed in Business..., Bengal Tiger in the Baghdad Zoo...., Million Dollar Quartet, Ragtime, 33 Variations, Grease, Little Women, The Pajama Game, I Am My Own Wife, The Women, Present Laughter. Recently designed the 2013 Oscars, and the 2014 Oscars, as well as NBC’s Sound of Music Live. Awards: OBIE, Lucille Lortel, Tony, Drama Desk.

ADAM KOCH (Additional Scenic Elements) 100+ productions nationwide, credits include: REGIONAL: Sister Act (Ogunquit, regional premiere); Million Dollar Quartet (now in its 7th year, Apollo Theater); Hello, Dolly! (Ford’s Theater); Miss Saigon, Dreamgirls, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, See What I Wanna See (Signature Theatre); Big Fish, A Little Night Music, Tarzan, Bye Bye Birdie, Sweet Charity, Call Me Madam, Big River (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma); Hairspray, Godspell (Syracuse Stage); Bat Boy (1st Stage, 2015 Helen Hayes nomination); A Christmas Carol, Five Course Love, Sweeney Todd (Geva Theatre Center); Master Harold and the Boys, Greater Tuna; (Portland Stage); Always…Patsy Cline (Bristol Riverside); Play It By Heart, The 39 Steps, A Tuna Christmas (Human Race Theatre Company). OFF-BROADWAY: Rooms: A Rock Romance, Loaded, We the People, Pinkalicious, Freckleface Strawberry. EDUCATION: Carnegie Mellon University.

MOLLY WALZ (Costume Design) is a native of Dayton, OH, and has worked as a costume manager, technician, and designer all over the country. Most recently she was the costume shop manager at Orlando Repertory Theatre and a costume and wig designer for the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, before going on tour with In the Mood as a wardrobe supervisor. Other past companies include: The Garden Theater, College Light Opera Company, and Allenberry Playhouse, among others. Molly holds a degree from Kent State University in costume design and technology with a minor in history. Thank you to the incredible staff here at the playhouse and my family for their constant support.

MollyWalz.com

RICHARD LATTA (Lighting Design) created the lighting for last season's The Addams Family, Mary Poppins (Ogunquit and Music Hall Portsmouth), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Music Hall Portsmouth) and Grease. Recent work includes: El Posada Nunca Se Termina (Projections, Chicago Lyric Opera), Twas the Night before Christmas, The 39 Steps, Hasbro Toy Fair 2015 and Newark Arts Ballet 2015. Previous work includes: Cabaret (Engeman Theatre, Maltz Jupiter, Ogunquit) projection research for the opera Moby Dick (Houston, SF, Sydney, Kennedy Center), Thurgood, The People In The Picture (Broadway), Fiddler on the Roof (Engeman, Ogunquit) Legally Blonde (Ogunquit). He proudly salutes all his Ogunquit friends who helped make the Playhouse what it is today.

KEVIN HEARD (Sound Design) is thrilled to rock it 50’s-style, back in Ogunquit for his fifth show after previously designing The Addams Family, Mary Poppins (at The Music Hall), Victor/Victoria, and Nice Work If You Can Get It. Kevin’s other design credits include: Broadway: The Country House (Associate), All The Way (Associate). Off-Broadway: For The Last Time, Long Story Short, The Underclassman, Jasper in Deadland (Associate), Clinton The Musical (Associate). He has designed or engineered well over 100 productions with companies from coast to coast including The 5th Avenue Theatre, ACT Theatre, George Street Playhouse, The Guthrie, INTIMAN Theatre Festival, On the Boards, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Shakespeare Company, the cabaret-cirque extravaganza Teatro ZinZanni, and Village Theatre. (HeardAudio.com)

BRITT E. GRIFFITH (Hair and Makeup Design) is thrilled to return to the Ogunquit family for a second season. She has been working professionally in theater/film for the last 13 years, and spent the past winter working for The Cincinnati Arts Association at the Aaronoff Center. Britt has been on the International Tour of The Addams Family, and the National Tours of 39 Steps, Cabaret, and Oz: The Musical. Favorite regional design credits include: Billy Elliot, Mary Poppins, The Witches of Eastwick, Beauty and the Beast, and The Drowsy Chaperone. She would like to thank her nearest and dearest for always supporting her, with a special thanks to Mommy Dearest for being her

biggest fan.

ANTHONY C. DANIEL (Casting Director) is thrilled to be serving as Casting Director for the Ogunquit Playhouse’s 83rd season after having worked on last year's Grease, Billy Elliot, Mary Poppins, Witches of Eastwick, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, and Addams Family. He has also served as Associate Director to Shaun Kerrison on both of Ogunquit Playhouse’s productions of Mary Poppins and Witches of Eastwick. Anthony is on staff at the Growing Studio in NYC as a Director and Coach for the Showcase Series. As a performer, Anthony has been seen in several tours including: Mary Poppins (1st National), High School Musical (Original Cast Member - 1st National), Fiddler on the Roof (40th Anniversary), Grease (Int’l).

KAREN PARLATO (Production Stage Manager) is happy to be back in Ogunquit, after taking OPH's season-opening Sister Act to The Gateway in July. She made her Ogunquit debut last year with Mary Poppins at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH. She has been PSM for 20 stock productions, including Annie with Sally Struthers, Carousel with Shirley Jones, Into the Woods and Hello, Dolly! with Rachel York, No, No, Nanette! with Donna McKechnie, Hairspray, Crazy for You, and The Sound of Music. Some Off-Broadway credits include: Silence! The Musical, Frankenstein (starring one Hunter Foster), Triassic Parq, Revolution in the Elbow…, and The Fantasticks. She was the PSM of The Acting Company tour for 3 years, and has been a sub stage manager at The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway for the past 11 years. Twitter: @HeadsetChatter, headsetchatter.com

JENNIFER CODY (Associate Director) is so thrilled to return to the Ogunquit Playhouse where she performed in Cinderella (Joy), All Shook Up (Natalie/Ed) and Damn Yankees (Gloria). On Broadway: A Christmas Story, Shrek, Pajama Game, Taboo, Urinetown, No No Nanette (Encores), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Actor’s Fund), Seussical the Musical, Mr. Magoo’s Christmas (Actor's Fund) Grease, Beauty and the Beast and Cats. Jennifer has spent the last few years lending her voice to movie and TV characters and commercials. She won the Annie Award (the voice-over Oscar for Best Actor in an Animated Motion Picture Feature Film) for creating the voice of Charlotte La Boeuff in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. She has choreographed the off-Broadway shows Debbie Does Dallas, (Jane St Theatre), Prodigal (York Theatre) and Henry and Mudge (theatreworks) as well as directed regionally and off-Broadway.

BRIAN J. SWASEY (Associate Producer) Brian is originally from South Portland, ME, and is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire. After moving to NYC in 1995 and focusing on pursuing a career as an actor, he changed focus and became the Founding Artistic Director of The Astoria Performing Arts Center, followed by the Associate Producer position at Queens Theatre in the Park in Flushing, NY. There he was involved in producing the 20th Anniversary Revival of Closer Than Ever starring Sally Mayes and Lynne Winterstellar. NYC developmental projects have included: the rock musical The 12, being produced at The Denver Center in the Spring of 2015, and a new holiday musical entitled Tim and Scrooge which is slated to play Westchester Broadway Theatre for Christmas of 2015. Also, a Director/Choreographer, Brian has had the pleasure of directing such shows as Pump Boys and Dinettes, Hairspray, Chicago, A New Brain, and Altar Boyz. He was the Assistant Director for the NYC Revival of Die, Mommie, Die! starring Charles Busch. At The Playhouse, Brian directed the TYA productions of The Berenstain Bears, and The Cat In The Hat. In addition, Brian has been involved with booking cabaret entertainment at The Triad in NYC, as well as bringing such artists as Christina Bianco and Bruce Vilanch to Maine Street in Ogunquit, ME.

TIMOTHEY SULLIVAN (Production Manager) 2015 marks Tim’s second season with the Playhouse. Prior to joining the OPH team, he worked for several years as a producer for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, producing Broadway staples such as Broadway Backwards and Broadway Bares. Previous to his time at BC/EFA, Tim was the Production Director for the Tony Award winning Intiman Theatre in Seattle. He has also served as Production Manager for the Brown University/Trinity Rep MFA Program as well as the Drama Desk award winning Mint Theater. He has worked on production teams for several Broadway shows & national tours, as well as the American Repertory Theatre, Trinity Rep, The Public, Lucille Lortel and New World Stages. He is also the Associate Director & Production Stage Manager for Charles Busch’s annual off-Broadway production of Times Square Angel. As an Educator, Tim has taught at Bridgewater State University, Brown University and Harvard University’s Institute for Advanced Theatre Training, as well as teaching courses and seminars at various high schools and colleges throughout the United States.

GEOF DOLAN (Technical Director) is returning for his 9th season as the Playhouse's Technical Director and Scenic Coordinator. Immediately prior to Ogunquit he served as Technical Director for Worcester Foothills Theatre. He has done supplemental design work for several shows and received 2014 BroadwayWorld Award for Best Scenic Design in Maine for his work on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Robert Kovach original design.) He is also the technical supervisor for the Children's Theatre program. Geof began his technical career working backstage for both of his parents who are theatre directors and began his professional career at Sierra Repertory Theatre in California. For 5 years he split his seasons between Maine and Florida, working the same technical areas for the Orlando Shakespeare, but now stays with the theater year round. His wife, Cheryl (Scenic Charge Artist at the Playhouse for 8 seasons), has designed award-winning parade floats and designs many of the Children’s Theater Shows. His "born-in-a trunk" 14 yr. old daughter Ashlynn is an aspiring actress, musician and artist who can definitely call the Playhouse her second home.

CHERYL DOLAN (Resident Scenic Charge) is excited to be returning to the Ogunquit Playhouse for her 8th season. After taking over as Resident Scenic Charge 6 years ago, she has designed several children's theater sets, as well as added her artistic eye to many of the main stage productions.

In the off season, Cheryl is a Scenic Charge and Prop Master for The Good Theater in South Portland. Since falling in love with the Ogunquit Playhouse, Cheryl, her husband Geof Dolan (the Ogunquit Playhouse Technical Director) and their daughter Ashlynn, who is a budding children's theater actress, have made the Seacoast their home year-round. Cheryl considers the staff at OPH her family and hopes that her love and passion for theater is translated through the productions to all of you.

BRADFORD T. KENNEY (Executive Artistic Director) is a New England based artistic director, producer, stage and film director, and artist. Since joining the Ogunquit Playhouse in 2005, the Playhouse has doubled its audience growing from a single season summer stock theatre into one of the Northeast’s pre-eminent regional theatres with a three season performance schedule. During his stewardship, the Playhouse has garnered a number of awards and honors including the Moss Hart Award, Regional Theatre Award for Outstanding Achievement in the American Theatre from the New England Theatre Conference, multiple IRNE award nominations and a number of BroadwayWorld awards including Best Musical and others. Mr. Kenney is also noted for his work at Carnegie Hall including directing the holiday special The Christmas Rose starring Jane Seymour and producing An American Christmas Carol with Tim Janis also at Carnegie Hall. In New England, Mr. Kenney has been proud to be associated with a number of different theatre companies. Ogunquit highlights include Damn Yankees starring Carson Kressley, Sunset Blvd starring Stefanie Powers, Charles Shaughnessy and Rachel York in Monty Python’s Spamalot, Jefferson Mays in My Fair Lady, Lorenzo Lamas in The King and I, Rue McClanahan in Crazy for You, Sally Struthers in Hello, Dolly! and Andrea McArdle in Cabaret. He was also formerly the Artistic Director of the Foothills Theatre and Wachusett Theatre Companies in Massachusetts. He is a fourth generation plein air landscape artist, having studied with Beth Ellis, Rhode Island School of Design, Heartwood College of Art, and Maine College of Art. His artwork is represented by the Sea Bell Gallery, Shore Road, Ogunquit, Maine.

ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 50,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. actorsequity.org

THEATRICAL RIGHTS WORLDWIDE (TRW) grants live stage production rights for premium Broadway acquisitions including Jersey Boys, Grease, Monty Python's Spamalot, The Color Purple, Big Fish, Memphis, Million Dollar Quartet, The Addams Family, Saturday Night Fever, All Shook Up, Ghost The Musical, Curtains and Ring of Fire. TRW was founded by company President and CEO Steve Spiegel. A 35--year veteran of the theatre licensing business, Spiegel has introduced unmatched licensing strategies and developed many innovative theatrical products and services. He has worked extensively with theatre organizations from educational, community, and professional theatres to Broadway producers, to bring the world’s best shows to every stage in the world. In 2008, the Tennessee Arts Academy presented Spiegel with their Partner in the Arts Award and in 2009, TRW received the Corporate Partner Award from the American Association of Community Theatres. This year TRW is proud to be the recipient of The Educational Theatre Association’s 2015 Standing Ovation Award for significant contributions to promote and strengthen theatre in education through philanthropic efforts and programs.

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis Unite in the High-Voltage Rock ‘n Roll Musical Million Dollar Quartet at the Ogunquit Playhouse

For Immediate Release:

August 13, 2015

The Ogunquit Playhouse is thrilled to be the first regional theatre in the country to produce the Tony Award-winning musical Million Dollar Quartet, on stage August 19 to September 19. This high voltage rock ‘n roll show, with book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, is inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together music icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. Featuring timeless hits such as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Great Balls of Fire," "I Walk the Line," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Fever," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Hound Dog" and more, this thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red-hot rock ‘n’ roll band for one unforgettable night.

Relive the era with the smash-hit sensation featuring an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors who play their own instruments, as well as sing and perform. Starring as Johnny Cash is Scott Moreau who is reprising his role from the first National Tour. He has performed in many regional theatres throughout the U.S. in such shows as Ring Of Fire, Johnny Guitar, Mary Poppins, Oliver!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Ragtime. Robert Britton Lyons stars as Carl Perkins, in addition to being the Musical Supervisor for the Ogunquit production. Mr. Lyons originated the role of Carl Perkins and has been with the show through all of the productions including Broadway, London’s West End and Las Vegas. Starring as Jerry Lee Lewis is Nat Zegree who is making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut and Jacob Rowley stars as Elvis Presley, reprising his role from the National Tour.

The role of Sam Phillips is played by Jason Loughlin who is making his Ogunquit debut. Mr. Laughlin was most recently in The Audience with Helen Mirren on Broadway. His other recent credits include the Broadway production of Machinal directed by Lyndsey Turner and the National Tour of War Horse as Major Nichols. Bligh Voth plays Elvis’ girlfriend Dyanne in the production. She has performed in regional theatres throughout the U. S., including Signature Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Lyric Theatre and Boston Conservatory. Sam Weber returns to the Ogunquit Playhouse to play the bass and portray Carl Perkins’ brother Jay. He was last seen in the Ogunquit production of Buddy, the Buddy Holly Story as Joe B. Maudlin. Mr. Weber recently performed in the National Tour of Buddy, and at regional theatres in the shows Hairspray, Link, and Tick,Tick...BOOM. David Sonneborn joins the cast as Fluke the drummer. He is a longtime New York City musician, and just completed his fourth year as an original cast member of the Million Dollar Quartet National Tour. David has performed at the New York Musical Theatre Festival as well as touring nationally in Always, Patsy Cline, and Honky Tonk Angels.

Helming the production for the Ogunquit Playhouse is Broadway veteran Hunter Foster, who played the role of Sam Phillips in the original Broadway production. Mr. Foster is an Artistic Associate at the Bucks County Playhouse where he has directed Company, Ain't Misbehavin’, The Rocky Horror Show, Summer of ’42 and National Pastime. Most recently he directed My Fair Lady at the Cape Playhouse and last winter at the York Theatre in New York City he directed Sally Struthers and Annie Golden in a one night staged reading of the new musical Cheer Wars. As a librettist, he has written the books to the Off-Broadway musicals: Summer of ’42 (Outer Critic Nomination for Best New Musical) and Jasper in Deadland. Other musicals include Clyde and Bonne: A Folktale, The Circus in Winter and The Hollow. As an actor, he has performed in the Broadway musicals The Bridges of Madison County, Hands on a Hardbody, Million Dollar Quartet, The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors, Urinetown, Les Miserables, Footloose, Grease and King David.

Jennifer Cody joins the Ogunquit creative team as the Associate Director. She has performed at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Cinderella as Joy, All Shook Up as Natalie/Ed and in Damn Yankees as Gloria. On Broadway she has performed in A Christmas Story, Shrek, Pajama Game, Taboo, Urinetown, No No Nanette (Encores), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Actor’s Fund), Seussical the Musical, Mr Magoo’s Christmas (Actor’s Fund) Grease, Beauty and the Beast and Cats. Ms. Cody has spent the last few years lending her voice to movie and TV characters and commercials. She won the Annie Award (the voice-over Oscar for Best Actor in an Animated Motion Picture Feature Film) for creating the voice of Charlotte La Boeuff in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. She has choreographed the Off-Broadway shows Debbie Does Dallas at the Jane St Theatre, Prodigal at the York Theatre and Henry and Mudge for TheatreWorks, as well as directed regionally and Off-Broadway.

The Ogunquit Playhouse features the original Broadway set designed by Derek McLane for this production. He also designed Broadway sets for Beautiful, The Heiress, Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Best Man, Follies,Anything Goes, How to Succeed in Business..., Bengal Tiger in the Baghdad Zoo...., Ragtime, 33 Variations, Grease, Little Women, The Pajama Game, I Am My Own Wife, The Women, and Present Laughter. He recently designed both the 2013 and the 2014 Oscars, as well as NBC’s Sound of Music Live. He has won OBIE, Lucille Lortel, Tony and Drama Desk Awards for his designs. Additional scenic elements are designed by Adam Koch, who has designed over one hundred productions nationwide, most recently Sister Act for the Ogunquit Playhouse regional premiere and the upcoming Saturday Night Fever; as well as Hello, Dolly!, Miss Saigon, Dreamgirls, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Big Fish, A Little Night Music, Tarzan, Bye Bye Birdie, Sweet Charity, Call Me Madam, Big River and many more. Off-Broadway he created sets for Rooms: A Rock Romance, Loaded, We the People, Pinkalicious, and Freckleface Strawberry.

The Ogunquit Playhouse will produce two more Broadway musicals in 2015. Saturday Night Fever, with a newly revised book and musical arrangements, comes to life on stage from September 23 to October 25. The Irving Berlin classic White Christmas will be presented just in time for the holidays, December 9 to 20 at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Mark your calendars now and get ready to see every show this year. Tickets are on sale now. Prices start at $44 per show. To learn more about becoming a Playhouse member, or to purchase tickets and gift certificates, visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org or call the Ogunquit Playhouse Box Office at 207-646-5511.

PHOTO CAPTION:

1. Robert Britton Lyons as Carl Perkins, Sam Weber as Brother Jay, David Sonneborn as Fluke (back), Nat Zegree as Jerry Lee Lewis, Jacob Rowley as Elvis Presley, Scott Moreau as Johnny Cash / photo by Jay Goldsmith

2. Nat Zegree as Jerry Lee Lewis with Robert Britton Lyons as Carl Perkins, Sam Weber as Jay, David Sonneborn as Fluke, Jacob Rowley as Elvis Presley, and Scott Moreau as Johnny Cash / photo by Gary Ng

3. Scott Moreau as Johnny Cash, Robert Britton Lyons as Carl Perkins, Jacob Rowley as Elvis Presley and Nat Zegree as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Ogunquit Playhouse production of the high-voltage rock ‘n roll musical Million Dollar Quartet. / photography Jay Goldsmith

"A Tuesday night, shortly before Christmas 1956, four legends, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley gathered at the Sun Record recording studio in Memphis, Tennessee, where they'd launched their careers. Word soon leaked out of an impromptu jam session. A newspaper man who was there wrote, 'This quartet could sell a million.' Soon, they were dubbed the Million Dollar Quartet. This was their only performance, a cultural flashpoint that caught rock 'n' roll at the moment of creation."

Musical numbers:

Blue Suede Shoes - Company

Real Wild Child - Jerry Lee Lewis

Matchbox - Carl Perkins

Who Do You Love? - Carl Perkins

Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash

Fever - Dyanne

Memories Are Made Of This - Elvis Presley

That's All Right - Elvis Presley

Brown Eyed Handsome Man - Company

Down By The Riverside - Company

Sixteen Tons/My Babe - Johnny Cash/Carl Perkins

Long Tall Sally - Elvis Presley

Peace In The Valley - Elvis Presley

I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash

I Hear You Knockin' - Dyanne

Party - Carl Perkins & Company

Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis

Hound Dog - Elvis Presley

Ghost Riders - Johnny Cash

See You Later, Alligator - Carl Perkins

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On - Jerry Lee Lewis

- from Theatrical Rights Worldwide