Description:

Million Dollar Quartet: the hit musical with productions in New York, Chicago and touring across North America, is now seeking actors to sail in the roles of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought these legends together. The place was Sun Records' studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock and Roll," who discovered them all. The four young musicians united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time. Inspired by the true story, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET features a treasure trove of the greatest rock and roll, gospel, R&B and country hits from these musicians, including such iconic songs as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Sixteen Tons," "Who Do You Love?," "Great Balls of Fire," "Riders in the Sky," "I Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On."

All actors hired for MDQ will also be contracted to perform in one of the other shows on board. WINE LOVERS THE MUSICAL or a lead singer in BURN THE FLOOR. This is part of the Million Dollar Quartet contract and part of the salary.

Seeking:
ELVIS - PRINCIPAL - 20s male. Actor/singer/guitar player to portray Elvis in his 20s at the beginning of his career. Must be familiar with his music and be able to play basic guitar; should sound and look somewhat like Elvis without being an "impersonator". Songs include "Memories Are Made Of This", "That's All Right", "Long Tall Sally", "Peace In The Valley", "Party", "Hound Dog". please accompany yourself on guitar to THAT'S ALRIGHT MAMA and PEACE IN THE VALLEY. Please choose one additional Elvis song from his greater catalog which you may be asked to perform at auditions. Please bring your own acoustic guitar!

JERRY LEE LEWIS - PRINCIPAL - 20s male. Actor/singer/pianist; he was rock & roll's legendary piano prodigy and celebrated "Last Man Standing." Must be a superb piano player, able to play like Jerry Lee Lewis; fun, energetic; comic skills a plus. Songs include "Real Wild Child", "Great Balls Of Fire", "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On". please accompany yourself on piano to GREAT BALLS OF FIRE and WILD CHILD. Please choose one additional Jerry Lee song from his greater catalog which you may be asked to perform at auditions.

CARL PERKINS - PRINCIPAL. -mid 20s male. Actor/singer/guitar player (lead guitar); he was the American pioneer of rockabilly music and best known for his song "Blue Suede Shoes"; Must be an excellent lead guitarist. Songs include "Matchbox", "Who Do You Love?", "My Babe", "See You Later, Alligator". please accompany yourself on guitar to BLUE SUEDE SHOES and WHO DO YOU LOVE Please choose one additional Perkins song from his greater catalog which you may be asked to perform at auditions. Please bring your own electric guitar, an amp will be provided.

JOHNNY CASH-PRINCIPAL - mid 20s male. Actor/singer/guitar player to portray Johnny Cash at the dawn of his epic career. Must be familiar with his music and be able to play guitar; tall; should sound and look somewhat like Johnny without being an "impersonator". Songs include "Folsom Prison Blues", "Sixteen Tons", "I Walk The Line", "Riders In The Sky". please accompany yourself on guitar to FOLSOM PRISON BLUES, I WALK THE LINE, 16 TONS and GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY. Please choose one additional Cashsong from his greater catalog which you may be asked to perform at auditions. Please bring your own acoustic guitar!

SAM PHILLIPS- PRINCIPAL - mid 30s male. Father of Rock'n'Roll and founder of Sun Records who discovered Elvis, Johnny, Jerry, Carl, and many others including Roy Orbison and B.B. King. A charismatic figure in American music. Must have a strong stage presence and ability to command an audience. THIS IS A SINGING ROLE. Sam Phillips also covers or plays CHARLES THOMPSON in Wine Lovers the Musical, a Wine Expert/Teacher who conducts his wine class in order to initiate people into the pleasures of the sensual world. Charles uses wine tasting as the vehicle to expose the innate connections between people, sensations, and experiences at large, while also using the history and tradition of wine to challenge elitist notions about its enjoyment.

DYANNE- PRINCIPAL - mid 20s female. She was an aspiring singer and Elvis's girlfriend. Attractive, great singer with a wide range. Sings solos and back-ups through the show - sings "Fever" in her alto range and covers the high soprano part. She has to be able to flip to an (A5) note on the piano. (2 A's above middle C) It needs to be mixed or flipped to a falsetto (not belted) in "Riders In The Sky" (Johnny Cash song). Also sings "I Hear You Knockin." Dyanne also covers or portrays KATHERINE REESE in Wine Lovers the Musical, a business woman in finance; attending wine class to improve her knowledge of wine in order to appear more sophisticated - impressing clients and intimidating competition. Katherine displays a professional image and a brusque manner; she is not afraid to display her biting wit. May cover or perform as the FEMALE VOCALIST in Burn the Floor.

Auditions will be held at American Rhythm Center 410 S. Michigan Ave., Studio 464 | Chicago, IL 60605

Time Commitment:
6 months onboard - 7 months total