PicksInSix Review: Million Dollar Quartet Christmas - Marriott Theatre
Shake, Rattle and Roll at Marriott!
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor | Regina Belt-Daniels
There’s a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on with the Marriott Theatre production of “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas.” Running through January 5, the 90-minute sequel to “Million Dollar Quartet” with book by Colin Escott is brilliantly directed by the Jeff-award winning Scott Weinstein, who developed and directed the show for the national tour. The Marriott production is well cast, evenly paced, and superbly staged in the intimate in-the-round configuration with actors always visible to the audience. Weinstein is supported by the flawless music direction of Matt Deitchman and music supervision by Ryan T. Nelson. There are 21 songs including a seamless blend of 50’s rock ‘n’ roll hits and holiday favorites performed by each actor who play their own instrument with vim, vigor, and verve.
Following the December 4, 1956, impromptu jam session at Sun Records Studio in Memphis that inspired the original, four legendary performers—Elvis Presley (Colton Sims), Carl Perkins (Trevor Lindley Craft), Johnny Cash (Michael D. Potter), Jerry Lee Lewis (J. P. Coletta)—have reunited. As the story evolves, the diverse and engaging past, present and future Christmas’s of the four unfolds and their almost sibling rivalry with father figure/mentor Sam Phillips, the founder and manager of Sun Records, is examined. And when you hear those backgrounds, you appreciate the paths of the four from poverty to fame.
The cast is powerful, fresh, and truly fantastic in their characterizations. There is no impersonation, just a thrilling group of talented performers with the ability to capture and inhabit the essence of these amazing personalities. Craft is marvelous, playing Perkins with a seriousness about his music blended with a fear of being overshadowed and pushed to the background, displaying Perkin’s sensitivity and sarcasm with a subtle undercurrent of his emotional struggles. Sims is an incredible Elvis, worried about participation in Hollywood movies, Colonel Parker’s influence, and his “Christmas card from Uncle Sam.” You can’t help falling in love with him. Sims is a gifted dancer—watch those gyrations and amazing leg work—and an honest, charming, and magnetic actor who plays the pivotal character in the production. Potter’s Cash is exceptional. He very clearly wants to be a better man. Potter has a deep voice that resonates and has a powerful physicality. He also exhibits an epic smoothness and sincerity in his masculinity. Coletta is a riveting Jerry Lee Lewis and his portrayal is brash, energetic, arrogant, and so much fun. He makes Lewis larger than life, an unleashed pianist on the cusp of fame. Coletta’s hair flipping, wild jumps, leaps, and bending are athletic and demonstrate Lewis’ boyishness. He also possesses exceptional comedic skills. Another stunner in the acting department!
The supporting cast includes Jed Feder as Carl Perkin’s drummer, Fluke, and Cody Siragusa as Perkin’s brother Jay, who as history tells us, was instrumental in setting up the impromptu session. Both Feder and Siragusa are amazingly talented musicians and their characters supply moments of levity. Dyanne, Elvis’s girlfriend who has journeyed with him from Los Angeles, is portrayed by Teah Kiang Mirabelli and she is a spitfire, with more dialogue and songs than in the original “MDQ.” Mirabelli’s talents especially shine with her rendition of “Santa Baby” and “Que Sera Sera.” She can also be found playing the ukulele, maracas, and the tambourine as backup to the four. Mirabelli is an appealing singer with a phenomenal vocal range. Her character provides the romantic subplot with an interesting twist at the end. Sam Phillips is credibly and calmly portrayed by Ross Griffin. Griffin does exceedingly well as the charismatic father of rock ‘n’ roll who subtly allows insecurity and some resentment to seep through his character.
Milo Bue’s simple but cohesive scenic design of stand-up mics, piano, rehearsal room benches and stands echoes Sun Records Studio, and is enhanced by Jesse Klug’s masterful lighting design, and Michael Daly’s strong and clear sound design. Nicholas Hartman‘s costumes capture everything from Johnny Cash‘s man in black to Elvis Presley’s black and white loafers.
Jukebox musical or unique rock ‘n’ roll play? Does it matter? You’ll have a rocking good time with “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas.” The festive Christmas songs and 50’s rock ‘n’ roll hits set the perfect tone and are a wonderful present of holiday spirit for the audience. But rest up in advance—you’ll be exhausted by the time the glam finale comes!
Post Script:
The Three Embers Restaurant ‘s final pop up of the season, “Ember’s Christmas Grille,” ties in with the show. Offerings include Carl Perkins’ “Run Rudolph Run” Chicken Gumbo, Jerry Lee Lewis‘s “Jingle Bell Rock” Cobb Salad, Elvis‘s “Blue Christmas” PB and J Chicken, and Johnny’s “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” Pork Chop, among others. The grill is available Wednesday through Friday. LINK
Guest Contributor | REGINA BELT-DANIELS is a retired special education teacher who has acted, directed, and staged managed throughout Illinois and has reviewed theater for numerous publications for over a decade.
PHOTO | Justin Barbin
Marriott Theatre
presents
Million Dollar Quartet
10 Marriott Drive
Lincolnshire
through January 5, 2026
Tickets
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