Living in Greer gives us close access to so many great venues throughout the upstate, and since this Tuesday night was date night, Lindsay and I ventured to Greenville's Peace Center to see the Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet.
The musical centers around a chance jam session with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins at Sun Records on December 4, 1956.
Being a fan of all of these artists, I was hoping to enjoy the musical, but I wasn't prepared for how lively and fun the entire performance would be. I don't believe I've been to a musical that had this much music, and not just any music, but songs I knew and could sing along with.
Another aspect of the show that I found enjoyable was the audience interaction. Many of the songs had us all clapping to the beat, and every song received a round of applause. The Johnny Cash actor, David Elkins, had an applause each time he started, then the crowd clapped right along throughout the entire song. There's nothing quite like a couple thousand people clapping along to Folsom Prison Blues.
To top it off, the entire audience stood and clapped for the last 5 songs. I didn't see a single person sitting as the Quartet played straight through "Down by the Riverside", "Hound Dog", "Ghost Riders", "See You Later Alligator" and the encore "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On".
Overall each of the actors were cast very well...Elvis had the look and dance moves, Johnny Cash had the deep voice, Carl Perkins had the guitar, but for me Jerry Lee Lewis was the hardest not to watch. When he wasn't banging on the piano (literally), he was off to the side doing something funny. Martin Kaye, from Manchester England, played Lewis quite well, including playing the piano backwards.
It's great to have this level of performance within 15 minutes of Greer, and I would highly recommend catching one of the remaining shows this week.
Click here for show times and links to Ticket sales >>
Click here to see a list of all the songs you'll hear performed >>
HERE'S HOW WE DID IT:
- Buy your tickets online, so you'll be sure to have the seat you want. Ours were $55 each, but they range from $45-$75.
- Don't stress about parking...valet park your car at the Marriott right across Broad street from the Peace Center. It's only $5 plus another $3-5 tip. You're going to pay that or more at surround lots, then you'll have to walk much further.
- Walk straight into the show and pickup your tickets. Be sure to get there about 10 minutes early, or they'll close the doors on you and you'll miss the first act.
- Once the show is over, go back to the Marriott, but don't get your car yet...it's going to be about 9:30, so you have time for a relaxing drink at Rick Erwin's Nantucket Seafood. We had a Wedge Salad, coffee and a slice of Key Lime pie...all for less than $25. Oh, and ask to be seated in Oprah's section (seriously, there is a waiter that looks like young Oprah, and she was awesome. The guy/girl seating you will know who you're talking about.)
- All total, we had a very nice date night for about $150.
BE PREPARED
- There are no intermissions and the musical is fast paced, so there are no good opportunities for a bathroom break. You will definitely miss something great if you walk out for even 5 minutes.
- The Peace Center was VERY cold inside for us, so be sure to take a coat in if you're cold natured.
- Lastly, be prepared to clap and enjoy yourself.
UPDATE: Johnny Cash is played by David Elkins in the Greenville performances of Million Dollar Quartet. He's great!