By Gerard Flanagan, news writer/photographer/social media, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – On Dec. 4, 1956, an extraordinary twist of fate brought four music legends together for an unforgettable night at Sun Records in Memphis, Tenn.
“Million Dollar Quartet,” which relives that night when Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley came together for one of the greatest jam sessions ever, comes to Campbellsville University’s Russ Mobley Theater, 114 University Drive, Campbellsville, Ky., June 30-July 4.
Performance times June 30, July 1 and July 4 are 7 p.m. Performance time July 2 is 6 p.m., and performance time July 3 is 2:30 p.m.
“Million Dollar Quartet” is presented by Campbellsville University’s Department of Theatre and Dance, Town Hall Productions and Heritage Children Services.
The musical, which was nominated for a Tony Award, “brings that legendary December night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations that is both poignant and funny,” a synopsis of the musical explains.
Viewers will have the opportunity to listen to classic rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who do You Love?” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog” and more.
General admission tickets are $10 each. Tickets for seniors, children and Campbellsville University students and employees are $7 each. Tickets can be purchased at the following link: https://townhallpro2013.ticketleap.com/milliondollarquartet/.
Cast members are as follows: Stephen Olliges, realtor at Rhonda Realty, plays Elvis Presley; Matt Nall, technical director in the Campbellsville University Department of Theatre and Dance, plays Johnny Cash; Gavin Johnson, a junior from Campbellsville, Ky., plays Jerry Lee Lewis;
Channing Young, a junior from Lebanon, Ky., plays Carl Perkins; Haley Fecher, a senior from Campbellsville, Ky., plays Dyanne; Les Chadwick, who is employed at Taylor Regional Hospital, plays Sam Phillips; Logan Hall, audio visual services assistant coordinator, plays Fluke; and Alex Vaughn, a self-employed mechanic, plays Brother Jay.
Alia McClendon, community theatre manager, is the musical’s director. Steve Skaggs, retired pastor and interim minister of music at Walnut Street Baptist Church in Louisville, is the music director. Starr Garrett, theatre director and professor of theatre, is the technical director.
Andrew Ward, owner of Town Hall Productions, is the producer, and Lauren Phillips, who graduated from Campbellsville University last month with a Bachelor of Science in Theater, is stage manager.
For more information on these productions, visit townhallpro.com/theater-film or call (270) 789-5266.
Corporate sponsors are Community Trust Bank, Brothers, Tucker Family Medicine, Kerr Office Group and Todd Conley — State Farm Insurance.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that has enrolled up to 12,000 students yearly. The university offers over 100 programs of study including doctoral, masters, bachelors, associate and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.