Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas

For fans of the popular jukebox musical, the original MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, this may be the perfect holiday show for you. That musical was last seen at the Marriott in a brilliant production that opened their 2019 season. Closing out the Theatre’s 50th season, the Marriott’s holiday offering is once again another perfect production, appearing at the perfect time of the year. Similar to the original show’s premise, famed rock&roll, rockabilly and country/western recording stars, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash have reunited once again at Sun Records. They want to celebrate Christmas Eve with the man whose care and guidance launched their careers, Sam Phillips. And once again, Elvis has brought along his lovely girlfriend, Dyanne. The result is a rousing, 90-minute reunion of old friends, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

For audiences not familiar with the story behind the MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, the musical was inspired by a little known event that took place at a small recording studio in Memphis, Tennessee. Sparked by a famous photograph snapped at Sun Records in early December of 1956, when those four talented singers happened to show up at Sam Phillips’ tiny studio, Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux created their popular, entertaining musical pastiche. Like this newer holiday edition of the original show, theatergoers were not only treated to almost two dozen hit songs by the original Fab Four. They also learned some fascinating facts about these real-life characters. Marriott’s new MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS, also written by Colin Escott, continues that story. 

Now, perhaps a year later, the Quartet has gathered once again to spend Christmas with their friend and mentor, Sam Phillips. We learn that each of the singers has enjoyed fame and success but have dreams of an even brighter future. Johnny Cash hopes to relocate to Los Angeles to be cast as a singing cowboy in the movies, like Gene Autry. Carl Perkins has his eye on gaining popularity with a broader, international audience. Elvis Presley is still wrestling with a relationship with his possessive manager, Colonel Parker. And now the young King of Rock n’ Roll faces a new dilemma in the form of his Draft notice. Even flashy newcomer to Sun Recordings, Jerry Lee Lewis, is concerned about how bright his star will eventually shine, and whether his association with Sun Recordings will satisfy his financial needs.

Throughout the evening’s jam session, music is played, feelings are expressed and reconciliation evolves into a deeply caring camaraderie. Theatergoers are treated to several lesser known holiday hits, such as “Santa Claus is Back in Town,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” “Home for the Holidays” and “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus.” Then the Quartet, joined by Dyanne and Sam, entertain us with more familiar Christmas songs, like “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,”and an especially gorgeous rendition of  “Silent Night.” 

But the evening isn’t all holiday tunes. Most of the cast are making their Marriott debut and all enchant with some of their characters’ best-known hits. Elvis, portrayed with depth and sensitivity by talented singer, Colton Sims, entertains with “Don’t Be Cruel,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and leads the company with his famous “Blue Christmas.” Trevor Lindley Craft brings country charm and an unpretentious personality to his laid-back characterization of Carl Perkins. He lovingly launches into a rousing rendition of “Cotton Top,” then nicely blends with Dyanne in a duet of “O, Christmas Tree.” As Dyanne, Elvis’ saucy girlfriend, the talented and bewitching Teah Kiang Mirabelli adds a much-welcome feminine touch to the show. The lovely songstress adds her voice to almost every company number, but excels with her sexy “Santa Baby.” Ms. Mirabelli then demonstrates her musicality on the ukulele with her Hawaiian holiday number, “Mele Kalikimaka.” 

Handsome actor/singer Michael D. Potter, who theatergoers may have enjoyed as Johnny Cash in Paramount’s long-running hit, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, lends his beautiful, deep baritone to Cash’s signature song, “Ring of Fire.” He also offers a soulful “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” backed by the entire cast. And as the showy, unpredictable and egotistical Jerry Lee Lewis, mega talented singer and musician JP Coletta steals the show. He’s previously portrayed the gifted Jerry Lee in other productions of both MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS. The astoundingly talented actor/singer/musician boasts a resume filled with dozens of impressive musicals. He delights here with “Chantilly Lace,” “Bad Kid” and a raucous version of “Jingle Bells.”

Director Scott Weinstein returns to the Marriott, after his sensational, Jeff nominated production of SOMETHING ROTTEN. He calls this revue a “What-if sequel” to the original story. His show brings a family feeling to this group of performers, including the man who made them famous. Audiences will feel the sense of home that’s engendered by the singers’ reunion at Sun Recordings. Weinstein’s production, featuring skillful Musical Direction by Matt Deitchman, provides a festive Scenic Design by Milo Bue, sparkling Lighting by Jesse Klug and a wardrobe of great period costumes by Nicholas Hartman. The production highlights the singers’ journey from financially-strapped to super stardom, giving each character much needed time to pause and reflect.

The entire gifted cast of this show provides their own accompaniment, but with additional contributions by talented Jed Feder (as Fluke), on drums, and Cody Siragusa (as Brother Jake), on bass. This lovely, loving production, Directed with sensitivity and understanding by Scott Weinstein, is just one more holiday entertainment available for Chicago theatergoers. We have so many choices for Christmas entertainment, but as a show that’s full of heart and humor, along with songs that are a real blast from the past, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS sparkles with homey holiday magic. And it will have audiences of all ages Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.                     

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 12-January 4 by the Marriott Theatre, 

10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling the Marriott at 847-634-0200 or by going to www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com