by Rachel Benton
Published in the Oly Arts Summer 2026 print edition, page 17
On December 4, 1956, a “twist-of-fate” brought Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins into the same space for a once-in-a-lifetime jam session at Sun Records. Just imagine what that jam session must have been like!
and Nathan Roberts. Photo by Shanna Paxton Photography.
Historical memory, nostalgia, and imagination will be brought to life as Harlequin Productions takes audiences back to that incredible night with the Tony nominated musical “Million Dollar Quartet!”
Harlequin Productions describes “Million Dollar Quartet!” as a show “packed with heart, history, and hit after iconic hit. This musical is an electrifying celebration of talent, fame, and raw sound that takes audiences inside the night that changed music forever.”
Filling the “Blue Suede Shoes” of these icons is brave and noble endeavor, and Oly Arts is excited to see Ben Bailey as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll — Elvis Presley, Nathan Roberts playing the man in black — Johnny Cash, Wyatt Brownell as Jerry Lee Lewis—Killer, to life. Along with Maverick McCarl and Carl Perkins.
This show will feature 20-plus classics that everyone loves including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Matchbox,” “Who Do You Love?” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Hound Dog,” “Down By the Riverside,” “Peace in the Valley, “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and “See You Later Alligator.”
In a recent social media sneak peek video, “Million Dollar Quartet!” Director Emily Rollie shared, “This is an actual historical moment that we get to see inside of through the memory of Sam Phillips [record producer and founder of Sun Records,] who brought them all together in the first place.”
Rollie continued, “We have a great opportunity as a community to be part of that moment, and be part of the party that emerges from these characters playing together … audiences will get to see incredibly talented and fabulous performers singing, acting, and playing instruments in a show that is very challenging … it is something not to be missed!”
Video previews and more are still being shared on Harlequin Productions’ social media and email newsletters, visit harlequinproductions.org to learn more.
A show as special as this demands extra attention to detail and inspires intentional audience experiences. All audience members will experience magic and wonder from their seats, but Harlequin Productions is also currently offering special Backstage Pass VIP Tickets with these perks for those looking to be fully immersed in the show. These benefits include:
- Early backstage admission with a VIP pass and lanyard.
- Backstage tour of the “Million Dollar Quartet!” set with the opportunity for photos and selfies.
- A seat for the pre-show on-stage sound check (it’s essentially a private performance)!
- A collectible tote bag full of goodies, including a show poster signed by the cast, a collectible coaster, a collectible cup, and a tasty treat!
This will be the celebration of a lifetime and an event you do not want to miss. Hurry and get your tickets today before the show sells out!
WHAT:
Tony nominated musical “Million Dollar Quartet!” directed by Emily Rollie at Harlequin Productions
WHEN:
June 19 – July 26. Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m., Sunday Matinees at 2 p.m.
WHERE:
Harlequin Productions, The State Theater, 202 4th Avenue E, Olympia
TICKETS:
Prices range from $39-$99. Available for purchase online or at the Harlequin Productions box office.
LEARN MORE:
https://harlequinproductions.org/
(360) 786-0151