‘Million Dollar Quartet’ by Harlequin Productions is a priceless treasure
Originally published on The JOLT News on June 23, 2026
I clapped, swayed to the music and tapped my (not blue suede) shoes to the beat of every incredible classic rock ‘n’ roll hit performed in "Million Dollar Quartet" by Harlequin Productions (HQP).
Based on one of the best true stories in American music history, “Million Dollar Quartet” is a musical that depicts what happened at Sun Records on Dec. 4, 1956, from the perspective of label owner Sam Phillips.
As the story goes, destiny intertwined various events in order to bring Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley together for an impromptu jam session.
HQP always produces incredible shows, but they excel to broadway levels with every one of their musical offerings (please give us more each season, please!) This show was the prime example of that.
Stepping into the auditorium felt like stepping back in time, and that was all thanks to the amazingly retro and bright set design by Christina Barrigan and prop design by Dan Wolff. Looking through the pictures included in this column, you can also see the outstanding costume design by Jason Kramer and hair, wig and makeup design by Bridget House.
You must come and see the amazing work Director Emily A. Rollie, Music Director Stephanie Layton, Choreographer Jessica Low, Sound Designer Keith Jewell, Dialect Coach Grace Helmcke and Stage Manager Celeste Elaine invested in this show.
Each cast member clearly studied and focused on the big and little nuances when bringing their characters to life, which included capturing each of their appropriate vocal qualities and mannerisms.
Actors and musicians Casey Raiha, Becca Bailey, Nick Rawson and Will Madison brought just as much of their “A game” as the quartet and their performances were equally captivating and compelling.
Now the moment you have waited for: I would be lying if I didn’t admit that Wyatt Brownell’s boisterous Jerry Lee Lewis, Maverick McCarl’s folksy Carl Perkins, Nathan Roberts’ gruff but mild mannered Johnny Cash, and Ben Bailey’s suave and swaggered Elvis Presley each made me blush throughout the show. Oh heck, I’m still blushing.
The quartet was absolutely brilliant and gave impeccable performances. Dare I say, they were flawless with every note they played (even when literally standing on the piano).
If I was not wearing my glasses or sitting closer to the stage, I would swear the rock ‘n’ roll legends came back from the dead for an encore of their iconic jam session.
Reflections
Every time I have written a column about a show this season, I find myself in my personal time contemplating and coming back to the ideas presented by HQP's “Home/Land” season theme.
Reading what Artistic Director Aaron Lamb wrote about this season still brings tears to my eyes, not just because it feels profound, but because the theme itself feels inspired by something much bigger than ourselves (read the full statement here).
Audiences should rush to see “Million Dollar Quartet” not just because it contains classic rock ‘n’ roll hits, it also generates plenty of laughs and opportunities to cheer.
"Million Dollar Quartet” is about the dreamers who do not just plead with a star for golden records, but put in the blood, sweat and tears to not only advance their vision but encourage others to join them. My family and I collected articles on the true story surrounding this musical and you can find them here.
As America draws near to its 250th anniversary, many of us are reflecting on what it means to be an American. I imagine many of us are going through certain stages of grief, as we worry about who our nation is becoming.
Drawing back on HQP’s stated season theme, “For thirty-five years, we’ve been gathering in this space, finding common ground through shared stories. In a world that feels increasingly divided, that tradition feels more important than ever. Come home with us.”
So come on, purchase a ticket to “Million Dollar Quartet” and let your heart come home to a story that will bring you back to what I believe is the most universal and real definition of American values: resilience, courage, creativity and speaking out in the face of injustice.
Get your tickets on Harlequin’s website or by calling their box office at (360) 786-0151.
A personal note
As summer kicks into full gear, I have decided to turn up the heat with more written works, such as more columns covering local arts (like this one reviewing Olympia’s Juneteenth Celebration) along with other fun projects, including a series exploring my favorite episodes of “The Twilight Zone.”
I invite you to visit my website,subscribe to my personal Monday newsletter that features behind the scenes stories putting together my column, and follow me on Facebook or Instagram.