Fans of local theatre were devastated when the Westchester Broadway Theatre closed in October 2020, after more than 45 years in business. This was THE place for Broadway-caliber productions, without the hassle of traveling into the city. Fortunately, the revived (and newly-named) The Westchester Theatre has found a home at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center. The 425 seat theatre was founded in 2017 and hosts a variety of cultural events and shows, including theatre productions.
This spring, the Westchester Theatre is performing Million Dollar Quartet. The Tony-nominated musical debuted last Thursday evening at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center and runs on select dates through May 22nd.
From the MIllion Dollar Quartet website: “Around Christmas time in 1956, Carl Perkins was in a post-“Blue Suede Shoes” funk. He booked a recording session on Dec. 4th with producer Sam Phillips. Along with Jerry Lee Lewis, Perkins and his band recorded a number of songs including one of Perkins’ best-known records, “Matchbox.” Details from the rest of that day are still questioned, but this is what is known: Perkins and Lewis were later joined by Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, and the foursome held an impromptu jam session. A newspaper wrote, “This quartet could sell a million.” Shortly after they were known as “The Million Dollar Quartet.”
The show plays like a concert/ jam session with the actors actually playing the instruments and singing. You’ll hear hits like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Hound Dog,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Great Balls of Fire.” At one point, the performers literally have the audience up on their feet dancing along to the tunes.
Recently, I attended the opening of Million Dollar Quartet and can say that this is a must-see show for fans of early rock and roll. While the audience on the night of my visit leaned toward the 60+ age group, the show will be entertaining for anyone who are fans of Perkins, Cash, Lewis and Presley. Million Dollar Quartet is playing for a limited time, so be sure to get your tickets soon!
The Details:
Million Dollar Quartet Westchester Theatre at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center
480 North Bedford Road
Chappaqua, NY
website
Dates: Select dates through May 22
Tickets: $49 – $89/ticket
Parking: Plentiful free parking in lot
*Masks are required at the performances
*There is no intermission. The show runs straight through the approximately 105 minutes.
