Stage Review - Million Dollar Quartet (Harlequin Productions)

Stage Review - Million Dollar Quartet
Presented By: Harlequin Productions - Olympia, WA
Show Run: June 19 - July 26, 2026
Date Reviewed: Friday, June 19, 2026 (Opening Night)
Run Time: 90 minutes (no intermission)
Reviewed by: Breanne Jensen

On Friday June 19th, 2026 I attended the opening night performance of Harlequin’s “Million Dollar Quartet” and was transported through the jukebox to December 4th, 1956. This particular day in history is so special because it is the day in which Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash (also two band members and Elvis’ friend Dyanne) all met up under one roof to see Sam Phillips the head of their label at Sun Records. This is the one and only time these four power houses of musical history were in the same place and I can see why a show was written about this momentous day. A mixture of history, beloved hits such as “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Fever”, “Sixteen Tons”, “I Walk the Line” and “Great Balls of Fire”, just to name a few, and brings some of our favorite icons back to life even if for only one night.

The set design (Christina Barrigan) was not only effective for the space, but truly submerged the viewer into an intimate recording session amongst the Mount Rushmore of music. Painted on the floor is a vinyl record that adds to the feeling that this show is a pop-up book of characters playing live on their records, spinning in real time right in front of the audience’s eyes. The second-floor structure serves as the control booth for the studio and gives interesting levels and views of the actors that keeps the viewer engaged in the process. Great use of space is also made for the piano, drums and bass with an old microphone right at center stage. The lighting also designed by Christina Barrigan, was methodical and rarely ever went down, just adjusted to shift tone or even create a new setting outside of the studio.

The sound design by Keith Jewell is truly gorgeous as the balance of the half circle space meets all live musicians playing simultaneously to singing. The balance never once left and in fact created the feeling of being at a concert without physically having your ear drums left ringing for days afterwards. The cast is stunningly costumed by Jason Kramer in both period appropriateness as well as matching the historical accuracy while flattering each person’s physique, complimented beautifully by the hair, make up and wig design by Bridget House. A wonderful job done by the properties design (Dan Wolf), dialect coach (Grace Helmcke), stage manager (Celeste Elaine) and assistant stage manager (Tommy McGee).

The undeniably talented cast is led by two fierce professional women in both director Emily A. Rollie and music director Stephanie Layton. Layton leads the charge by honing in on the sounds and timbers of these icons while still allowing the cast to bring part of themselves to their beloved characters. Each voice and musical number are clear in diction, crisp in vibrancy and their ability to play an instrument matched their incredible vocal instruments as well. Director Emily A. Rollie does a wonderful job at giving each titan their individual moment but also blending their talents to create an ensemble show at times. Between professional talents, fostering of their characters, cast comradery and their precise harmonies, Rollie and Layton are a dynamic duo that create magic together!

In the cast we are first introduced to label owner Sam Phillips (played by Casey Raiha), who breaks the fourth wall on occasion to give you narration of the story, timeline and events but also how he is feeling internally while providing insight/backstory of our legends. Sometimes in “the biz” there is a saying, “save the best for the last” and while there is no best or last, I would like to come back to Mr. Phillips in a moment. Our musicians on stage who are historical figures in the music business even if not as well-known are bass player Brother Jay, played by Nick Brown, and drummer Will Madison. Both Brown and Madison bring character, professionality and great comedic interactions. The only lady in our cast is Dyanne (historically known as Elvis’ girlfriend that evening in 1956, Marilyn Evans) played by Becca Bailey. Bailey is absolutely stunning and made for this era of costuming while also bringing great vocals and a sweet charm to her role and the dynamic of the fellas. Playing her leading man on stage and off is her husband Ben Bailey, in the role of Elvis Presley. With his black hair and baby blue eyes, Bailey brings the energy, nostalgia, talent, accent and aura of The King to life. My favorite part of his performance is when he began to sing to a woman in the front row and he threw himself down on the stage and his personality truly came through.

Carl Perkins is brought to the stage by Maverick McCarl who was inspired personally to learn how to play guitar when he saw this show years prior. McCarl brings, sass, spice and everything nice from his accent, to his vocals and playing, you can feel his passion for this style of performance. The bass-baritone cowboy style singer Johnny Cash is played effortlessly by Nathan Roberts. Roberts embodies not only Cash’s deep tone, performance style and talents but also his calm yet mysterious demeanor that the “man in black” was known for. If he looks at you for too long while on stage you find yourself unsure if you’re in trouble or the object of his affection, he is the Mr. Darcy of country music. The soulful Jerry Lee Lewis is revitalized by Wyatt Brownell and his performance of the legendary performer. Brownell grew up close to where Jerry was from himself and that close soulful rooted connection of home is ever so evident in his singing, performing and playing. Brownell truly blew me away on his opening night performance. He equally matched his boyish charm, showmanship, vocal agility, comfortability at the piano and infectious smile all while allowing the audience to see this goofy and adorable personality of Wyatt peeking through. Brownell is the highlight of the show for me and I would pay money to see him over and over again and I hope he knows, that the sky is the limit!  

Now, back to Casey Raiha as Mr. Sam Phillips. Phillips, as I stated sort of leads us as the audience through the story as well as his feelings. Raiha who has played the role before, makes Mr. Phillips relatable, likeable and human while engaging us in the story the entire time. I saved this for last because on this opening night performance there was a very rude audience member in front of me, center of the house, who kept taking pictures and videos as well as talking, continuously coughing and made everyone around him so disrupted they moved away from him in between scenes when it would be least disruptive. This attendee was not only asked twice by the house manager to stop recording and keep it down, he also flipped off the guest next to me when she asked him politely to stop interrupting the show but he clearly was disrupting the cast on stage. Raiha calmly left the stage when not speaking and told the gentleman that was not allowed as it is illegal. Everyone around me, including myself was relieved. I just wanted to give the entire cast and staff kudos for trying to keep and maintain theatre etiquette and a huge brava to Casey Raiha and his courage to do something I have never seen in person before, but was beyond necessary- your professionality and grace should be applauded.

“Million Dollar Quartet” is a 90-minute show with no intermission but the pacing is engaging and keeps you on your toes. While listening to some of the best music of our time, learning more about music’s history, and being reminded of the greatness of its beloved creators, this show is a love letter to music and stamp in time of musical transition. On this fateful day, all but Lewis was leaving the label, and had yet to tell Mr. Phillips (for example Cash was leaving to make a Gospel record with RCA) and with their transition the music as we know it today also shifted and melded into something new.

Our country, culture, history and influences are all currently enduring transition and this show at Harlequin reminds us that change and music are the only constants and one day, it’s all going to be okay again. Bring your friends, family and everyone in between to catch this run before it closes next month!

Million Dollar Quartet, from Harlequin Productions, runs on stage at the State Theatre in Olympia through July 26. For more information, including ticket availability and sales, visit https://harlequinproductions.org/.

Photo credit: Shanna Paxton Photography