February 2, 2017
Montreal Theatre HubBy Camila Fitzgibbon
January 25, 2017
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Segal’s “Million Dollar Quartet” to be extended at Place des Arts
MONTREAL PREMIERE OF TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL EXTENDED AT PLACE DES ARTS
Montreal, January 25, 2017– The Segal Centre is thrilled to announce that the Montreal premiere of Million Dollar Quartet, set to run at the Segal from April 23 to May 14, will be extended due to popular demand. The six additional performances will take place at Place des Arts’ Cinquième Salle from May 17 to May 21, 2017.
The Segal has assembled a group of multi-talented artists from across North America for their upcoming production of the hit musical inspired by the incredible true events of December 4, 1956, when Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” brought together four music giants – Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley – for one of the greatest impromptu recording sessions ever.
“JAW-DROPPING AND HUGELY ENJOYABLE!” – The Chicago Tribune These talented musicians and artists will make their first appearances on the Segal stage to bring these musical icons back to life under the direction of Artistic and Executive Director Lisa Rubin.
Elvis Presley will be played by accomplished singer and musician George Krissa who reprises this role following the Globe Theatre production. He has appeared in numerous musical theatre productions including Beauty and the Beast, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Wizard of Oz.
Christo Graham, a piano player and actor from Ontario, will be performing as the feisty and flamboyant Jerry Lee Lewis. Graham is no stranger to the role and music of the era, having also been in Edmonton with the Citadel Theatre’s cast of Million Dollar Quartet and Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash at the Globe Theatre in Saskatchewan.
Sky Seals, a multi-disciplinary artist based in New York, will join the quartet as Johnny Cash. A singer-songwriter and actor, Seals has been in a number of musicals across the United States, including two productions of Million Dollar Quartet, Hair, and Sessions: A New Musical. His performance as Cash in the Actor’s Playhouse production of Million Dollar Quartet in Miami was highly praised by the Cash family themselves.
Newcomer Ed Murphy, a singer-songwriter who has been a front man for numerous bands including the Sad Boys Glee Club, will be making his professional stage debut playing the role of Carl Perkins.
“THE SHOW TRIUMPHANTLY DELIVERS!” – The Daily Telegraph Also joining the cast is Montreal singer-songwriter Sara Diamond as Presley’s girlfriend, Dyanne. Most known for being the official national anthem singer at Montreal Canadiens (Habs) games, Diamond is an accomplished local artist, who has also headlined at Place des Arts, the Festival des Arts, and has opened for Roberta Flack and Bonnie Tyler at Montreal’s Bell Centre. She released her first R&B single, “Just Give In”, in 2016.
“I’m overjoyed to be taking part in sharing the inspiring musical journey of some of our most influential entertainers. This is my first time diving into the professional musical theatre world, but I have a feeling it won’t be my last,” said Diamond.
James Loye, recently seen in Centaur Theatre’s acclaimed production of Butcher, will make his Segal debut as Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock n’ Roll” who brings the group together for this historic jam session.
Evan Stewart and Peter Colantonio round out the cast as bassist Brother Jay and Fluke the drummer. They are both returning to the Segal where they have been part of the band for many productions including Prom Queen: The Musical, The Producers: A New Mel Brooks Musical in Yiddish, and The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz: The Musical.
All of the gifted performers will be playing instruments live on stage as their iconic characters; under the musical direction of David Terriault.
“A FEEL-GOOD CROWD-PLEASER!” – The Times “I am incredibly excited to get to work with these talented artists to bring to life these music legends and relive rock ‘n roll history. Our extension at Place des Arts recognizes Montreal’s palpable love affair with Rock ‘n Roll, and we look forward to meeting new audiences and welcoming them into our Segal family,” said Director Lisa Rubin.
Tickets for the Segal Centre run and Cinquième Salle, Place des Arts extension are already on sale and can be purchased on their respective websites and box offices. Group, Senior, Student and Under 30 discounts are available at both locations.
Segal Centre for Performing Arts – April 23 to May 14 ($51-$65):
5170 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, H3W 1M7
514-739-7944 / www.segalcentre.org
Cinquième Salle at Place des Arts – May 17 to May 21 ($65):
175 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montreal, H2X 1Z8
514-842-2112 / www.placedesarts.com
CAST
ELVIS PRESLEY – George Krissa
JERRY LEE LEWIS – Christo Graham
JOHNNY CASH – Sky Seals
CARL PERKINS – Ed Murphy
DYANNE – Sara Diamond
SAM PHILLIPS – James Loye
BROTHER JAY (BASSIST) – Evan Stewart
FLUKE (DRUMMER) – Peter Colantonio
CREATIVE TEAM
BOOK BY Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux
ORIGINAL CONCEPT & DIRECTION BY Floyd Mutrux
DIRECTOR Lisa Rubin
MUSICAL DIRECTOR David Terriault
SET DESIGNER Brian Dudkiewicz
COSTUME DESIGNER Louise Bourret
LIGHTING DESIGNER Itai Erdal
HEAD OF SOUND Steve Marsh