IT'S only rock n roll, but I like it.
Make yourselves comfortable for an undemanding and joyous two hour celebration of the birth of the genre.
But don't get too cosy in your seat as you will be on your feet by the end of this spectacular show which saw last night's mostly older audience dancing in the aisles and, in one case, trying to storm the stage they enjoyed it so much.
Million Dollar Quartet is based on the events of December 4, 1956 when four star musicians gathered at the home of Sun Records in Memphis for what can only be described as one of the greatest jam sessions of all time.
Rock n roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins were brought together by their celebrated mentor Sam Phillips for the first and only time.
Considering the tour is opening in Southampton, bar a short stint in India, I expected the occasional hiccup. But the entire cast was utterly note perfect and the musicianship on display was positively mind-blowing.
Songs including Blue Suede Shoes, Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On and Hound Dog are performed with such fervour, passion and skill that you couldn't help but get caught up in it. Down By The Riverside is a particular highlight.
Staging was simple with a recording studio set and the music matched the atmosphere, ecstatic at times, tense at times as the various characters revealed their intentions to make music with various different companies around the States.
Other than that, there is no great plot to speak of. But, in what is essentially one epic rock concert, it's not really needed.
This new production, starring Peter Duncan as 'the father of rock n roll', certainly impresses.
The last visit of this show to Mayflower Theatre felt a little lacklustre, but the new improved version delivers a delightful blast of vintage rock n roll.
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