Photo: Joan Marcus
Million Dollar Quartet does have a bit of a story — about Sam Phillips, the guy who recognized young, raw talent in singers and shaped them into the icons we know today. He was fiercely independent and couldn't really compete with the big labels (he sold Presley's contract in order to keep Sun Records afloat). So the show uses him as a narrator who fills us in on the singers' early careers and describes how most producers thought Rock-and-Roll would be a short-lived phenomenon. Despite enticements, Phillips remained on his own for years, but his relationships with these four was affected by their ambitious career decisions. We witness those moments, distilled and paired with performances of a handful of each star's best-known songs. But it's more music than story: Even with a four-song "encore" following the curtain call, the show is only about 100 minutes with no intermission.
 "Pin It")
Four fine performers portray the singers. James Barry is Perkins, the tightly wound guitar wizard best known for "See You Later, Alligator." David Elkins is Cash, a deep-voiced, somber dude even as a young man. Cody Slaughter (who has been a top Elvis impersonator for years) has the moves, the voice and the occasionally bashful presence that personified the King of Rock-and-Roll. But the most eye-catching performance comes from Ben Goddard as the manic and irrepressible Jerry Lee Lewis. All four guys play their own musical instruments, but Goddard has completely mastered the hammering, bouncing style of Lewis — and he brings a constant stream of humor to the show. A fifth voice of note is provided by Kelly Lamont as Presley's girlfriend Dyann; she has two numbers: a steamy, sensuous rendition of "Fever" and a raucous, sexy delivery of "I Hear You Knocking." You'll come away from this production feeling as if you had the opportunity to experience the essence of these charismatic performers.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, presented by Broadway in Cincinnati, continues through March 4 at the Aronoff Center downtown.
