New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

PHOTOS from "Million Dollar Quartet" at Bell Theater


By John Posada

originally published: 07/22/2024

(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is presenting the smash hit musical Million Dollar Quartet from July 19-28, 2024 at the new Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel. With a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, Million Dollar Quartet recreates the true story of a one-night impromptu jam session with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

The Tony Award-nominated musical takes place on December 4, 1956, when an extraordinary twist of fate brought these four powerhouse performers together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary night to life with a tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations that is both poignant and funny. Experience the incredible music in a newly renovated, state-of-the-art theater inside the iconic Bell Works complex.

Directed by original Broadway cast member Hunter Foster (Little Shop of Horrors, The Bridges of Madison County, The Producers) along with Rachel Sabo-Hedges, Million Dollar Quartet features an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians. Showcased hit songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog” and more.

Alessandro Viviano stars as Elvis Presley, portraying “The King of Rock and Roll” for the ninth time. Brady Wease makes his Bell Theater debut as “The Killer” Jerry Lee Lewis, having starred in multiple productions of Million Dollar Quartet across the country. Sam C. Jones, who portrays Carl Perkins, is happy to be back in his blue suede shows after portraying the rockabilly guitarist in numerous past productions. Versatile New York-based actor/musician Chance Wall takes on the role of Johnny Cash.

Broadway’s Megan Reinking (Dyanne) and Bart Shatto (Sam Phillips) fill out the cast. Reinking appeared on Broadway in The People in the Picture, Hair and Dracula the Musical. She has also been seen in TV’s Boardwalk Empire and Law and Order: SVU. Shatto, who portrayed Bud Johnson in Axelrod PAC’s production of The Bridges of Madison County, has played Sun Records producer Sam Phillips in three musicals – Million Dollar Quartet, Million Dollar Quartet Christmas and The Ballad of Johnny and June. His Broadway credits include War Paint, Les Misérables, Hands on a Hardbody and Dracula the Musical. He was also a vocalist with the platinum-selling rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra for more than a decade. Shatto is set to appear in the pre-Broadway Canadian premiere of The Ballad of Johnny and June, directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Des McAnuf.




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



Million Dollar Quartet’s music director is Nat Zegree, with sound design by Louis Mannarino, lighting design by David Heguy, costume design by Sharen Davis and scenic design by Fred Sorrentino. Andrew DePrisco is producer and Kyle Binkley is stage manager.

Bell Theater is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road in the iconic Bell Works complex. Tickets are $58 and $64 and are available at www.belltheater.org or 732-531-9106, ext. 14.

Here are more photos from the production.

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center has produced concerts and musicals at its Deal Park location for nearly 20 years. In 2021, the Axelrod began presenting outdoor concerts at Bell Works where it also houses two major programs: Axelrod Performing Arts Academy and the Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater. Axelrod’s newest venue, Bell Theater, offers an electrifying slate of performances that include Broadway musicals, singular concert experiences, top level comedy and family entertainment. The 300-seat venue also offers a full bar and plenty of free parking.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. For more than 15 years, John has photographed live events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions. Currently, John has spent the last 3 years concentrating on photographing almost 200 theatre productions for over 70 different theatres. Click here for John's website.




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Cape

Cape May Stage presents "Love, Loss, & What I Wore"

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents Love, Loss, & What I Wore from July 5-11, 2025. Based on Ilene Beckerman's bestselling book, this tender and witty play weaves together monologues and ensemble pieces to explore the deep connections between clothing and memory, touching on themes like mothers, prom dresses, bras, purses, and the timeless appeal of black clothing. Showtime is 8:00pm each night.



Classic

Classic American Tales presents "The Specialist" and "The Wizard of Oz" this week

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- This week, Classic American Tales presents two different events in two different Cape May locations: The historic Dormer House B&B and Rea's Farm.



East

East Lynne Theater Company presents Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise"

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The award-winning, Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) – now in its 45th year–will present its first show of the company's Mainstage Season, Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise," from June 19 to July 12, 2025 with a special performance to honor Veterans on June 27. The heartwarming love story features Liz Mattera, an East Lynne veteran, as Louise, and New York-based actor Xander Furman as Jack, with Mark Edward Lang (ELTC's "Possessing Harriet") directing and lush period costumes by NYC designer Travis Chinick.



Montclair

Montclair Township Declares 'Montclair Theater Day' Ahead of Vanguard Theater's Inaugural Festival

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Known for its vibrant and lively arts scene, the town of Montclair continues to find new and meaningful ways to celebrate creativity within its community. One of the town's newest initiatives includes the inaugural Montclair Theater Festival, presented by Vanguard Theater and The Essex County Board Of Commissioners. This eagerly anticipated event is set to take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Glenfield Park in Montclair's historic Fourth Ward.



Dragonfly

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" in Metuchen and Plainfield

(METUCHEN, NJ) -- Not long after a revival of Thornton Wilder's play Our Town closed on Broadway, New Jersey audiences will have the chance to see the classic drama close to home. Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center will present the classic play in both Metuchen and Plainfield in July. Directed by Dragonfly's Artistic Director Catherine LaMoreaux, Our Town invites audiences into the heart of small-town America through the everyday lives of the residents of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


The

The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray"

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre


 

A

A Broadway Tour of America

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 

The

The Wizard of Oz

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
category: theatre


 

A

A Broadway Tour of America

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 

A

A Broadway Tour of America

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 2:00pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info