By Gina Marie Rodriguez & Dave Tavani, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 07/18/2024
Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Put them all together and what do you get?
You get the Million Dollar Quartet, an impromptu jam session recorded on December 4th of 1956, now regarded as a seminal moment in rock and roll history. It makes sense that Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux thought to craft it as a jukebox musical. The two are responsible for writing the book while the music and lyrics come straight from that historic jam session.
Jersey Arts visits the Bell Theater to speak with the cast and creatives of Axelrod PAC's production of "Million Dollar Quartet."
Bell Theater, Holmdel, NJ | July 19th-28th, 2024 - Click here for tickets
About the author: Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Gina Marie boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.
Dave Tavani is a freelance videographer and still photographer based in the Philadelphia area. In recent years, Dave has worked on a variety of projects, mostly for nonprofit and arts organizations. In addition to JerseyArts.com, he works on video projects for McCarter Theatre Center, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Visit Philadelphia, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and ArtPride New Jersey.
EVENT PREVIEWS
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Gateway Playhouse presents "Crazy For You"
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Burlington County Footlighters Intern Co. presents "The Beggar's Opera"
(CINNAMINSON, NJ) -- Burlington County Footlighters Intern Co. presents The Beggar's Opera from August 5-8, 2026. A ragtag company of beggars in Victorian London tell the bitter tale of the predatory outlaw known as MacHeath. He secretly marries the daughter of an underworld boss, but is soon betrayed by his sinister in-laws and sent to prison.
Two River Theater presents ¡Festejo! Celebrating Latine Stories Onstage
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater presents the 15th anniversary of ¡Festejo! Celebrating Latine Stories Onstage, from August 6–9, 2026. Curated by José Zayas, the annual festival, formerly known as Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras), will feature five new play readings by acclaimed and emerging Latine playwrights.
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(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents a staged reading of Appendage by Derek Murphy on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 7:00pm. A darkly comic and psychologically sharp two-hander, Appendage by Derek Murphy explores grief, masculinity, and the messy ways we cope with loss. Admission is free.
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Masquerade Theatre presents "Myths, Legends & Folklore Showcase"
(RIVERSIDE, NJ) -- Masquerade Theatre presents Myths, Legends & Folklore Showcase with performances on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm each night.
Villagers Theatre's TeensVill program presents "The Wedding Singer"
(SOMERSET, NJ) -- Villagers Theatre's TeensVill program presents The Wedding Singer across two weekends from August 7-16, 2026. Based on the popular movie, the play takes place in New Jersey in 1985. A wannabe rock star (aka a professional wedding singer) is left at the altar and finally changes his tune.
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