“Million Dollar Quartet” keeps box office booming

The cast of “Million Dollar Quartet,” at the Apollo Theatre will celebrate its 2500th performance in Chicago on Sept. 20.

“Million Dollar Quartet,” billed as “the longest-running ‘Broadway’ musical production in Chicago’s history,” will celebrate its 2500th performance in Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 20. To mark the occasion, the cast will play a free outdoor concert in Daley Plaza during the Farmer’s Market at noon on Thursday, Sept. 18.

The show, in residence at the Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln, also has been extended through Jan. 4, 2015.

Entering its 7th year, the Chicago production of “Million Dollar Quartet” continues to break box office records. The show also has been a hit in New York, London, Japan, Las Vegas and on national tour.

The 90-minute musical, packed with 20 rock ‘n’ roll hits, features a small cast with big talent. It is set on Dec. 4, 1956, when a twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ’n’ Roll,” who discovered them all. The four legends, “united” (not without tension) for the only time in their careers, joined in an impromptu recording that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time.

The production features such rock ’n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits as “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Ring of Fire,” “Whole Lotta’ Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Hound Dog.” Directed by Eric Schaeffer and Floyd Mutrux, it features a book by Mutrux and Colin Escott.

For “Million Dollar Quartet” tickets call (773) 935-6100 or visit http://www.ticketmaster.com. For additional information visit http://www.milliondollarquartetlive.com.