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Review: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at Stolp Island Theatre Aurora
Little did Elvis know when he recorded that song how appropriate it would be for December 4, 1956, at Sun Record Studios in Memphis. The new Stolp Island Theatre in Aurora is presenting Million Dollar Quartet as its premiere production. Rock and roll pioneer Sam Phillips (Sam Pearson) started the studio in 1950. During the course of the day, Carl Perkins (Christopher Wren) had come into the studio to record some new material. Jerry Lee Lewis (Garrett Forrestal) was yet unknown and he was in the studio to play the piano on the Perkins session. Later in the afternoon, 21 year old Elvis Presley (Alex Swindle) stopped by to pay a casual visit. Elvis’ girlfriend, Dyanne (Madison Palmer), is along as well. She has a few solo numbers and joins in on the harmony. She holds her own against this million dollar group. As the Perkins session started, Elvis joined in. During the session, Johnny Cash (Bill Scott Sheets) arrived at the studio. The woman running things in the control booth is Marion (Haley Jane Schafer). She is in the booth the entire show until the end when the jam session is really going on. She sings some beautiful harmonies. This group of extraordinarily talented actors – they are also gifted musicians – entertained the audience in the new, intimate 98 seat Stolp Island Theatre for 2.5 hours. You are right there. You feel you are part of the show. Sam Phillips is the “narrator” if you will. He takes the audience through the story of that day plus all the other things these recording artists were going through. Lots of talk about RCA and Columbia record companies and contracts. He is a wonderful weaver of stories. For those who do not know, Carl Perkins wrote Blue Suede Shoes and he was not thrilled that Elvis sang it on the Sullivan show. He felt he should have been the one. The songs performed in this show are the ones that they actually sang on December 4. There was a studio engineer who had the sense to realize this session needed to be recorded. We should be very grateful he did. These were four of the best musicians and recording artists – all pioneers. It’s about time Sam Phillips gets some well deserved recognition. He created it. The music is classic rock and roll. You will sing, clap and cheer. Completely spontaneous. These performers bring Elvis, Carl, Johnny and Jerry Lee back to life. Jerry Lee was the last of this quartet. He passed in October of 2022. At the end of Sam’s telling of this once in a lifetime session, he brings out a camera and takes the very famous photo of the 4 of them around the piano. You do see it and hear the actual recording. It is an emotional moment. What might have been…
Illinois Officials Question Alton Mine Collapse and Future Safety Plans
The collapse of a mine on June 26, 2024, in Gordon Moore Park, Alton, Illinois, has alarmed local officials and residents. The falling apart resulted in a large sinkhole in the park’s soccer fields. With dimensions nearly 200 feet wide and 50 feet deep, the hole kept growing after several rains disrupted sports events and camps scheduled for the summer.
Isolated Thunderstorms Predicted for Illinois-Wisconsin State Line Sunday
Chicago, IL – Isolated thunderstorms are expected near the Illinois-Wisconsin state line on Sunday, with a chance of storms continuing throughout the week. According to the US National Weather Service in Chicago, the region will experience near-seasonable temperatures with occasional showers. Sunday’s weather will feature isolated afternoon showers with...
New QBs, new coach and good vibes: 4 observations from Washington's 7-on-7 football camp
WASHINGTON — Washington hosting its annual high school football fest has been a summer staple for the last 17 years. But for the first time in the event’s history, Darrell Crouch isn’t the Panthers head coach. Crouch retired at the end of last season, following a decorated 19-year career at Washington that saw 156 victories and 16 playoff appearances. Former associate head coach Todd Stevens has taken the reigns of the program. ...
East Peoria teen wins national junior pool championship in St. Louis
But he picked up the game so fast he won a national title earlier this month. The East Peoria High School junior was crowned champion of his division at the 2024 American Pool Players Association National Junior Championships June 29-July 1 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel in St. Louis.
Galesburg girl wins Li’l Miss Illinois pageant
There she is, Li’l Miss Illinois. That person is Kynleigh Fox of Galesburg, who was recently named Li’l Miss Illinois 2024 through the Miss Illinois Youth Program. Fox, daughter of Stacy Dunham, took part in the pageant recently as Li’l Miss Knox County. Fox recently turned 9 years old and will be a fourth grader at Galesburg Christian School. Among the activities she was required to take part included a talent – she danced – and an interview. Fox aced it as she was named Overall Top Interview.
Streator Police investigating shooting incident; victim in OSF Peoria
An unidentified man is in OSF Peoria after being shot in Streator City Park late Saturday afternoon. In a release, city police said they were summoned about 4:45pm for a report of a shooting. The victim, a 32-year old man, was found with a gunshot wound to the back. He's...
U of I Extension program looks to empower women in agriculture
June 21, 2024 – Women producers have been taking on more management roles within agricultural operations. To support this rapidly growing population of farmers, the University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties and Farm Credit Illinois are partnering to offer a six-week risk management course to empower this rapidly growing population of farmers.
Illinois political leaders react to Biden dropping out of race ahead of DNC
(The Center Square) – Illinois political leaders are reacting to President Joe Biden announcing he won’t run for president and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic party’s nominee. Biden made the announcement Sunday afternoon, saying the move is in the “best interest of my party and the country.” "It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden said. "And while it...
Illinois’ Favorite Ice Cream Flavor is Kind of Shocking
National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 21 and you most definitely want to celebrate. But will you celebrate with something more exciting than Illinois' favorite ice cream flavor?. Pretty much every day, there's a 'National' holiday. Some of them are actual holidays when we don't have to go to...
Thanks, mom! Woman is charged with violent CTA attack after her mother recognizes her in Chicago police bulletin
CHICAGO — An 18-year-old woman turned herself in to Chicago police after her own mother recognized her as one of the people who attacked and robbed a man on the Orange Line downtown. Tamia Washington is the fifth person, but the first adult, to be charged with the robbery, which occurred around 11 p.m. on July 8.
Fans Think Chrissy Teigen Looks Like 'A Goddess' In A Strappy White Dress For Food Festival In Chicago
Chrissy Teigen is channeling European summer vibes in her latest dress, even while in Chicago. Over the weekend, she took to Instagram to share snaps of herself promoting her Cravings by Chrissy baking mixes. The cookbook author rocked a chic white s...
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