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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…
Winter US Open Qualifier Max Goettsch Verbals to Texas for 2025-26
Free/back specialist Max Goettsch announced his verbal commitment to the Texas Class of 2029 last November. Current photo via Max Goettsch. Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.
Youth Job Center marks 41 years of helping local young adults
Destiny Frieson was working 12-hour shifts as a server at the Mather Evanston retirement home when a friend urged her to connect with the Youth Job Center. Two years later, she has helped deliver babies and sell houses – and is studying to become a software engineer. “I’m a...
Upstart Performing Arts to Present NEWSIES JR. in August
Lombard Park District Upstart Performing Arts will present NEWSIES JR. August 2-4 at the Sunset Knoll Recreation Center (820 S. Finley Road, Lombard). Disney's Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
Deaconess Foundation invites applications from organizations in eastern Missouri and southern Illinois
The Deaconess Foundation aims to improve the health of the community and people of eastern Missouri and southern Illinois. The foundation invites applications for its Seeding the Future Grants, which support efforts that accelerate change in conditions and systems transformation through coalition and base building, grassroots advocacy, civic engagement, community organizing, and public policy development/change. Funding will be awarded to bolster organizational and civic infrastructure expansion, advance of public policies, and/or support efforts impacting systems transformation through an intergenerational approach for the improved health and wellness of people in eastern Missouri and southern Illinois. The grant is designed to cultivate a partnership pipeline for the Movement Transformation Cohort.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker floated as potential VP running mate
CHICAGO (CBS) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has been floated as a potential running mate to Kamala Harris, who on Sunday announced her intention to run for the Democratic nomination for president following the news that President Joe Biden would not seek reelection.Pritzker was at his Gold Coast home on Sunday, and it was unclear what talks he has had or who he has been communicating with since Mr. Biden suspended his reelection campaign earlier in the day.Pritzker is one of several people who could potentially join Harris on a Democratic ticket, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer,...
Speech Experts Really Don’t Like How You’re Saying ‘Illinois’
There are rebels in our midst that are saying what should be an obvious word incorrectly. It's such a problem that the speech experts have issued a warning to everyone that has managed to say "Illinois" incorrectly. I'm a live and let live kind of person. If you want to...
Don’t Fall Victim to the Latest USPS Text Scam Circulating Illinois
We should all know better by now, but I nearly fell victim to a new package delivery text scam the other day, and I don't want the same thing to happen to you. Here's one thing I can guarantee about me; if you call or text me from a number I don't recognize, I will not answer or respond...ever. My notorious call screening usually saves me from phone scammers, BUT, when I have been waiting for over two weeks for Japanese Beetle traps I desperately need to arrive, receiving a text about a delivery issue almost had me falling hook, line, and sinker into the scammer's trap.
Illinois and Wisconsin Kids Invited to Bring Their Small Businesses to August Market
Are your kids obsessed with making friendship bracelets? Hosting lemonade stands? Turn their hobbies into cash this August in Rockton, Illinois. When I think back to being a kid and wanting to earn a few extra bucks, I land on a memory of my friends and I creating some sort of dog's baby-sitting service.
OPPD crew returning after supporting power restoration efforts in Iowa, Illinois
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The OPPD crew that traveled to Iowa and Illinois to assist power workers there with restoration after a line major storms rolled through the region is headed back home. In an update Saturday, OPPD said that in addition to general power restoration assistance, their transportation mechanics...
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