September 18, 2025

South Coast Repertory Launches 62nd Season with Musical

News Summary

South Coast Repertory has commenced its 62nd season with the highly anticipated musical ‘Million Dollar Quartet.’ Running from September 13 to October 19, the show celebrates the legendary jam session that united Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis at Sun Records. With over 20 classic hits and a talented cast, this production highlights the vibrant history of rock and roll and has added performances due to audience demand.

Costa Mesa, California – South Coast Repertory (SCR) has kicked off its 62nd season with the musical “Million Dollar Quartet.” The production is set to run from September 13 to October 19, 2025, on the Segerstrom Stage, reflecting the rich musical history of rock and roll.

“Million Dollar Quartet” celebrates the iconic jam session that took place on December 4, 1956, at Sun Records in Memphis, featuring legendary figures Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The musical features over 20 classic hits, including well-known songs such as “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Long Tall Sally,” “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog,” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”

This production was created by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, who also contributed to the original concept and direction, alongside the direction by SCR’s Associate Artistic Director Kim Martin-Cotten, following an earlier staging led by James Moye.

Due to overwhelming demand from audiences, SCR announced an additional eight performances earlier this month after a successful run of the show previously presented at SCR and a sold-out run at Outside SCR in 2022.

The story embedded in “Million Dollar Quartet” showcases shared joy, competition, connectivity, and vulnerability among artists, encapsulating the essence of creativity that emerges from collaboration.

The cast features talented performers including:

Armando Gutierrez as Carl Perkins
Rustin Cole Sailors as Elvis Presley
Chris Marsh Clark as Johnny Cash
JP Coletta as Jerry Lee Lewis

This musical has received significant acclaim, including three Tony Award nominations, among them for Best Musical, following its Broadway debut. Central to the musical is Sam Phillips, the producer at Sun Records, who played a pivotal role in bringing these iconic musicians together.

Each cast member not only portrays their character but also performs their songs and plays their respective instruments, which adds a layer of authenticity and energy to each performance. The production is noted for being high-energy and fun, encouraging audience participation and engagement.

The narrative also emphasizes the historical significance of the recording session, while weaving in the personal stories of the musicians involved, enhancing the experience for the audience. The production aims to evoke nostalgia for older viewers while also introducing younger audiences to the vital history of rock and roll.

Tickets for “Million Dollar Quartet” are available for purchase at www.SCR.org, allowing music lovers and theater enthusiasts to experience this extraordinary production live.