Million Dollar Quartet To Be Preformed At Heritage Theater In Cedar City

Richard Bugg, director of American Crossroads Theater (ACT) in Cedar City, Utah, recently joined us on the radio to discuss the upcoming production of Million Dollar Quartet. This musical, based on a spontaneous 1956 jam session at Sun Records, features legendary musicians Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley.

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"Well, it wasn't even a show," Bugg explained. "The four guys just happened to drop by Sun Records at the same time one day, December 4, 1956. It was Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley. They just decided to jam, and Sam Phillips, who discovered all those guys, started recording it. It’s the only time they ever got together and played like that. But it's been made into a musical that has swept the country."

Bugg noted that the ACT production will feature top-tier talent. "I've actually brought in some ringers, some guys who really know how to play these parts from around the country. I'm playing Sam Phillips just because I don't have to pay someone else," he joked. "We've been rehearsing for about a month, and it's really coming together."

The Million Dollar Quartet soundtrack is available for those interested in hearing the original jam session. "You can hear the recording online," Bugg shared. "But it kind of meanders—just a long recording of them sitting around, shooting the bull, and singing some songs. This has been turned into a tighter show, dealing with some of the issues they all were facing at the time."

ACT has a history of taking productions beyond Cedar City, and this show will be no exception. "We’re performing February 27th, 28th, and March 1st at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Theatre, then taking it up for a week to Park City to perform at the Egyptian Theatre."

Bugg also spoke about ACT’s transition from its origins as the Neil Simon Festival to its current form. "After Neil Simon’s passing, his estate’s lawyer didn’t even know who we were and wouldn't talk to me. So, we had to change the name. Crossroads reflects the idea of stories coming together, and we love telling great stories."

As for the future, ACT plans an exciting summer season with The Who’s Tommy, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Little Women: The Musical. Bugg remains committed to expanding theatrical offerings year-round despite challenges in securing venues. "The Heritage Theatre used to be easy to book, but now it's scheduled two years in advance."

For tickets and more information, visit ACTplayers.com.

You can hear our chat with Richard Bugg in the podcast below.