Since the first table read back in 2004, six years before the show made it to Broadway, I’ve had the privilege of watching “Million Dollar Quartet” evolve. Nominated for Best Book at the Tony Awards, the script might not have been Shakespeare, but it became a beautiful homage to Sam Phillips. It was, at its core, his story. I was proud to be part of the collective effort in shaping the narrative around this pivotal historical event.

You might think I’m crazy, but the actor in me was eager to explore what it would feel like to embody Sam Phillips himself. Having seen the script’s transformation firsthand, the idea was more than intriguing.

When the University of Tennessee‘s Clarence Brown Theatre announced they were staging the show, they extended an invitation for me to participate. At this point, reprising the role of the 20-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis was out of the question, so I suggested they consider me for another character…

Below are some photos from our production. I can’t express how much fun I had playing Sam Phillips! As one of the original cast members, it felt akin to how I imagine Sam would feel, watching these talented young artists in his studio, creating musical magic.

Thank you to Clarence Brown Theatre for embracing the vision and allowing me to have the time of my life!