The Jerry Lee Journey: My Million Dollar Quartet Experience
I want to take you on a little journey through one of the most transformative times of my life – my time as Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet.
The Unexpected Turn
Back in the day, I was all set for my Broadway debut with a show called One Red Flower. I was excited, ready to step onto that grand stage, but then 9/11 happened. The world changed, and with it, the plans for the show. The producers decided not to move forward with it, which was a huge disappointment. But as one door closed, another opened. In this blog post, I talked about how those same producers had received a new script about Sam Phillips and Sun Records. They reached out to me, not for an audition, but for a table read for the role of Jerry Lee Lewis. They knew that I was good at developing southern characters – and heard I could play the piano a bit.
From Indie to Broadway
If you’ve read Chapter 1, Chapter 2 or Chapter 3 of my archival blog, then you know I was knee-deep in the indie music scene in Los Angeles. I never saw myself as a Broadway actor, but life has a funny way of throwing you curveballs. On top of originating the role of Jerry Lee Lewis, arranging music for Million Dollar Quartet felt like coming home, blending my own musical identity with the show’s rock ‘n’ roll soul.
Embodying “The Killer”
Playing Jerry Lee Lewis was like channeling a whirlwind. He’s known as “The Killer” for a reason – that energy, that defiance, that sheer musical talent. It was daunting at first. How do you capture the essence of such a legend? But then, it clicked. It wasn’t just about mimicry; it was about embodying the spirit of an era, of a man who lived and breathed music in its purest form. I talk more about what I felt the character needed in this blog.
I remember the table read where I first played “Great Balls of Fire.” There was this electric moment where I felt the music in my bones, just as Jerry Lee must have. They paid me with a $50 gift card to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for that read – which, for me at the time, I would have been happy with anything! From that day, the role was mine, no audition necessary.
The Physical Toll
Now, let’s talk about the physical aspect. This role was not just demanding emotionally but physically as well. I went through not one, not two, but three ACL surgeries during the run of the show. The first was during the initial run at Village Theatre in 2007. I tore my ACL on stage but was back the next day, re-blocking the show with a messed-up knee because, well, the show must go on. It was tough, but each time I recovered, I felt stronger, both in body and spirit.
The Sobering Journey
Here’s something personal – just months before Million Dollar Quartet hit Broadway, I got sober. After years of battling addiction, this show was my redemption arc in more ways than one. Sobriety gave me a clarity and an emotional depth that I poured into Jerry Lee. It was like I was living a dual narrative; Jerry’s life on stage and my own off-stage.
The Tony and Beyond
Winning the Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 2010 was surreal. I have shared in interviews how I felt like a fraud at first, thinking, “How could I wear this title when this isn’t something I’ve chased my whole life?” But then, I realized it was about recognizing the journey, the hard work, and the art I brought to the stage. It wasn’t just about playing Jerry Lee; it was about bringing something genuine to every performance. I now can own this accomplishment unapologetically. I also see this moment as the universe trying to get it through my thick skull – musical theatre is where you belong.
The show’s success was a collective effort – from the brilliant cast and crew to the original vision by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott. But personally, it was a leap back into musical theatre that reminded me why I fell in love with performing in the first place.
Reflections
Looking back, Million Dollar Quartet was more than a show for me; it was a chapter where I rediscovered myself as a theatre actor. It taught me resilience, the value of community in theatre, and the profound impact of music on healing and storytelling.
For anyone who’s ever felt they’ve strayed too far from their path or those grappling with personal challenges, remember, sometimes your true calling or next big chapter comes when you least expect it.
Keep rockin’ on,