Jason Donovan, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury - review
Jason Donovan drew the crowds that filled Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn on Tuesday evening with his performance as Sam Phillips- the legendary record producer from Sun Records- in the Million Dollar Quartet.
The theatre was taken back to the early 50s with the costume, scenery and not forgetting the live performances.
The audience was brought into Sam Phillips's record studio on the night when four recording stars- Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley- were under one roof creating music history.
It shows how each artist rose to fame and gives an insight into their background, with funny and sometimes sad anecdotes.
Jason Donovan played the part well, fitting into the role of the mentor and businessman with a real eye for talent.
They have a jam session and the audience get a front row seat to watch how it must have looked at the time when some of the most well-loved songs were created.
Songs from the era that were performed include Real Wild Child, Memories are Made of This, Fever, Hound Dog, Walk the Line, Matchbox, and Blue Suede Shoes.
But it was Jerry Lee Lewis, played by Ashley Carruthers, who stole the show with his comedic role, sparring with Carl Perking, aka Matt Wycliffe, not to mention his flawless performance on the piano.
By the second half the audience was clapping and singing along and right at the end most of the audience was up on their feet, dancing by their seats or in the aisles.
A million dollar performance by great musicians and actors alike.
