“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” offers nostalgia and old-time rock’n’roll holiday cheer

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” is a rockin’ good holiday time. Sure, the book is thin, with self-aware dialogue and a string of contrived predicaments. But so what? Those weaknesses are more than compensated by the songs – holiday and otherwise – infused throughout this production, presented by The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Stages St. Louis.

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” takes a sleighride side trip from the popular “Million Dollar Quartet,” presented by both companies in the past (Stages offered it just last season). Both shows are inspired by the real-life December 4, 1956, gathering of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for a one-time impromptu jam session at the Sun Records studio in Memphis, TN. The shows imagine the playlists that could have conspired at that one-time-only session at a pivotal time in rock history and each musician’s career.

The focus of “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” is on the music—the hits, the energy and the memories as delivered by a strong cast with talents for singing, acting and performing as musicians. For anyone considering whether to add this show to their holiday schedule, be prepared to revel in “what-if” performances of well-worn holiday songs by the now-legends. This jukebox show delivers on that front spectacularly. And it has appeal far beyond being an “old fogey” show about stars from the 50s.

Under the direction of Keith Andrews and the musical guidance of Dave Sonneborn (who also plays W.S. “Fluke” Holland in the onstage band), the production brings together a talented cast and a playlist of classics that flows like spiked eggnog at a festive gathering.

The cast adeptly conveys the spirit and essence of their respective characters, rather than delivering an impersonation. That’s a good thing considering how many Elvis impersonators that we’ve been subjected to throughout the years – Kurt Russell in “Elvis” (1979), Andy Kaufman on “Saturday Night Live” (1975), or Nicolas Cage in “Wild at Heart” (1990), anyone?

Sean Buckley plays Elvis with charm and sultry vocals, though his “Elvis the Pelvis” sometimes gyroscopes awkwardly. His voice, too, sometimes strained to convey Elvis’ signature hiccup/vocal stutter. Dressed in classic rockabilly style (thanks to the excellent work of Brad Musgrove’s costume design), Buckley delivers heartfelt renditions of “Don’t Be Cruel,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and a stunning duet of “Silent Night” alongside Scott Moreau as Johnny Cash.

Moreau channels Cash with his rich baritone and distinctive guitar handling and playing. He does right by Cash with his performance of a rousing rendition of “Ring of Fire.” Jeremy Sevelovitz shines as Carl Perkins. His Perkins elicits authentic empathy for a career derailed primarily by a devastating car accident on March 22, 1956. Sevelovitz’s guitar work blazes with precision and flair, especially during Perkins’ signature “Cotton Top.”

Of this gang of four, Brady Wease as Jerry Lee Lewis delivers the strongest, most consistent performance. Wease proves why Lewis, as rock ‘n’ roll’s first great wild man, earned the nickname “The Killer.” Wease could easily overplay his role (and he comes dangerously close a couple of times) but his energetic-yet-controlled performance and dynamite piano playing honor Lewis, even while playing Christmas songs that never crossed The Killer’s lips, hips or keyboard.

Shelby Ringdahl as Elvis’ date, Dyanne, delivers a much-needed female presence to the otherwise boy’s club. Ringdahl is best working the sultry side of her voice. The show allows Dyanne a stand-out moment with “Santa Baby,” which Ringdahl delivers with the requisite Betty Boop playfulness.

Jeff Cummings, like his character Sam Phillips, founder of Sun Records, is the glue that holds this coterie of early rockers together. His steady-eddy performance is calm, understated and sometimes (appropriately) irritable – and is an homage to Phillips’s historical role as a music pioneer.

The production’s design elements transport the audience straight into the legendary Sun Records studio of the 1950s. Adam Koch’s scenic design, Sean M. Savoie’s lighting and Beef Gratz’s sound design create a warm, analogue Sun Records experience that glows like a cathode ray tube.

The music itself is the beating heart of “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas.” The cast performs a mix of solos, duets and ensemble numbers that capture the joy and camaraderie of a once-in-a-lifetime jam session. From tender holiday ballads to rollicking rock ‘n’ roll hits, the show offers something for everyone, keeping the energy high and the audience engaged. The multi-song encore alone delivers enough spirit to last the rest of the holiday season.

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” runs through December 22 at the Loretto-Hilton Center. Visit the website for more information.