Redefining the jukebox musical, based on true events

Chicago's Paramount Theatre kicks off its 2017/18 Broadway series with a staging of the Tony Award-winning smash! A true definition of the jukebox musical, MDQ recreates that famed jam session between four of music's most extraordinary talents - Elvis Presley, Jonny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. This one-time only, electrifying performance gave us some of rock's most memorable songs, as well as a unique glance into the lives and personalities of people known previously only through musical fame.

What to expect

On 4 December 1956, in a time of musical metamorphosis, a remarkable thing happened. Four young musicians gathered together at Sun Studios in Memphis for the first (and only) time in their careers. Elvis Presley, Jonny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis, who had all been discovered by the founder of Sun Records, Sam Phillips, are brought together to make music and lively conversation.

After being launched into musical stardom by Sun Records, Elvis had since departed. Cash was a fast-rising star, but was torn between gospel and pop. Perkins, harbouring more than a little resentment about his "Blue Suede Shoes", is hunting for his next hit; and wild and cocky Jerry, the youngest of the four, is Sam Phillips' most recent signing. Tales of how each artist reached that point and what is planned for the future unravel in an explosive evening, and what began as a simple recorded jam session turned out to be one of the most prominent nights in rock 'n roll history.