S2E16 - In the Spotlight with Million Dollar Quartet

S2E16 - In the Spotlight with Million Dollar Quartet

Author: Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival June 5, 2026 Duration: 1:08:34

As You Mic It: In the Spotlight turns its attention to Million Dollar Quartet, the electrifying musical inspired by the legendary night when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis gathered at Sun Records and made music history.

In this episode, Artistic Director Jason King Jones sits down with Jeremy Sevelovitz (Carl Perkins) and John Gardiner (Sam Phillips) to explore the people behind the influential figures in the birth of rock and roll. Their conversation looks at the friendships that shape these performances, the real-life relationship between Perkins and Phillips, and the challenge of portraying larger-than-life figures while honoring the humanity that made them remarkable.

Later, Connie Behringer speaks with director Jim Helsinger about bringing Million Dollar Quartet to the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival stage. Drawing on his decades of experience as a director, actor, and artistic leader, Helsinger reflects on working with a cast of exceptional actor-musicians, the thrill of recreating a pivotal moment in music history, and what makes this production both a celebration of iconic songs and a compelling piece of theatre.

Together, these conversations offer a closer look at the artists, collaborators, and creative process behind one of the most energetic productions of the season.

Hosted by: Jason King Jones, Connie Behringer

Guests: Jeremy Sevelovitz, John Gardiner, Jim Helsinger


Mentioned in this episode:

Become an Underwriter Today!

Contact podcast@pashakespeare.org for more information.

Subscriptions for the 2026 Summer Theatre Series

pashakespeare.org/tickets/

Collaboration makes great theatre!

Become a supporter, today! https://pashakespeare.org/support/


Dive into the rich world of the stage with As You Mic It, a production of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. This isn't just a series of lectures; it's an invitation backstage, where the magic of performance and the depth of literary tradition meet. Each conversation feels like pulling up a chair in the green room, listening as artists and scholars unpack the themes, characters, and historical contexts that give these timeless works their enduring power. You'll hear from the authors, directors, and actors who bring the words to life, gaining insight into the creative decisions that shape each festival production. The discussions are both insightful and genuinely playful, celebrating the art of storytelling in all its complexity. No matter your background-whether you can quote soliloquies by heart or are simply drawn to a good story-this podcast offers a fresh and engaging perspective. The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival has crafted a space where analysis feels like discovery, making the anthology of their work accessible and endlessly fascinating. Tune in to find your connection to these classic tales, explored with a contemporary ear and a deep love for the performing arts.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

As You Mic It
Podcast Episodes
S2E24 - From First Rehearsal to Final Curtain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:41
Join Jason King Jones, Kim Carson, and Connie Behringer as they wrap up the 2026 Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival season. From standout productions and unforgettable moments to the impact of PSF's education programs, th…
The Game Is Afoot: Building Sherlock Holmes in D&D (Bonus Content) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:51
What would Sherlock Holmes look like as a Dungeons & Dragons character? In this special bonus episode of As You Mic It: In the Spotlight, Connie Behringer sits down with actor Maboud Ebrahimzadeh to build the great detec…
S2E23 - The Coriolanus Build [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:56
As You Mic It: In the Spotlight welcomes actor, director, and fight choreographer Geoffrey Kent for a conversation that spans a career built on curiosity, collaboration, and a love of Shakespeare.Geoffrey reflects on his…
S2E21 - From Magic to Mystery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:46
As You Mic It: In the Spotlight explores two very different journeys from page to stage.Connie Behringer welcomes Young Company members India Profitt and Ian Higgins to discuss Sheila the Magical, Jason King Jones' origi…
S2E20 - In the Spotlight with Karen and Ian Merrill Peakes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:09
As You Mic It: In the Spotlight welcomes two longtime Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival friends, Karen Peakes and Ian Merrill Peakes, for a conversation about theatre, family, and a Festival they have helped shape for de…
S2E19 - Community Day 2026! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:38
As You Mic It: In the Spotlight celebrates Community Day at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival with a special episode highlighting the people, stories, and traditions that have shaped PSF for 35 seasons.Artistic Director…
S2E18 - In the Spotlight with Romeo and Juliet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:45
As You Mic It: In the Spotlight turns its attention to Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy of young love, family conflict, and lives changed in an instant.In this episode, Artistic Director Jason King Jones…
S2E15 - In the Spotlight with The Piano Lesson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:34
The 2026 PA Shakespeare Festival's Summer Theatre Series means weekly drops As You Mic It: In the Spotlight! PSF welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and director James Ijames and actor Akeem Davis for a conversati…