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


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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: 44

As You Mic It
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