‘Elvis’ reveals how to treat your Valentine’s date right

By Lisa Larson

During a recent performance of Tuacahn’s Million Dollar Quartet, one couple in the audience revealed that the song, “See You Later Alligator” performed in the latter part of the show, was actually the first song they ever danced to at a sock hop in their youth.

Cue the collective “aww!”

It’s this kind of nostalgia, and so much more, that makes Million Dollar Quartet the perfect place to spend a romantic date this Valentine’s season.

Even the king of rock ‘n’ roll himself agrees.

“This show is a great date night for anyone,” said Sean Buckley, who plays the role of Elvis. “Whether people are there for the nostalgia, or the rock and roll vibes, there’s just something about sitting with your romantic partner and listening to all that great music.”

This unparalleled production tells the story of a legendary recording session featuring Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis, with songs

from each of these amazing artists. It’s not a love story, but it is not completely devoid of romance either, thanks to the fact that Elvis doesn’t show up to Sun Records alone that night. In the script he is accompanied by Dyanne — a fictional character based loosely around Marilyn Evans; a 19-year-old dancer Elvis was dating at the time.

“In real life, they only went on a few dates, so there wasn’t anything really lasting there,” Buckley said.

However, in the musical Dyanne plays an important role in supporting Elvis and showcasing her own vocal talent in a big way. And if Elvis were planning a Valentine’s Day date during the Million Dollar Quartet era, it would surely be Dyanne accompanying him.

So, where would they go?

“I’ve only been here about four weeks, and so much of that has been filled with rehearsals,” Buckley said, “but in between it’s easy to see there is a lot of natural beauty to enjoy.”

Perhaps a Valentine’s date with Elvis could include a day hike somewhere.

“I’ve done a couple of hikes, one to the Lava Tubes Trail in Snow Canyon, and one along the Padre Canyon Trail behind Tuacahn and both were beautiful,” Buckley said. “Either one would make for a great Valentine’s Day date.”

But if Elvis were treating Dyanne to an evening out, Buckley has a pretty good idea of what he would do.

“First stop, cocktails at the Spiritual SpeakEasy in downtown St. George,” Buckley said. “Although Elvis didn’t drink himself, I think he could enjoy a Pepsi while Dyanne had a cocktail. And Elvis would definitely like the eclectic style of the place.”

From there, Elvis and Dyanne might head to George’s Corner Restaurant for what Buckley has been told is a fantastic burger. After that, they’d mosey on over to Tuacahn for that night’s performance of Million Dollar Quartet, of course.

“We can’t wait to see everyone there,” he said.

Million Dollar Quartet continues in the Indoor Hafen Theatre through March 7. Get your tickets online at www.tuacahn.org or by calling the box office at 435-652-3300.