Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux
Cain Center for the Arts and Davidson Community Players (DCP) are proud to present a special co-production of the Broadway hit Million Dollar Quartet, running August 8–23, 2026 in Cornelius. This first-of-its-kind collaboration between the two Lake Norman arts organizations marks an exciting step forward as they work together to create a professional, locally produced theatre experience.
Million Dollar Quartet captures an untold moment in American music history, when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis gathered for a legendary jam session in Memphis during the rise of their careers. Packed with unforgettable hits like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and “Hound Dog,” this high-energy musical celebrates one of the most remarkable moments in music history.
This production represents a new chapter in the partnership between Cain Center for the Arts and Davidson Community Players, bringing together resources, talent, and creative vision to create something truly special for Lake Norman audiences. We can’t wait to see you there!
Tickets $35-$55 plus NC state taxes and fees
Important Note: Tickets purchased through cainarts.org and Etix are the ONLY valid tickets for our shows. Tickets purchased on any other website may not be honored.
Meet the Cast
Eli Fischer (Elvis Presley)
Eli Fischer is excited to return to his hometown for his professional debut with Davidson Community Players and Cain Center for the Arts! He is a rising junior at University of North Carolina at Greensboro pursuing his BFA in musical theatre. Some past credits include SIDE SHOW (Houdini), GYPSY (Herbie), and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Joseph). Beyond his theatrical repertoire, Eli is an avid vocalist with a deep appreciation for the American Songbook, frequently found singing and exploring the nuances of jazz standards. He would like to thank his family, his friends and faculty over at UNCG, and this amazing cast and creative team of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET! @elifischy
Connor Nielsen (Johnny Cash)
Connor Nielsen is a NYC-based actor and musician, thrilled to be returning to his hometown to spend the summer with this quartet! A graduate of Ardrey Kell High School and UNC Chapel Hill, Connor has performed at PlayMakers Repertory Company, North Carolina Theater, Theatre Raleigh, and Tuacahn Center for the Arts in Utah. He made his feature film debut at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival in DRIVER’S ED directed by Bobby Farrelly. Connor has composed and performed acoustic guitar scores for original plays SHATTERED COWGIRL SONG and A TRAVEL STORY, which both premiered in New York City. connorjnielsen.com
Ian Benjamin (Jerry Lee Lewis)
Ian Benjamin is over the moon at the opportunity to portray “The Killer” in his debut with DCP! Born and raised in Ohio, Ian has been playing the piano and performing professionally for over two decades. After college, he moved to NYC and promptly booked a Lead Vocalist contract on a cruise ship, and was fortunate enough to spend the next eight years traveling the world, adding Cruise Director and Dueling Pianist to his resume, and meeting his wife Eva along the way. He relocated to Charlotte in 2021 and checked another dream role off his list in 2023 with QC Concerts’ production of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (Franklin Shepard). Other favorite regional credits include LES MISERABLES (Thenardier), HAIRSPRAY (Corny Collins), and THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Jamie). Ian is a full-time singing pianist as the owner Queen City Keys, a live music and entertainment business with 200+ gigs annually in and around the Carolinas. This fall, he will have the thrill of performing the music of his all-time favorite idol when he headlines the North American Tour of BILLY JOEL LEGACY. IG: @ianbenjaminmusic
Matty Montes (Carl Perkins)
Matty Montes is thrilled to step into the blue suede shoes of Carl Perkins in Million Dollar Quartet. His previous stage credits include Barrett in Lee Street Theatre’s TITANIC and Guy in Queen City Concerts’ ONCE. A guitarist, vocalist, music director, and sound designer, Matty also proudly serves in the infantry with the U.S. Army National Guard. He sends all his love and gratitude to Lindsey, Sarah, Maikoh, and Olive. Follow his creative work at @lowlight.stage.
Brandon Samples (Sam Phillips)
Brandon Samples is thrilled to return to Davidson Community Players in partnership with the Cain Center for the Arts. He most recently appeared in The Emergent’s LONELY PLANET (Jody). Theatre Charlotte credits include GOD OF CARNAGE (Michael), MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (Poirot), and THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG (Chris Bean). Other favorite roles include VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE (Spike) and CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (Brick). Brandon is grateful to share the stage with such a talented cast and crew. Finally, Jena: thank you for continuing to rock my world.
Julia Freeman (Dyanne)
Julia Freeman is a performer, director, and choreographer originally from Ashburn, VA. She is currently receiving her training at UNCG, where she is pursuing a degree in Musical Theatre and will graduate this fall. Julia is making her professional debut in this production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Her most recent work includes UNCG’s ALICE BY HEART (Queen of Hearts) and THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL (Annabeth). Julia would like to thank her mother and the rest of her family for their endless support, and the Fischer’s for their generous hospitality.Instagram: @juliaafreemann https://www.juliaannefreeman.com/
Forrest Brown (Brother Jay)
Forrest Brown is a North Carolina native, multi-instrumentalist, and graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Throughout his career, he has performed alongside artists including Darius Rucker, Lady A, and Zac Brown, bringing his love of live music to audiences across the country. When he's not on stage, Forrest serves as Minister of Music at Harrisburg United Methodist Church, where he leads worship through a wide range of musical styles. He is also an active performer, producer, and bandleader throughout the Carolinas, with a passion for creating shows that celebrate the music and artists who have shaped American culture. Forrest is thrilled to be part of this production and thanks his family, friends, and fellow cast members for making live theatre such a rewarding experience.
Paul Fisher (W.S. “Fluke” Holland)
Paul Fisher is honored to take on the role of "Father of the Drums" W.S. "Fluke" Holland, the first person to play a full drum set on stage. He has been making a name for himself as a reliable drummer in local pit orchestras around the Charlotte metro area for the last 10 years. Prior to that Paul toured with bands in the triangle who opened for such acts as Augustana and Dawes, and achieved his Bachelor's in Music Performance from UNC at Greensboro. He would like to thank his family, especially his wife Erin, for their endless support and encouragement.
Dylan Underwood (Swing Jerry Lee Lewis/Elvis Presley)
Dylan Underwood is a Cornelius native and a student at UNC Greensboro where he’s pursuing a degree in acting. Most recently, he was seen in UNCG’s production of BOOK OF DAYS (Rev. Bobby Groves), as well as GREASE (Doody) at the Woodstock Playhouse in Woodstock, NY. He hopes you enjoy the show! @dylansunderwood
Lindsey Litka-Montes (Swing Dyanna)
Lindsey Litka-Montes is pleased to be part of this incredible cast transporting the audience back to Sun Records, 1956! She was most recently seen as the Mistress in DCP’s summer success, Evita. Other credits include Lizzie in Lizzie the Musical (Lee Street Theatre), Sally Bowles in Cabaret (Old Courthouse Theatre), and Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde (Lee Street Theatre) - all of which earned her MTA Best Actress Nominations. She’d like to thank her DDLM family, especially her incredible husband who is portraying Carl Perkins in this production!
Matt Carlson (Swing Johnny Cash/Carl Perkins)
Matt Carlson is pleased to be part of Davidson Community Players and Cain Center’s production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Matt’s previous performances include SHREK (Lord Farquaad), RENT (Roger), THE CRUCIBLE (Judge Hawthorne), TICK, TICK, BOOM! (Jon), AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (Dr. Armstrong), FRANKENSTEIN(Creature), THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP (Lady Enid/Nicodemus/Alcazar)AMERICAN IDIOT (Johnny), HEATHERS-THE MUSICAL (J.D.), SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK LIVE! (Matt), THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Raoul), ROCK OF AGES (Drew). In addition to performing in numerous area theatre productions Matt is a musician and music instructor with a B.A. Music Catawba College.
Meet the Production Team
Scott Albert, Director
Matty Montes, Music Director
Gordon Olsen, Lighting Designer
Beth Killion, Costume Designer
Allison Collins, Props Designer
Karli Henderson, Stage Manager
Scott Albert (Director)
Scott Albert is thrilled to have this opportunity to work with DCP & The Cain on MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Scott has directed shows like: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Theater Charlotte), FIRST DATE (FMCP), THE ANNIVERSARY - written and directed (Matthews Playhouse), NEXT TO NORMAL (FMCP - 2023 MTA award for best director), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE and SNAPSHOTS (FMCP) among many other titles.
As a performer, Scott appeared In BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Beast) - national tour. His other national tour credits include THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN (Christmas Morgan) and BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM (Tom).
Scott extends heartfelt thanks to his wife, Carol, and their three children—Lilli, Hailey, and Dylan for their unwavering support. He proudly dedicates this and every production to his late father, Terry, who instilled in him a passion for theater many, MANY years ago.