Brandon Bennett
Brandon Bennett (Elvis Presley), a native son of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, began his singing career as a small boy, influenced mainly by his greatgrandfather. His talent, along with his natural resemblance to The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, has enabled him to perform with legendary stars like The Jordanaires, DJ Fontana, The Sweet Inspirations, and more. Brandon has been honored with several international awards, including prestigious honors from Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. He joins the cast of MDQ after performing for the past two years with the stage production The Elvis Story in Quebec, Canada. Go to BrandonBennettLive.com to find out more about Brandon.
Chris Damiano
Christopher Damiano (Johnny Cash) is thrilled to be part of Million Dollar Quartet. Raised in Atlanta, Christopher moved to Chicago four years ago. Chicago credits include Sugar at Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theo Ubique's productions of Evita (Che, Jeff Award Non-Equity) and Jacques Brel's Lonesome Losers of the Night (Man 1, Jeff Award Non-Equity). He played guitar for Lil' Buds Children's Theatre productions of Those Silly Reindeer and Still Life with Iris. He plays with the bluegrass band Groundspeed (Groundspeedbg.com) and with the Italian folk/jazz group I Monelli (Monelli.RazorFilms.com).
Lance Lipinsky
Lance Lipinsky (Jerry Lee Lewis) While other kids were doing their homework, Lance was studying his dad’s record collection of people like Elvis, Roy Orbison, and his hero, Jerry Lee Lewis. These strong convictions for the past consumed his lifestyle and dedicated his career to the modern underground Rockabilly movement. Now at age 24, this Texas native combines these styles in his own original music similar to early rock ‘n’ roll, classic country and even a touch of 1960’s pop. His energetic live shows have led him all over the world, even to making his national television debut at the original Ryman Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. Visit www.lancelipinsky.com for updates on his first album recording, which with use all analog equipment to emulate the timeless 1960’s sound.
Shaun Whitley
Shaun Whitley (Carl Perkins) is thrilled to be a part of this production. He is a multi-instrumentalist, actor, composer, and Jeff-nominated music director. Some Chicago credits include: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Flute/Thisbe) with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Pump Boys and Dinettes (Jim) with Drury Lane Theater - Oakbrook, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Tommy, u/s Buddy Holly) with Drury Lane Theater - Water Tower, Uncle Vanya (Telegin) with TUTA, and Cotton Patch Gospel (Bass/Mandolin) with Provision Theater. He studied acting at RADA in London. Thanks to the producers and creative team for this amazing opportunity. Love to both of his families, and most especially to Meg.
Tim Decker
Tim Decker (Sam Philips) has been with the Chicago of production of Million Dollar Quartet for over two years. While performing 8 shows a week, he has also found time to land a recurring role on Boss starring Kelsey Grammar, directed by Gus Van Sant, (STARZ), and appear in an episode of Detroit 187 (ABC). Other projects include TV: Turks (CBS), Cupid (ABC), The Untouchables (Paramount), Missing Persons (ABC), and Feature Film: Dirty Work, Joshua, Charming Billy. Stage roles have included many Chicago and Regional theatres including: Goodman, American Theatre Co., Chicago Shakespeare, Drury Lane, Milwaukee Rep, Playhouse On The Square, Famous Door, Bailiwick, American Blues Theatre, Next, Noble Fool, and Stage Left. The Jospeh Jefferson Committee has recognized Tim's work in Toys in the Attic (American Blues), The Dresser (Shattered Globe) and Prin (Wildlife Theatre). Tim has also paid a lot of bills over the years shooting commercials and doing voice over work for major radio and television ad campaigns. However, the accomplishment Tim is most proud of is his family, whom he thanks for their support.
Whitney Kraus Jones
Whitney Kraus Jones (Dyanne) graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC and Ball State University. She made her professional debut with MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Whitney is thrilled to be rocking out with this phenomenal group of guys eight times a week! Past favorite roles include the short film SYNCOPE, Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Nora in BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, and Jackie Kennedy in JACKIE: AN AMERICAN LIFE. Whitney is also the Artistic Director of Stone Soup Theatre Project, a not-for-profit theatre company committed to bringing affordable and relevant theatre to the neighborhoods of North East Chicago StoneSoupTheatreProject.Org. Whitney dabbles in playwriting and creative endeavors of all varieties, and is ever grateful to her husband, Justin, for supporting her at every turn. WhitneyKrausJones.com
Marc Edelestein
(Jay Perkins, Bassist) Devoted to American roots music, Marc hasavidly promoted and performed internationally in rockabilly, bluegrass, country, and folk projects.Performances include alt-country’s RobbyFulks Band; 7 years with Special ConsensusBluegrass Band; musical revue Women In My Life with singer-songwriters Bob Gibson andMichael Smith; Chicago Symphony Orchestra’scountry & western auxiliary CSOakies;and numerous recordings. Marc made histheatrical debut as string bassist and vocalistin the Jeff Award winning Woody Guthrie’s American Song (Northlight, Briar Street Theater), and performed in Shakespeare’s As You Like It (Goodman Theater). Marc is thrilled to perform this powerful music with such an inspirational cast and crew.
Dan Leali
(Fluke/Drummer) A native of the Chicago area, Dan has performed live or on recordings with such artists as jazz trumpeter Randy Brecker, songwriters Jewel, Liz Phair, Peter Himmelman and Robbie Fulks, Poi Dog Pondering, Fareed Haque, bluesman John Primer, and Liquid Soul. He has performed on television and radio jingles, as well as arcade and video game soundtracks, and maintains a private teaching practice. Last, but most certainly not least, Dan is also a founding member of the band Tributosaurus, currently celebrating its 10th year as the “Civil War Re-Creationists of Rock and Roll.” He would like to thank his family and close friends for their love and support, especially Kim, and is proud to be a new member of the MDQ family!
Colte Julian
Colte Julian (u/s Jerry Lee Lewis) is excited to be joining such an amazing production. This music has been coursing through his veins since he was a little guy growing up on the farm in Oklahoma. He started playing piano at 9 after hearing his Pawpaw’s Jerry Lee Lewis records. He then continued with music to graduate with degrees from Oklahoma State University and Arizona State University. Following a move to NYC, Colte has traveled across the country and high seas as an actor, singer, and pianist. He would like to thank his incredible family for their undying love and support and Michael at The Roster Agency for helping him get here!
Visit him online at www.coltejulian.com.
Travis Williams
(U/S Johnny Cash/Sam Phillips) is excited to join the amazing production of Million Dollar Quartet! Hailing from Ohio, Travis has been active in the Chicago arts community for several years,and is a proud company member withTheatre Seven of Chicago. Some Chicagocredits include the world premiere of theQuiet Man Tales at the Chicago Theatre, Timeline Theatre’s production of The HistoryBoys (u/s Irwin), and The Water Engine withTheatre Seven of Chicago. Travis is an actor, playwright, and musician. Love and thanks to his wife, Elizabeth.
Betsy Farrar
(U/S Dyanne) is making herChicago debut. Betsyrecently graduated from Ball State University witha BFA in Musical Theatreand couldn’t be happier to work with the amazing cast and crew ofthis rockin’ production. A gigantic thanksgoes out to Mom, Dad, Katie, Olivia, family,friends and Paula at Innovative Artists.Without their constant support, none of this would be possible. Past credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Picnic, Little Women, and Seussical. www.betsyfarrar.com
Michael Goodman
Michael Monroe Goodman (u/s Carl Perkins/Elvis Presley/Johnny Cash)is a proud native of Kentucky and has been a working musician most of his life. His passion for American roots music stems from his childhood mentor, the legendary Bill Monroe. Michael's latest album "Unbreakable Heart" embodies what he calls Kentucky Fried Tonk and is available online. You can also catch him performing Improv at various local theaters (IO, Second City) and is soon to be featured in upcoming film and television. He credits all of his success to his musical influences, the acting instructors at Green Shirt Studios, and most of all his faith in God. For more info michaelgoodmanonline.com
