We recently caught up with Madison Palmer who has played Dyanne in Paramount’s production of Million Dollar Quartet since it opened in July 2024. 

 

“Being with the show from day one has been the absolute joy of my life and an absolute rollercoaster ride,” Madison said. “I think this show has been able to thrive because of its ability to be alive, to have its very own heartbeat - which changes with the audience, cast, and feeling in the room.” 

 

The character of Dyanne was inspired by a young Las Vegas dancer, Marilyn Evans, who was dating Elvis Presley at the time and accompanied him to Sun Records on December 4, 1956. 

 

“I am so happy the writers decided to make Dyanne a dynamic female presence in the stage production,” Madison shared. “I think it completely changes the flow of that night, and gives the boys a warm and empathetic character to bounce their feelings off of.”  

 

“Marion Keisker is an amazing addition to this show,” Madison continued. “Marion was a record producer at Sun Studios, and was actually the first person to record the singing voice of Elvis Presley. She is the hidden icon of the birth of rock’n’roll, and I think she was spectacular and thoughtful addition to this production. It is imperative to highlight the importance of these two women in the story.” 

 

In addition to these amazing female characters, in Paramount’s production, the theatre itself is almost like another character. 

 
“Stolp Island Theatre is an insane replica of Sun Studios,” Madison said. “I was lucky enough to travel to Memphis last winter on our break and I can say having seen it with my own eyes, the attention to detail is amazing. The tiles on the wall, Sam Phillip’s recording booth, the lighting fixtures… it’s amazing how much they were able to replicate. There is a sort of haunted feeling inside Sun Studios, and that feeling is the same inside Stolp Island. It really feels like we are paying homage to these people each night we perform Million Dollar Quartet, and that is huge thanks to the space.” 
 
Million Dollar Quartet is back on stage at Paramount’s Stolp Island Theatre in downtown Aurora October 7 – January 3. Get your tickets today at ParamountAurora.com.