It's the Sam Phillips story. An intimate rock and roll play about his iconic American record label Sun Records, Memphis, and the artists that started their careers there. And just quietly, it's brilliant.
Told through the character of the label's founder Sam Phillips, his assistant Marion Keisker, and the famous musicians that Phillips recorded, the show features a three piece live band fronted by John Kennedy, performing 35 songs from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and many more.
Sons of Sun is highly watchable and a great education in the musical greats of rock and roll. Three versatile performers easily slip between different characters through small wardrobe changes to encapsulate a range of talented musicians.
Sam Phillips is played by Sydney actor, Matt Charleston (pictured), with co-stars Victoria Beck and Ben Maclaine taking on multiple roles from Sam's assistant to Howlin' Wolf, Presley and Cash. But the musical performances are all done by Sydney musician John Kennedy and his band.
Kennedy of Love Gone Wrong fame began developing the Sons of Son idea in 2011 producing a CD of songs. Kennedy's band includes former Wiggle Murray Cook and Paul Scott.
Award winning Melbourne playwright Kieran Carroll wrote the script to accompany the music. It's directed by Louise Fischer and together with Kennedy, they have produced an original, knockout, compelling offering of rock and roll theatre. Kennedy says he is "constantly surprised" by the interest in the show.
"There's been a great response from audiences right from when we started the play in 2012.
"The story of Sun Records founder Sam Phillips isn't well known. I think audiences are surprised how interesting his story is. Also the production seems to be unique in that it has a 50/50 split between the acting and the music.
"It's a great story with great music combining to provide a great night's entertainment," he added.
They will perform on Saturday, April 18 at The Clarendon Guesthouse in Katoomba and if last time is any indication it will book out quickly. n Bookings : http://sonsofsun.com.au or the guesthouse on 4782 1322.
