Sons of Sun – Elvis, Jerry Lee, Johnny and Me

A rock ’n’ roll music play about the iconic Sun Records, its legendary artists, and the birth of rock music.

SONS OF SUN – ELVIS, JERRY LEE, JOHNNY AND ME

Written by Kieran Carroll

Original Concept by John Kennedy

Directed by Louise Fischer

Starring Matthew Charleston, Elena Smaniotto and Ben Maclaine

Music performed by CC Hall, Murray Cook and Phil Hall

http://sonsofsun.com.au/

Sons of Sun – Elvis, Jerry Lee, Johnny and Me is a rock 'n' roll play about Sun Records, Memphis, and the famous artists that started their careers there. Much like the famous Sun Records label itself, this Australian production has become the little music dream that rocks. From its debut at the Sandringham Hotel in Newtown, Sydney to four years of sold out shows and standing ovations at the Sydney Opera House, Sons of Sun is now in an exciting new phase in 2025.

Told through the character of Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, his assistant Marion Keisker, and the famous musicians that Sam recorded, the show features a three-piece live band fronted by Canberra musician, CC Hall (The Sun Bears), performing excerpts of thirty-five songs from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and many more. The tenacious Sam Phillips is played by prolific Sydney actor, Matt Charleston with co-stars Elena Smaniotto and Ben Maclaine taking on multiple roles from Sam’s assistant Marion Keisker to Jerry Lee Lewis.

The Sydney Morning Herald’s John Shand described the show as “neither a musical nor a cabaret, but rather an innovative hybrid that is part play, part concert.” Sydney’s weekly magazine The Music said the show is, “an impressive troupe of professionals developing a rarely heard narrative with sparkling creativity.” Glenn A. Baker stated, “The show sent shivers down my spine.”

John Kennedy of Love Gone Wrong fame began developing the Sons of Sun concept in 2011 with the release of his Sons of Sun Vol.1 CD. Award winning Melbourne playwright Kieran Carroll (NEWK – The John Newcombe Story) has written an accompanying script to CC Hall’s beautiful renditions. Director Louise Fischer seamlessly blends the narratives and songs to produce a compelling, original and heartbreaking blend of rock and roll theatre. CC Hall sings the songs of the iconic Sun Records artists with Murray Cook (guitar) and Phil Hall (bass) completing the Sons of Sun stage band. Neil Gooding was the originating director of the show.

RUNNING TIME

This performance runs for 2 hours with a 20 minute interval

TICKETS

General Admission $50 + b/fee

Lake Mac Arts Member $45 + b/fee

Membership cards need to be presented at event entry. Not a member? Find out more here: Lake Mac Arts membership - Lake Macquarie Arts

Tickets available at the door subject to availability.

Please note there is no need to print your tickets off for this event, the staff can provide electronic check

VENUE INFORMATION

SEATING

All seating is general admission.

PARKING

The carpark at the rear of the theatre can be accessed via the John Street entrance, with limited on street parking available.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Warners Bay Theatre can be accessed via a ramp on Lake St and flat entry once inside the building. The venue has LH and RH accessible toilets. There are two accessible parking spots are in the car park behind the theatre via the John Street entry.

Warners Bay Theatre honours companion cards.

HEARING LOOP

Set hearing loop to T (Telecoil) - coverage between stage and tiered seating.

DRINKS AND SNACKS

There will be a bar open with wine, beer and snacks available to purchase using EFTPOS only.

Learn more about Lake Mac: Visit Lake Macquarie | Love the Lake

This event may be photographed and filmed and your image could be used in advertising and promotion by Lake Macquarie City Council. Should you wish to not be photographed or filmed please advise event organisers on entry at the event.

This performance is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.