MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET's Vince Nappo discusses career, Sam Phillips, and Rock and Roll

In a chance encounter on December 4, 1956 at the Sun Record Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, rock and roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins performed some of their early hits, under the watchful eye of their mentor, Sun Records owner, Sam Phillips.

Phillips, a member of the inaugural class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is played on the tour by Vince Nappo, who joined the show in November 2012. Despite the fame of the quartet members, the story is told through the eyes of Phillips, who serves as the show's narrator. "Despite being surrounded by a lot of talent, his is a different sort of talent," Nappo said. "He is the godfather of rock and roll, and he helped (the quartet) unlock something in themselves; helped find their true artistry."

Nappo says that his appreciation for Phillips is inspired by the relationship he has with his manager, Michael Einfeld. "He's done worlds for my career, and I want (Einfeld and his business partner, Christopher Nathaniel) to be a part of my career for the rest of my career." During a conversation early in their professional relationship, Einfeld told Nappo that he wanted to take risks for his new client roles and give him as many different opportunities as possible, because he believed in and wanted to help him, and according to Nappo, "That is what Sam (Phillips) was all about."

Those risks not only brought Nappo to "Million Dollar Quartet", but they also took him to his first television role, a three-episode arc on ABC's new drama "Red Widow". Nappo joins the show, which debuted its eight-episode first-season earlier this month, in the sixth episode.

In addition to all of the opportunities his new management has brought him, Nappo is thankful to be in "Million Dollar Quartet". "(Phillips) is one of my favorite parts I've played in a long time, and I love my place in the story. I get to look out at the audience a lot and I see so many smiles on their faces."

However, despite overseeing the on-stage festivities, Phillips doesn't join in the jam session, making Nappo the only member of the company that doesn't sing or play an instrument (except for a group reprise at the end of the show). All of the show's music is performed on stage by the actors and a small band, but Nappo has found his own way to feel like part of the group; "I really do feel like I'm a member of the band, even though I'm not playing an instrument with them. I feel like my monologues are songs themselves."

With the classic rock, historical backgroud, and unique performances, Nappo thinks that Atlanta is going to love "Million Dollar Quarter" as much as he does. "(The show) takes you back to a really wonderful era," he says. "It is a motivating, inspiring two hours of theatre that leaves (the audience) feeling good."

Get your tickets for "Million Dollar Quartet" call 855-ATL-TIXX (855-285-8499) or visit www.FoxATLTix.com.