Great moments throughout history have been captured on camera. Whether they are political, economical or cultural, the frozen images serve as a reminder of times that have shifted our world both slightly and, sometimes, greatly—moments in history both heartbreaking and uplifting. On Dec. 4, 1956, one such image captured a glorious moment in rock ’n’ roll history: the Million Dollar Quartet. That photo comes to life onstage in the jukebox musical of the same name, giving audiences a glimpse into the lives of the people in the famous photo: Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.

In the theater, guests are transported back to that December day inside owner Sam Phillips’ Sun Studio in Memphis, Tenn. Perkins and his brother were there, recording some new material for what would hopefully produce their next big hit. Joining them in the studio was a young piano player that Phillips was interested in signing to the label, the rambunctious Lewis. During the recording session, Sun Records artist Cash and a former artist of the label, Presley, also stopped into the studio. With all the talent in the room at one time Phillips seized the opportunity and recorded the impromptu jam session between the four rock ’n’ roll powerhouses.

“The audience is like a fly on the wall, watching what played out that day,” said Justin Shandor, who plays the part of Presley.

The Phillips character serves as the musical’s narrator, and woven between the musical numbers are the individual stories of the four artists. Audiences learn tidbits like how Presley ended up getting the credit for Perkins’ hit “Blue Suede Shoes,” why Cash decided to leave Sun Records and sign with RCA Records, and just how off-the-wall Lewis really was. They are the stories of each star’s beginnings, before they were hit with scandals and hard times later in their careers. “The whole story of what happened that day sticks in your head,” said Shandor. “And the music we play along with the story, it’s timeless music.”

Indeed, it is. The musicians treat the crowd to hits like “Wild One,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “That’s All Right, Mama,” “I Walk the Line,” “Matchbox,” “Who Do You Love” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” There are no pre-recorded tracks or lip-synching; that’s what makes Million Dollar Quartet such a stellar show. The moves, mannerisms and voices of Cash, Perkins, Presley and Lewis are supremely replicated. The piano and guitar playing that was so admired in the original performers comes alive at the hands of the musicians.

The fun musical romp through that chance encounter in Sun Studios makes for an incredible onstage journey. In the show’s finale, a restaging of that remarkable image captured on camera is a truly powerful moment—a photographic reminder of the four musical pioneers’ contribution to rock ’n’ roll history.

Harrah’s, 7 p.m. Sun., Tues. & Fri., 5:30 & 8 p.m. Mon. & Thurs., 6:30 p.m. Wed., $62.70-$86.90 plus applicable fees. 702.777.2782