Pine Plains native makes on-stage debut in ‘Million Dollar Quartet’

SHARON, Conn. — Local actor Alec Sisco of Pine Plains recently completed his run as “Fluke” the Drummer in the Sharon Playhouse’s production of Million Dollar Quartet, upon the show’s final performance at the Playhouse on Sunday, July 6.

Million Dollar Quartet, which chronicles the night Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins assembled at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee — the birthplace of their careers — ran at the Sharon Playhouse between June 20 and July 6.

The musical included songs made famous by Presley, Cash, Lewis and Perkins played live on stage by the actors portraying them. Sisco’s character of Fluke provided a live drum accompaniment during the show, before taking center stage in a solo.

The majority of the musical’s cast included professional and union players, who travelled to Sharon from New York City to perform in Million Dollar Quartet. But Mr. Sisco, a music teacher with the Pine Plains Central School District, joined the occupational actors for the summer out of his love of music and theater.

Sisco’s mother introduced him to music while growing up in Pine Plains through piano lessons, igniting a passion that would lead to a career focused on performing and teaching. “I always loved singing, dancing and playing piano … then I eventually got into playing drums in elementary school and it all started there,” Sisco said.

Though Mr. Sisco has been engaged previously at the Sharon Playhouse, as a musician in the “pit” accompanying performances, his appearance in Million Dollar Quartet marks his first true, on-stage role. “This is my first time [at the Sharon Playhouse] being on stage acting and having lines and things like that,” Sisco said.

Having acted in college and played the drums for musicals in the area, the role of “Fluke” intrigued Mr. Sisco in its union of acting and playing the drums. “Hearing about this show and seeing how fun the story and the music are … it seemed like a really awesome opportunity for someone who drums,” the actor said.

Mr. Sisco was not alone in the impression that the drummer’s role would be an appropriate one for him. “When we decided to produce Million Dollar Quartet, I knew Alec was the perfect person to take on the pivotal role of ‘Fluke,’ the drummer,” said Carl Landress, Artistic Director at the Sharon Playhouse.

In addition to being a talented performer in his own right, Sisco spends much of his time teaching aspiring actors and musicians. Following his work in Million Dollar Quartet, the local educator will spend time as the musical director of the upcoming youth show Finding Nemo Jr. at the Sharon Playhouse.

Mr. Sisco’s affection for musical theater and its instruction aligns strongly with the mission of the Sharon Playhouse, a non-profit focused on teaching and service, in addition to being a performance venue. “Alec represents the very best of what it means to [be involved with] a teaching theater. He is at the heart and soul of our commitment to community, artistry, and professionalism,” said Michael Kevin Baldwin, the theater’s Education and Community Director.