Spotlight on the Artist: Kurt Savela
Of the four legends in Million Dollar Quartet, is there one you especially admire or connect with?
I’ve always admired Carl Perkins as a musician. He may not be as well known as others in the lineup, but his influence on popular music as a pioneering songwriter and guitarist continues to this day. He wrote many, many hit songs for other artists, but seems to receive less fame and recognition than he deserves.
What excites you most about sharing Million Dollar Quartet with Duluth audiences?
This cast brings the characters to life with amazing energy and talent, and I hope we can help transport the audience to a joyful, simpler time, if only for a few moments.
You have a lot of experience in theatre as a musician—is this your first time onstage in a role?
I’ve never acted prior to this. Having grown up hearing the music featured in Million Dollar Quartet, I’m fairly comfortable trying to recreate the original drum parts as faithfully as possible. Fortunately that’s 99% of my job in the show, so I’m only a bit nervous about the speaking parts.
When did you first start performing at Duluth Playhouse?
I was a substitute percussionist for a Playhouse production of Oklahoma! when I was a teenager. Sweeny Todd was my first musical after the Playhouse moved to the NorShor Theatre. I’ve since been fortunate to have performed in 20 different productions.
What’s your favorite show you’ve been a part of?
There are so many, and I have fond memories of every show. The recent Playhouse run of Jersey Boys was a high point. We just wrapped Waitress last month which was another great experience.
What makes you return to the Playhouse?
Everything about the Playhouse is special; its long history, the amazing staff and volunteers, this unique venue. Growing up in Duluth, I saw the NorShor neglected for decades almost beyond repair. Its restoration and reinvention is a real Duluth success story. Having been involved in many productions I’ve enjoyed meeting and working with many interesting people from all over the country, and it’s a thrill to see many of these performers go on to do more and more in their careers.
What inspired you to start playing music, and how has that passion evolved over time?
I began studying percussion in the band program at Woodland Junior in Duluth after struggling with guitar lessons for a couple years. By 9th grade my greatest ambition was to join the jazz ensemble at Duluth Central High School. It was there I first learned how to reach a goal if I worked at it, as a percussionist or otherwise. My path led to a career in healthcare, but anything I’ve accomplished as an adult is rooted in those years in the Duluth public school music programs. I can’t overstate the importance of continued public support for music and art programs in education, at all levels, whenever possible.
A note about the Million Dollar Quartet drums:
The 1955 Gretsch drumset used in this show is nearly identical to the kit played by Million Dollar Quartet drummer WS Holland when he recorded and toured in the fifties. This particular set was owned by popular local drummer Duane “Duke” Tourville, who played them across the country and later in the Duluth-Superior area for many decades.
