THE ESSENTIAL A&E PICKS FOR DEC 28 - JAN 3 

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One Night in Memphis: Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash
December 4, 1956 has taken on an almost mythological status in the history of early rock and roll. That's the day when Sun Studios in Memphis hosted a recording session by rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins that eventually featured a few other familiar names: a 21-year-old piano player named Jerry Lee Lewis, and a couple of more established musical stars, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. The subsequent jam session was turned into a P.R. opportunity by Sun Studios impresario Sam Phillips, who dubbed the musicians the "Million Dollar Quartet." That designation became the name of a jukebox musical that hit Broadway in 2010.

Several alumni of Million Dollar Quartet came together under the supervision of creator/director John Mueller—who originated the role of Carl Perkins—to create One Night in Memphis: Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash. The 90-minute show features live re-creations of performances by the four legendary musicians, with a set list that features some of the most familiar vintage hits in American rock and roll history: "Blue Suede Shoes," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "I Walk the Line," "All Shook Up," "Heartbreak Hotel" and more. There's even a version of one of the songs from the Million Dollar Quartet sessions, a group performance of "Down By the Riverside."

One Night in Memphis: Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash stops in at Park City's Egyptian Theatre (328 Main St.) for three performances, Dec. 26 – 28 at 8 p.m. Visit parkcityshows.com for tickets and additional event information. (Scott Renshaw)

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Jay Whittaker
Though he's a Southern California native and currently based in Massachusetts for his performing career, Jay Whittaker has some pretty strong Utah ties. It was while living here that he launched his stand-up comedy career, he hosted plenty of panels and celebrity guests at the annual FanX convention in previous years, and he's still a regular on the locally-based Geekshow Podcast. It was also here where he chose to record his recent comedy special Unprecedented (available on YouTube). He also has his own very particular memories of how he spent New Year's Eves in Utah, ahead of his return shows leading into 2024.

"Well first off," Whittaker shares via email, "the ones I can remember were spent at bars that no longer exist: Green Street, Vortex, Port O' Call, Maxwell's downtown SLC, Bayleaf Cafe. Holy shit, I feel old. I used to spend my pre-comedy days dancing my ass off and losing articles of clothing. Once I got into comedy, I took the easy road and mostly worked that night. Being with souls that crave laughter on New Years is something special. We can't wait for what the new year brings, but let's laugh first. My favorite kinda audience. Plus, I'm less likely to lose clothing."

You too can wind down 2023 in a humorous, fully-clothed (one hopes) manner when Jay Whittaker stops in at Wiseguys Jordan Landing (3763 W. Center Park Dr.) on Dec. 29 – 31, with performances 7:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $25; visit wiseguyscomedy.com for tickets and additional event information. (SR)

• Mary Siversten

Ice Castles @ Soldier Hollow
There's a natural magic to the mountains of Utah, to be sure, whether it's the snow-covered wonderlands of the winter or the dappled beauty of the summer. Yet it can also inspire even more kinds of magical creation—which is exactly what happened more than a decade ago, when Ice Castles founder Brent Christensen relocated here from California. Facing a bit of winter cabin fever with his six children, Christensen crafted an ice cave for the family yard. And he knew he was on to something special when it became popular not just with his own kids, but with others from his neighborhood and all across town.

Now, Christensen's Ice Castles have become a popular seasonal attraction in six states, including Utah's version in Soldier Hollow. The massive structures include ice slides for speedy downhill swooshing, tunnels for crawling, massive caverns and amazing hand-carved ice sculptures. The whole thing also receives a stunning lighting package to add even more magic to the location. For those who want an added, private experience, you can reserve a private alcove space for special occasions like a marriage proposal, or take a sleigh ride to and from the castle through a gorgeous woodland trail.

Soldier Hollow Ice Castles are currently scheduled to open up on Saturday, Jan. 6, though timing can vary depending on weather conditions. Tickets are $25 general admission, $17 ages 4 – 11; visitors can purchase sleigh rides or reserve the private alcove for an additional cost. Visit icecastles.com/utah for reservations, available dates and additional event information. (SR)