This is a reprint of my remarks about “Ring Of Fire” at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater presented in their Stackner Cabaret during the 2018 – 2019 season. This originally appeared on my Facebook timeline on April 1, 2019!
Ring of Fire – the songs and a bit of the life of the late Johnny Cash comes to life in the Stackner Cabaret of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. If you like country or simply love Johnny Cash…this show will not disappoint. You’ve got the younger Johnny…the mature Johnny…June Carter Cash…and depending on the tune the Tennessee Three or the Tennessee Two.
And songs…and songs…and songs…it is unlikely that they will miss your favorite Cash song or June/Johnny duet…although I would have liked to hear “One Piece At A Time”! AND the crowd loved the show…standing O and an encore and everything!!
But the musicians were right on…the harmonies perfect…the instrumental hand offs (go see it you’ll know what I mean) were flawless…the choreography enchanting…and as the story unwound the age and wisdom and love and fatigue all were exhibited. Awesome jobs from the cast: Alex Keiper, James David Larson, Kent M. Lewis, Corbin Mayer, and Paul Wyatt.
I know this is cabaret but one thing I don’t understand is why it is so important to employ multi-instrumentalists and hand off instruments mid-song.
And although I was right down in front, I couldn’t identify the acoustic guitars being used on stage…if any of you know…please let me know!!