Review By Val O’Bryan, Front Row Reviewers
Known as a jukebox musical, Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash showcases some of Johnny Cash’s unforgettable songs, performed by an amazing cast of musicians. Each musician in the eight-member company plays several instruments. In fact, none of the musicians play fewer than three instruments. There is never a dull moment in this show. Musicians are constantly changing instruments and inventing percussion instruments using chains, buckets, anvils, and more. Despite taking place in southern Utah in July, audiences enjoy this musical review in the cool comfort of the indoor Hafen Theater.
Benjamin D. Hale plays the soulful and iconic Johnny Cash. Hale’s deep voice is perfectly suited to performing Cash songs with authenticity. Not only does he have the voice, but Hale has also mastered Cash’s performance mannerisms, from the broody looks to his guitar strumming, the homage to Cash is thorough and convincing. Hale’s depth of emotion is captivating. Mournful ballads like “Sunday Morning Coming Down” show a very solemn side that will break your heart, while “A Boy Named Sue” and the “I’ve Been Everywhere” finale give Hale a chance to offer a much more playful and dynamic side of Cash. Not only is Hale a very seasoned musician and performer, but he has years of experience playing Cash. If you never had the pleasure of seeing Johnny Cash play live before his death, you will walk out of this show feeling like you have. Hale is that convincing.
In addition to serving as musical director, Valerie Larsen plays Young June Carter. Her tender vocals and gentle style of acting give Carter a sweet and angelic nature. When she sings “All Over Again,” she does a fantastic job of expressing the love and devotion June Carter must have had as she stood by her husband for 35 years. She also plays a mean hammer-on-anvil. One of the gorgeous ballads in the show, “The Far Side Banks of Jordan” features Mimi Bessette opposite Hale. Bessette’s vocals are clear and strong, evidence of an accomplished recording and acting career. She plays a saintly June Carter in her later years and can also hold her own with speed and enunciation in “I’ve Been Everywhere.”
One of the most versatile musicians credited in the program, Sarah Hund takes on many challenges during the show, including the role of comedian Minnie Pearl. Hund’s performance of “Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart” is brilliantly executed musically and has the audience in stitches. She has the comedic and singing chops necessary to pull off the musical hijinks. Hund and Barry Tarallo make a very steamy pair in “While I’ve Got It On My Mind.” Tarallo contributes solid vocals throughout the show.
Another audience favorite was “Delia’s Gone,” featuring Louis Tucci. It’s not exactly clear why Delia deserved her fate, but Tucci’s rocking and rollicking tune made the audience forget why they should care.
Alex Crossland and Zach Spound don’t get as much of the spotlight, but their musical support carries the songs and fills out the sound of the eight-member company. Crossland’s “Egg Suckin’ Dog” (alongside Hale and Tucci) is hilarious. Watch for Spound’s quick solos. He has a fantastic voice and each solo is a pleasant surprise of his powerful vocals.
There is so much happening onstage at every moment during the show that distracts from some of the more subtle, but no less important, aspects of the production. Musical staging (Christine O’Grady) engages the actors in a physical way that matches the music. Hair and make-up design by Matthew Reeves Oliver is exquisite. I loved the glittery gowns and humble embroidered aprons by costume designer April Soroko. The visual support of the video design (Brad Peterson) brings so much to the mood of the stage and tone of the show. Additional unsung heroes include the scenic/lighting design (Paul Black) and sound design (Eric Collins). Invisible to the audience, we often don’t realize how hard the designers, engineers, technicians, and operators to support the show and contribute to the storytelling.
Don’t miss your chance to go back in time and look at the life and musical contributions of the one and only Man in Black, Johnny Cash.
Tuacahn Center for the Arts presents Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash Created by Richard Maltby, Jr. Conceived by William Meade, Adapted from the Broadway Production by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Jason Edwards.
Tuacahn Hafen Theater, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah 84738
June – October 1, 2024, Performance dates and times vary
Tickets: $35-$108
Contact: 800-746-9882
Tuacahn Facebook Page
Ring of Fire Musical YouTube track
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