TexARTS' RING OF FIRE Opens Today

Professional theatre is alive and well in Lakeway, TX. After a three-year break from professional productions, TexARTS is proud to present a full season of shows featuring local, regional and national talent in picturesque Hill Country. The season opens to a champagne toast today, Friday, July 17 with the regional premier of "Ring of Fire."

Taking the stage at the Kam and James Morris Theatre, "Ring of Fire" features the music of American legend Johnny Cash. TexARTS artistic leadership has hand-picked from the best of Austin theatre and musical talent to assemble a cast and band that will transport audiences from the cotton fields of Arkansas to the Grand Ole Opry.

"Our incredible cast and rocking band are going to have Lakeway dancing in aisles!" show director Sarah Gay said. "TexARTS is the hidden gem of the hill country and 'Ring of Fire' is the perfect show for their return to professional theatre."

The multi-talented cast will sing and play over 30 of Cash's hits including "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line," "Get Rhythm," and the title song "Ring of Fire."

"After a few years' hiatus, the TexARTS board of directors is happy to present our seventh season of musical theatre shows and plays starring Austin's most talented professionals," Sandy Cox, chair of the TexARTS board of directors, said. "We invite the community to come celebrate a decade of excellence serving the Lake Travis region."

Jarret Mallon has performed professionally with TexARTS and throughout the United Sates, most recently as the title role in "The Will Rogers Follies" at Arizona Broadway Theatre. Austin audiences may remember Mallon as Corny Collins in the U.S. National Tour of "Hairspray," which opened in Austin at Bass Concert Hall. Joining Mallon is Austin Critic's Table nominee Brittany Allyson ("Merrily We Roll Along" at MMNT) and newcomer Matt Buzonas. Buzonas recently received rave reviews for his performance as Jamie Lockhart in "The Robber Bridegroom" also at MMNT. Completing the cast are local actor and musician Rob Franco ("Sin City 2", and TV's "From Dusk Till Dawn") and Austin vocalist Julie Foster. Rounding out the on-stage band is Austin musician Walt Roberts on guitar and fiddle. Roberts has performed with Asleep at the Wheel, Reba McEntire, and June Carter Cash. Austin audiences will recognize him from "A Ride with Bob" and "Hank Williams: Lost Highway." Local musician Bradley Shelton joins Roberts on double bass.

TexARTS is proud to welcome back Sarah Gay as director and co-musical director. Gay's credits include work with Casa Mañana in Fort Worth and the Alley Theatre in Houston. Co-musical director Paul Koudouris' credits include the Off-Broadway production of "St. Joan of the Stockyards" and regional productions of "Ring of Fire" with Pittsburgh CLO and "A Night with Janis Joplin" at the Zach Theatre. Bringing Cash's world to the TexARTS stage will be scenic designer Teena Sauvola, lighting designer Stephen Pruitt, sound designer Doug Newell, costume designer Bobby Moffett, and stage manager Laura Walberg.

"Ring of Fire" was created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade. The script was adapted from the Broadway Production by Richard Maltby Jr. and Jason Edwards. The music is by Johnny Cash, orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby, and additional arrangements by David Abbinanti.

Individual tickets start at $40. Subscriptions are available for the 2015-16 season and start at $144. Purchase tickets at www.tex-arts.org or call the TexARTS Box Office at 512-852-9079 x101.

Showtimes: July 17-18, 24-25 at 7:30 p.m.; July 19, 26 at 2:30 p.m.

All performances will be held at the intimate Kam and James Morris Theatre at TexARTS' Erin Doherty Studios, 2300 Lohman's Spur, Suite #160, Lakeway, TX. The lounge opens one hour prior to curtain and offers a full bar and a pre-show happy hour. Parking is free.

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