6th Street Playhouse Presents RING OF FIRE, 1/14-2/13

There's one thing about those you meet in the theater community - they are always full of surprises. Take Eric Chazankin, for example. A business man, photographer and an active member of the theater scene in Sonoma County, CA - you wouldn't expect he could pick up a guitar and effortlessly sing a classic Johnny Cash tune.
 
But, he can. Which is why he's been cast a member of the ensemble featured in "Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash" playing Jan. 14 to Feb. 13, 2011 at the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, Calif.
 
"Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash" (which replaces "Assassins" at the 6th Street Playhouse) is musical tribute featuring a cast of four men and three women performing over 30 of Johnny Cash's greatest hits which the tale of the country legend's meteoric rise from poverty to fame and fortune.
 
Eric Chazankin earned his law degree from the University of Colorado School of Law and practiced civil and criminal law in Boulder for several years before returning to Northern California to work as a commercial Real Estate broker for his family's real estate firm.
 
Chazankin is also a devoted volunteer and supporter at the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa. In addition to being a volunteer technical consultant, he donates his time and talents as official photographer for the theater company's publicity and production photos and as videographer. He has photographed nearly 100 productions for the 6th Street Playhouse and other San Francisco Bay Area theater companies and his photographs have been featured online, in various newspapers and other publications and on the cover of Theatre Bay Area Magazine.
 
"The most valuable asset I have as the publicist for the 6th Street Playhouse is Eric Chazankin," said Kim Taylor. "He is an absolute professional in every respect and always exceeds the vision I have for publicizing our productions through photos. I love that Eric's photos have that certain look that says 'this is a 6th Street Playhouse production.' Eric is enthusiastic and always brings imagination and care to each and every photo shoot. I love working with him and admire his photography talents to no end."
 
In addition to the various talents he brings to the promotion and technical needs of the 6th Street Playhouse, he relishes the opportunity (when time allows) to perform as well. Chazankin has found the time to appear in several productions. His roles include Wally Ferguson in "The 1940s Radio Hour,"  Bundles and Harold Ickes in "Annie," Wilbur Henderson in "You Can't Take It With You," and Mr. Sowerberry in "Oliver!" and he has also performed as a classical vocalist at Cinnabar Theater Productions of "Candide" and "Cosi Fan Tutte" and performed with Cinnabar Chamber Ensemble.
 
What may surprise those who know Chazankin is that his upcoming appearance in "Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash" has been a long time coming. He was introduced to folk and country music as a youngster when his parents performed professionally as folk singers.
 
"I grew up with my family being in show business and I grew up with guitars playing around me all the time. My parents, Henry and Sheila, were in folk music back in the 1960s and that's what I was born into," said Chazankin. "It's a full circle, coming of age for me that I get to bring my guitar onstage and come back to do some of that music for myself."
 
"This music is very personal to me. Johnny Cash spoke to the conflict and angst within all of us. I think that's a large part of the appeal of this show," said Chazankin. "Johnny Cash's music and his personal story really resonates."
 
"I'm thrilled that Eric has been cast in 'Ring of Fire.' I had an opportunity to hear him sing a Johnny Cash classic at a recent photo shoot and I was so impressed. I am so happy that he has this onstage opportunity to demonstrate his musical talents. It's always nice to see good guys get their just rewards," said Taylor.
 
For more information about the 6th Street Playhouse production of "Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash" call 707-523-4185 or visit www.6thstreetplayhouse.com