BWW Reviews: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Incendiary Production of RING OF FIRE

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has produced something truly special with their current presentation of Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash. This is a biographical musical with broad appeal to people of all ages. Created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade, the show chronicles the life and times of Johnny Cash from his humble upbringing to his final breath, and it captures it all with over 30 memorable tunes that showcase his wonderful catalog of material, while touching on key events that shaped the "Man in Black", and his beliefs. Ring of Fire is an incendiary delight that will have audiences singing and clapping along to the beat of a man who overcame his personal demons to become a very fondly remembered icon in the world of music. I cannot recommend this show highly enough. You'll simply have to see it for yourself! I personally guarantee that you will be absolutely floored by what you witness. So get your tickets now, because they're going to go fast.

The story begins with an opening montage that takes us back to his impoverished beginnings. It's a moving story that may even find you shedding a tear or two. And, the music is utilized in just the right way to tell the tale. Rather than just stopping the action dead in its tracks for a song or some exposition, they blend together in a remarkably compelling manner. For example, when his family becomes recipients of the government's "20 acres and a mule" program, we witness their joy, but also their struggles when flood waters drive them from their new abode. The rousing "Five Feet High and Rising" is sung as the deluge engulfs the farm, but brings with it precious top soil that actually enhances their cotton crop. It's a pattern that continues throughout the work, with the telling "Sunday Morning Coming Down" set against a backdrop of the addictions Cash succumbed to, but eventually conquered.

Jason Edwards (who also directs) plays the older version of Cash, while Derek Keeling plays the younger. Both are excellent, but Keeling really captures his vocals with amazing accuracy. Trenna Barnes and Allison Briner are superb in various roles, but really shine as the different age versions of Johnny's longtime love, June Carter. The musicians who back them not only are extremely talented on their various instruments, but also do fine work in various character parts as well. Walter Hartman (drums), Brantley Kearns (fiddle), Jeff Lisenby (keyboard and accordion), John W. Marshall (upright bass), Brent Moyer (electric guitar, acoustic guitar and trumpet), and Andrew Platt (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin and harmonica) are fantastic players who also have the ability to pull off dramatic and comedic moments as well. This is just an outstanding cast, and when you see all ten on stage at once playing acoustic guitar you'll be blown away.

Edwards does an exceptional job directing this production (as well as starring in it), bringing all these key elements together with a graceful ease that makes it all seem like it just springs forth organically. He's aided by his assistant director and choreographer Denise Patton, who keeps the dancing authentic and natural. John Iacovelli's scenic design is stunning, with a cabin's porch doubling as a bandstand, and plenty of space for the performers to roam. The design is greatly enhanced by Joe Payne's projections and atmospheric sounds. Lou Bird's costumes are perfect fits for the characters, bringing a rural feel to the early scenes, while also providing us with the black attire we would expect to see Cash wearing. Kenton Yeager's lighting really keeps the action in focus, and neatly captures the changing times and moods.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has struck gold with their invigorating production of Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash. You'd be doing yourself a real disservice if you didn't immediately head down to the Loretto-Hilton to catch this terrific piece of theatre. It continues through December 28, 2014.

Photo credit: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

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