For Johnny Cash fans, Ring of Fire – The Music of Johnny Cash is a must. But even if you are not the biggest Johnny cash fan in the world, Ring of Fire is still a rockin’ good time. Currently playing at Theatre at the Center in Muster Indiana (a quick 35-40 minute drive from downtown Chicago), Ring of Fire brings the life of Johnny Cash alive through his music and narration. All songs are performed on a train station set by a live band, two Johnny Cash’s - a younger and more matured version and June Carter. The story begins with stories about Cash’s childhood and continues with his journey though legendary stardom.
From the show’s early goings, you will find your toes tapping and your hand slapping the side of your leg. Both the young and older Johnny Cash’s nail the voice and are simply fantastic, taking turns singing leads on various songs and even sharing vocal duties on some. Michael Monroe Goodman plays the youthful Cash and riffs some very impressive guitar leads while Kent M. Lewis takes on the later Cash and narrates the show. Both Goodman and Lewis impress with their Cash-like vocals and charismatic charm. While the two Cash’s are each thoroughly enjoyable to watch in their own right, Cory Goodrich takes on the role of the spunky and spirited June Carter. One gets the feeling that Goodrich is having as much fun playing the role of June as the audience has watching her perform. Goodrich exudes the innocent joy and bliss June was known for and tackles each song with just the right fervor each commands. And if that’s not enough, just watching the rest of the band is thoroughly entertaining – Malcolm Ruhl rocks the standup bass!
As the story itself goes, we get a good taste of Cash’s life though a bit more explanation on certain subjects would have gone a long way. For instance, Cash is introduced to “white pills” that help him endure the long touring schedule, but we are never really taken back to find out if it became a problem, if he overcame an addiction, etc. It also seems that Cash and June instantly fell in love and married, which wouldn’t be exactly accurate. Nit picking aside, the story told through music and narration still does a nice job in capturing many of the pivotal trials and successes of Johnny Cash’s life.
Ring of Fire – The Music of Johnny Cash is a fun time from its opening song “Let the Train Blow the Whistle” to its lively finale number “A Boy Named Sue”. The show includes a bevy of hits played with their deserved passion and spunk including “I Walk the Line”, “Ring of Fire”, “Jackson”, “Folsom Prison Blues”, “I’ve Been Everywhere” and so many more.
Ring of Fire is playing at Theatre at the Center (1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana) through March 30th. For tickets and/or more information visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com or call 219-8363255.
