The Catskill Chronicle

Review by Carol Montana

ELLENVILLE, NY (October 23, 2013) – Embarking on it’s first-ever extended season, Shadowland Theatre in Ellenville is presenting “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash.” And a very talented cast of five singers/musicians bring that music to life.

Created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade, the production is directed, choreographed and musically directed by actor Chris Blisset. Certainly not the only actor of many talents on that stage, Blisset is joined in “Ring of Fire” by Jennie Malone, Andrew Crowe, Diego Diaz and Andrew Keeler.

In a dizzying display of talent, each actor/singer plays at least four instruments that are displayed on the marvelous barnyard-like stage designed by Shadowland’s former artistic director Bill Lelbach. At any given moment a cast member might pick up a bass fiddle, guitar (electric and acoustic), accordion, drum, ukulele, mandolin, fiddle or harmonica.

Using heavenly harmonies the cast performs some of Cash’s lesser know songs, and songs written or recorded by his friends, as well as his chart-topping hits including “Walk the Line,” “Man in Black,” “Jackson,” “Folsom Prison” and “Ring of Fire.” A dramatic rendition of “Ragged Old Flag” was the production’s show stopper and what has to be Cash’s most amusing song, “A Boy Named Sue” served as a fun encore.

What is unusual about “Ring of Fire” is that, unlike other musical tribute shows where one actor is assigned the role of the star, no one in “Ring of Fire” plays Johnny Cash. The entire cast joins together to celebrate the life of this great performer. It’s all about the music, with little snippets of his life thrown in.

A clear audience favorite was the Act II opener “I Been Everywhere Man,” especially when the cast did one verse with local flavor mentioning Ellenville and New Paltz among other local towns and villages.

Don’t miss this delightful musical tribute to the Man in Black, Johnny Cash.

“Ring of Fire” has proven so popular that Shadowland Theatre has added additional performances. The play is scheduled for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. from Thursday, October 24 through Sunday, November 3. There will be no performance on Halloween Thursday, October 31.

Many of the performances have limited ticket availability, so call the box office before you go at 845-647-5511.