Wednesday, September 20, through Saturday, November 4
Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island IL
Called “a lively jukebox revue” by the Chicago Tribune and “a warm, straightforward pleasure” by the Denver Post, Broadway's musical celebration of Johnny Cash returns to the area for the first time since its engagement at Circa '21 in early 2009.
Created by Tony Award winner Richard Maltby Jr., Ring of Fire tells the life story of country and gospel legend Cash, even though “The Man in Black” himself is never impersonated on-stage. Instead, the show explores the artist, his career, his challenges, and his spiritual redemption through the performance of 38 Johnny Cash songs, with the repertoire's highlights including “I've Been Everywhere,” “I Walk the Line,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Jackson,” “Daddy Sang Bass,” and the chart-topping title tune.
Directing the production is venue veteran Curt Wollan, whose credits include the theatre's Southern Crossroads and Church Basement Ladies, and the cast features returning performers Deborah Kennedy, Bob Payne, and Travis Smith appearing alongside Circa '21 newcomers Time Drake, Amy Legrand, Candice Lively, Steven Sitzman, and Chet Wollan.
In addition to its preview performances on September 20 and 21, Ring of Fire will be performed Fridays, Saturdays, and Wednesdays at 7:45 p.m.; Sundays at 5:45 p.m.; and Wednesday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. All shows will be preceded by meals and pre-show entertainment by the theatre's performing wait staff of Circa '21 Bootleggers, and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visiting Circa21.com.
For a Reader review of the 2009 Ring of Fire, visit “Cash Business.”
