Thursday April 13- RING OF FIRE (the Johnny Cash musical show)

[JerseyScoundrel]

Posted: 4/13/06 at 11:55pm

Just as the lights went down on the stage at the Ethel Barrymore Theater, where Ring of Fire was to begin its evenings performance, many things went through my mind. I was not quite sure what to expect, which left me on the edge. When the show immediatley started, I knew right away that it was meant as an audience thriller, not a true theatergoing experience. This tasteless, bland production about Johnny Cashes songs being put together in a two hour musical was not very satisfying.

Mr. Maltby Jr, who has had sucesses in his lifetime, is the leader of this flop. His production looked like glue that could not stick when putting the songs together. It seems that Maltby is mixed up and does not know what to do with the songs. However, the incorporation of the band and the couples made it lively for an ABBA fan for example.

On the plus side, the actors were amazing. I was happy that they were able to display their incredible abilities. The most amazing performer of the night was Beth Malone, who kept a huge amount of energy while keeping the characters real in every single role she was in. In addition, I have to give my best wishes to Lisa Shriver (Co-Coreographer when I worked on a show), who successfully staged the brilliant dancing in the show.

All in all, if you want to have a good time like Mama Mia, go see it. If you are a true theatergoer, take the choice of not walking the line. I do not see this show living for long.

PS- Sorry bout spelling errors. To late for me to think