Mercury Theater Chicago to Present RING OF FIRE in 2015

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, presents Theater at the Center's production of RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH, a thrilling musical celebration of 'The Man in Black', running from April 30 through June 28, 2015. Press opening is Monday May 4th at 7:30pm. More than two dozen classic hits - including "I Walk the Line," "A Boy Named Sue," "Folsom Prison Blues," and the title tune - performed by a multi-talented cast, takes audiences on an inspired musical journey that promises to be a footstompin', crowd-pleasin' salute to a uniquely American legend. From the iconic songbook of Johnny Cash comes this musical concert about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and home and family. The production is a joint endeavor between Mercury Theater Chicago's Executive Director L. Walter Stearns, Theater at the Center's General Manager Richard Friedman, and Brian Russell (Director).

The musical revue RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH guides audiences on a journey through Cash's career, from the cotton fields of Arkansas to the Grand Ole Opry. The show was created by Richard Maltby, Jr., conceived by William Meade, with orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby. This version is a re-imagining of the original Broadway production; more intimate, but with a full musical soundscape.

Says Richard Friedman, "this show was a phenomenal success in Munster and it was clear that many more people would enjoy a chance to see it. Every performance at TATC ended with a rousing standing ovation. The Mercury is the perfect venue to bring back all the key cast members from the original production - intimate, comfortable and warm. It is exciting to me to be working closely with my old friends Walter Stearns and Brian Russell to bring the genius of Johnny Cash and his music to new audiences."

Leading the cast as 'Johnny Cash' will be Kent Lewis with Jeff Award-winner Cory Goodrich starring as 'June Carter' and Michael Goodman as 'Young Johnny'. Four talented multi-instrumentalist/performers round out the cast - Greg Hirte, Malcolm Ruhl, Billy Shaffer, and a keyboardist to be announced soon.

The show has been re-imagined by Director Brian Russell with Musical Direction by Malcolm Ruhl. The design team includes Scenic Designer Angie Miller; Lighting Designer Shelley Strasser-Holland; Sound Designer Barry G. Funderburg; Costume Designer Brenda Winstead and Props Designer Jessie Howe. The Stage Manager is Rebecca Green, the Technical Director is Ann Davis; and TATC's General Manager is Richard Friedman. TATC's Artistic Director is William Pullinsi.

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