Cast, Creative Team Set for TexARTS' RING OF FIRE

To kick off its 2015-16 Professional Series, TexARTS celebrates an American music icon with the regional premier of RING OF FIRE: THE JOHNNY CASH MUSICAL SHOW. Starring local music heavyweight and multi-instrumentalist Walt Roberts, RING OF FIRE runs July 17-26 at the Kam and James Morris Theatre.

Though Cash himself is not portrayed in the show, RING OF FIRE tells his story through a revue of his most memorable songs. In this intimate staging of what is considered the best musical revue of our time, the multi-talented cast not only sings but plays over 30 of Cash's hits including "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line," "Get Rhythm," and the title song "Ring of Fire."

"We're proud to bring this cast of world-class performers to the Lake Travis area" Jarret Mallon, executive director of TexARTS, said. "Where better to find such versatile performers than in the live music capital of the world?"

CAST

Actor and musician Walt Roberts has performed with Asleep at the Wheel, Reba McEntire, and June Carter Cash. Austin audiences will recognize him from "A Ride with Bob" and "Hank Williams: Lost Highway." Joining Roberts is Austin Critic's Table nominee Brittany Allyson ("Merrily We Roll Along" at MMNT) and newcomer Matt Buzonas. Buzonas recently received rave reviews for his performance as Jamie Lockhart in "The Robber Bridegroom," also at MMNT. Completing the cast are local actor and musician Rob Franco ("Sin City 2", and TV's "From Dusk Till Dawn") and Austin vocalist Julie Foster. Local musicians Bradley Shelton and Corey Cunningham will round out the on-stage band.

CREATIVE TEAM

TexARTS is proud to welcome back Sarah Gay as director. Gay's credits include work with Casa Mañana in Fort Worth and the Alley Theatre in Houston. Bringing Cash's world to the TexARTS stage will be scenic designer Teena Sauvola, lighting designer Stephen Pruitt, sound designer Doug Newell, costume designer Bobby Moffett, and stage manager Laura Walberg.

RING OF FIRE was created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade. The script was adapted from the Broadway Production by Richard Maltby Jr. and Jason Edwards. The music is by Johnny Cash, orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby, and additional arrangements by David Abbinanti.

Tickets

Individual tickets are now on sale and start at $40. Subscriptions are available for the 2015-16 season and start at $144. Purchase tickets at www.tex-arts.org or call the TexARTS Box Office at 512-852-9079 x101

Showtimes: July 17-18, 24-25 at 7:30 p.m.; July 19, 26 at 2:30 p.m.

Venue
All performances will be held at the intimate Kam and James Morris Theatre at TexARTS' Erin Doherty Studios, 2300 Lohman's Spur, Suite #160, Lakeway, TX. The lounge opens one hour prior to curtain and offers a full bar and a pre-show happy hour. Parking is free.