Drayton Festival Theatre Presents JOHNNY AND JUNE, Now Through 8/11

There's a high-spirited celebration underway at the Drayton Festival Theatre as theatregoers are taken on a lively musical journey in this season's production of Johnny and June. Interweaving music and memories, this hand-clappin' salute to the incredible duo of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash is onstage now through August 11^th.

"Johnny and June is a fun-filled tribute to true musical pioneers," says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. "You can't help but tap your feet and sing along to their incredible musical catalogue."

One of the most influential musicians of the 20^th century, Johnny Cash has been characterized as an artist who lived a rebellious, challenging and complicated life. His story, like his music, was marked by a search for truth, inner peace, love and redemption. Johnny and June is an interesting biography that provides unique insights into the music and personal lives of country music's most renowned couple.

Theatregoers are taken back to the early years of Cash's career, beginning with the famous concert at Folsom Prison in 1968.Opening with the traditional, "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash..." introduction, the band drops into a rousing rendition of "Folsom Prison Blues." As the show progresses, the distinctive bond between Johnny and June is revealed, from their tours together through their romantic courtship, and Cash's marriage proposal at a concert in London, Ontario.

Johnny Cash is performed by Aaron Solomon, who conveys the essence of Cash as a young man who was both shy and down-to-earth. His portrayal eventually transforms into the passionate legend, captivating the audience as he performs Cash's signature songs including "I Walk the Line," and "A Boy Named Sue." Indeed, Solomon seems to channel the iconic musician as he rolls through some of the deeper and darker tunes like "Busted," "Dark as a Dungeon" and "Long Black Veil". Solomon's voice captures the thick velvety sound that was a trademark of Cash throughout his career.

Colleen Aynn highlights June Carter Cash as a profound artist who was also a deeply devoted and loving companion. She joins in with many classic numbers to underscore a partnership that lasted more than 35 years.

The pairing of Solomon and Aynn is ideal and the chemistry between them is evident, which befits the legend that fans have grown to love. The audience responds enthusiastically as they perform together in such hits as "Time's A Wastin'," "Ring Of Fire," and the Grammy Award-winning duet "Jackson".

Johnny and June is directed by Chris McHarge who is also co-creator of this production alongside Music Director, Colin Stewart who leads the company through more than thirty of Johnny Cash's greatest hits. This creative team's ability to tap into the pulse of theatregoers is reflective in the incredible success of their hit production, Blue Suede Shoes: Memories of the King, which played to sold-out audiences in Grand Bend and St. Jacobs last season and which returns to the Drayton Festival Theatre this fall.

Providing the core sound for this nostalgic musical journey is an incredibly talented band helmed by Colin Stewart on Bass with Chris Norley on Guitar and Ted Peacock on Drums.

Set and Lighting Design by Jeff Johnston Collins is fittingly simple and unpretentious, striking a perfect balance that that enables the actors and musicians to connect directly with the audience.

Johnny Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor and author who pushed boundaries. Known especially for his deep, distinctive bass-baritone voice and country music, he spanned into a variety of genres over his career including blues, folk, gospel, and rock and roll. This tremendous accomplishment led Cash to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1980, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

A legend in her own right, June Carter Cash was an American singer, dancer, songwriter, actress, and author who began a prolific career at the young age of 10. In 1968, thirteen years after they first met backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Johnny Cash proposed to June Carter during a live performance in London, Ontario. They married on March 1, 1968 inFranklin, Kentucky.

Johnny and June is proudly sponsored by Waterloo Printing. Media Sponsors are KIX 106.7 FM and CKNX AM 920.  The Design Sponsor is Conway Furniture. The 2012 season is proudly sponsored by Martin Mills.

Johnny and June plays eight shows a week through August 11^th. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (519) 638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866). For more information or to purchase tickets online, please visit www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com.