*** 3 Stars
“ A Show with depth and truth!“
Cited as the greatest love story in country music the marriage of June Carter and icon Johnny Cash has been explored in literature and in motion pictures now it gets the musical theatre stage treatment in a production that not only explores the reality of the couple’s life but also pays homage the music the defined the Cash American song book.
Featuring a book by Des McAnuff (who also directs) and Robert Cary with Music and Lyrics by Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash and others the production also involves the couple’s son John Carter Cash as Story advisor alongside music supervisor/arranger. The inclusion of John Carter Cash is central as the story is taken from his viewpoint as the show’s main narrative.
The life story of countries first couple has been well documented and this production achieves a rare intimate and emotional insight into the couple beyond the music although the script does get a little clunky and does repeat itself especially around the well documented addiction problems of the Cash family the writing needs to be more nuanced and streamlined to gain the additional depth that would see the overall show sore.
Performances across the board are excellent especially the leads Christopher Ryan Grant (Johnny Cash) and Christina Bianco (June Carter Cash) who deliver stunning vocal turns backed up with powerhouse acting abilities especially during those tense dramatic family moments. Grant has an uncanny resemblance both visually and vocally to the real cash its really capturing to watch. Ryan O’Donnell brings understated to emotion to the role of John Carter Cash and mines the show for both comedy and true emotions to wonderful effect. The principal cast are joined by a stellar 13 strong ensemble who shine in every moment none more so than when delivering Byron Easley inventive choreography.
Music wise the show is a triumph with over thirty songs spanning the career of the cash family featured throughout the show from “ A Boy Named Sue” Via “Folsom Prison Blues” to “ I walk the line” and of course “Ring of Fire” there is everything for a cash fan to enjoy. Vocals are peerless and musical director Connagh Tonkinson 6 strong band excel. The highlights in the show musically are the moments the country numbers blend with a more musical theatre flavour. The standout being the inclusion of the Nine Inch Nails song “Hurt” which Johnny Cash covered later in his career and life, its inclusion in the show gives real depth and truth to the piece.
Production wise the elements do gel together although Robert Brill set design is clearly made for small venues its simply dwarfed on the Festival Theatre with heavy black drapes needed to bring the set in. That said its beautifully and evocatively lit by Amanda Zieve lighting design. Peter Fitzgerald’s sound design is excellent on the band but there are a couple of niggles with the cast but its most likely just opening night and will soon tighten up. Special mention to Safrina Bush inspired costume design which truly brings the show to life.
There is a sparkling heart within in The Ballad of Johnny & June which if tapped into would see it soar into the hearts of musical theatre audiences and not just die-hard Carter and Cash fans. For now, it’s a show which delivers well in a constrained formula that the real Johnny Cash would have tried hard to break out of. That said it still delivers bang for the ticket money! So Walk the line to the Festival Theatre and treat yourself to a ticket.
The Ballad of Johnny & June, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Runs until Saturday 2nd May, for more information and tickets go to: https://www.capitaltheatres.com/shows/the-ballad-of-johnny-and-june/
The Productions UK tour continues and the show will visit the Glasgow Pavilion Theatre 13th to 22nd August.
ScotsGay Arts 