"Ring of Fire" is the holiday offering from the Repertory Theatre this year. While it's easy to understand why they're tired of Ralphie and the Cratchits and all of Whoville, their choice of a tribute to Johnny Cash is something of a surprise.
This is not a play; there's really very little dialogue. The story of Cash's life is loosely sketched in with more information in the program and the lobby displays. Cash's music is sung and played by a group of musicians, four of which are identified as principals, and the rest as musician/ensemble. So no one is impersonating or playing "the Johnny Cash role", and that makes things easier for anyone in the audience who's expecting a near-perfect imitation of that rumbling voice. Rest easy, fans; you'll forget that after a few minutes of listening to these folks. They're good. Real good.
While there is no story line, that doesn't mean there is no staging. Director Jason Edwards and assistant director/choreographer Denise Patton keep things moving, allowing musicians to share the stage smoothly, showing off players of the fiddle or upright bass or one of the guitars. This gives an added awareness of work beyond that of the four principals.
For a non-fancier of country music, listening to this makes the point that Cash went well beyond that genre. While the portrayal of the Grand Old Opry in its pre-Lycra days is surprisingly charming, it's a good reminder that the music of Johnny Cash has, over the decades, become a soundtrack for many of our lives. And if this show draws people that don't normally go to the Rep, well, so much the better. We're all glad to see you – pull up a chair and sit a spell.
Ring of Fire
through December 28
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
314-968-4925