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‘A very American story’: Cresson Lake Playhouse producing tribute to Johnny Cash

Courtesy photo / From left, Carson Long, Tim Michrina, Kelly Hartman, Rick Herbster and Kelly Devett rehearse at Cresson Lake Playhouse’s barn theater for “Ring of Fire.” 

Many would consider the late Johnny Cash as a true legend, even a folk hero, imprinted on America’s very identity.

The musician died in 2003, following a long, illustrious career that spanned genres from country to rock and roll to blues to gospel, and his story is “a very American story,” said Nathan Magee.

“He was flawed, and he was open about those flaws,” said Magee, who is directing “Ring of Fire,” a tribute to Cash staged by Cresson Lake Playhouse. “Celebrities try to shy away and hide from mistakes they’ve made, but he tried to absolve himself from them; he looked for redemption. It resonates with people, they see themselves reflected back with their flaws. To see someone make so many mistakes and come out the other side is inspiring.”

CLP will stage “Ring of Fire” at the troupe’s barn theater in Loretto, with shows running from Tuesday through June 25 and June 27 to July 1. Tuesday through Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m., with the matinee on June 25 starting at 2 p.m.

Tickets cost $12, $16 and $20. They can be purchased online at www.cressonlake.com or by calling the CLP box office at 472-4333.

The cast is comprised of Rick Herbster, Tim Michrina and Jake Slebodnick, who all will play versions of Cash at different periods of his life. Herbster will portray an older Cash acting as a narrator; Michrina will play Cash in his prime; and Slebodnick will play Cash as a young man living in Arkansas. Rounding out the cast will be Kelly Devett, who will play several roles, but primarily act as the love of Cash’s life, June Carter Cash; and Carson Long, who will also portray multiple roles.

“It’s a musical revue,” Magee said. “While there are some narrative aspects, it’s a celebration of his music, looking at his life on the cotton farm, the first time he goes to record at Sun Records, meeting June Carter.”

“It’s really unique that all five cast members are playing (instruments) for themselves,” said music director Kelly Hartman. “They are acting as their own pit.”

Hartman will also accompany the performers on the piano, and there will also be contributions from a fiddle player and a trumpet player.

The show includes 34 songs in all.

“We don’t make any attempt to sound like Johnny, because no one sounds like Johnny,” Magee said, “but we try to do right by his music.

“I’ve always been a fan of Johnny’s music. I think it speaks to something unique to America.”

“It’s going to be a fun evening listening to fantastic performers sing great American music,” Hartman said.

Herbster is a veteran to Cresson Lake Playhouse productions, and he snapped up the chance to participate in “Ring of Fire.”

“Two years ago, I did a tribute to (composers Jerry) Leiber and (Mike) Stoller called ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe,'” he said. “Last summer, I was in a production of Sinatra, and I got to sing Frank’s songs. It seemed like an American trilogy of sorts for me, to try and do this.”

Herbster called “Ring of Fire” a “unique celebration of an American icon’s music.”

“America loves heroes, and they love heroes that survived — that were down and out, but got back up,” he said. “(Cash) had marital problems, chemical-addiction problems, but he persevered. And he continued to be true to his music, even when he was down.

“America loves a winner, loves the comeback. When I look at this man, who was making music in the ’50s, and we’re still listening and still revering his music today? That’s incredible.”

Mirror staff writer Cory Dobrowolsky can be reached at 946-7428.

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If you go

What: “Ring of Fire,” a musical tribute to Johnny Cash

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through June 24 and June 27 through July 1; 2 p.m. June 25

Where: Cresson Lake Playhouse barn theater, 279 Shapiro Road, Loretto

Tickets: $12, $16 or $20. Available at www.cressonlake.com or by calling the box office at 472-4333.

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