Ring of Fire review; popular Chenango River Theatre show held over through Sept. 8
GREENE – Since August 1, Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash has packed Greene’s Chenango River Theatre, 991 State Highway 12, and with all the regularly scheduled future performances already sold out or soon-to-be sold out, the show has been held over through September 8.
Four more performances of the show have been added, Sept. 5-8. By the end of the run, the cast and crew will have performed 20 times, making this performance the longest run in the company’s history.
The cast and crew have clearly worked hard during rehearsals, or perhaps the members of the cast have simply known each other for a long time. The chemistry between the performers onstage is undeniable, and the talent is outstanding.
Director and choreographer Chris Blisset has directed this show three times previously and this Chenango River Theatre performance is his fourth time as musical director and choreographer.
“As rehearsals begin, I always tell them (the cast) that the key to the show is the music,” stated Blisset. “If we treat the music with respect, the rest will fall into place. The crux of the music lies in authority and authenticity with the ease of someone born to it.”
The show’s cast - Jennie Malone, Andrew Keeler, Diego Diaz, and Mike Rosengarten - take Blisset’s advice and rolls with it. The talent is undeniable. They bring the music to life, music first performed by Johnny Cash, the man in black himself.
At times, the show is hilarious, yet other moments are downright emotional, akin to Cash’s musical repertoire.
When characters are performing in the foreground, be sure to keep an eye on the performers in the dimly lit background. Some of the tightest chemistry and ease came from those moments in the show.
Andrew Keeler, Eddie, appears in his first performance at the Chenango River Theatre with Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash. Keeler has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Elon University and many performances under his belt. Seemingly random nods, glances, smirks and smiles, while quite possibly choreographed into his part, come across so naturally and it’s the little details like this that help make performances that extra bit of great.
Diego Diaz, David, brings his talents from New York City and recently completed an international tour of Titanic the Musical. Diaz pulls out a couple stops sure to surprise the audience in this performance, and he brings a fantastic amount of energy and skill.
Mike Rosengarten, Mark, returns to the Chenango River Theatre for this performance after being seen in Greene playing Jackson in Pump Boys and Dinettes. He’s performed as a musician in pits both on Broadway and off, and has been on several recordings. In this show it is clear he has terrific musical skills and there are moments when the audience can’t help but be impressed.
Jennie Malone, Trenna, hails from Newport, Ky., and one of her notable performances includes her portrayal of Martha Cratchit on a national tour of A Christmas Carol. Malone is a professional steel drummer in The Bacchanal Steel Band and has opened for The Beach Boys and John Stamos, as recently as May of this year. In Ring of Fire, her voice brings the audience balance and femininity as well as impressive talent.
It is clear from the start the group of performers are no strangers to the stage. Their ability to act cohesively - and independently when necessary - is fabulous.
Blisset and the cast certainly succeed in entertaining. The songs bring laughter, movement, participation, and at times emotion to the crowd.
For the biggest Johnny Cash fan, or someone who may be unfamiliar with the artist and only heard his rendition of the Nine Inch Nails tune “Hurt,” Ring of Fire is sure to leave the audience more than satisfied. Perhaps even eager to listen to more Johnny Cash on the drive home.
Artistic Director Bill Lelbach said, “We’re fortunate to be able to extend the run for this one week only – normally we go into rehearsal for our next show immediately after the scheduled closing date, but due to a scheduling quirk, we don’t start rehearsals for The Outgoing Tide until Sept. 9. It only gives us one day to tear out this show and get the next one on stage, but it’s worth it to give Ring of Fire another week to satisfy the demand for tickets. Co-Produced by the Raymond Corporation, Ring of Fire is the fastest selling production in our history.”
Tickets are $23 Thursdays, $26 Fridays, $27 Saturdays, and $24 Sundays. Curtain is promptly at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. For tickets, email tickets@chenangorivertheatre.org. The 24-Hour Reservation Line accepts reservations at any time at 656-8499. Tickets may be charged to MasterCard, Visa or Discover and payment is required when tickets are ordered.
For further information, visit chenangorivertheatre.org.
Four more performances of the show have been added, Sept. 5-8. By the end of the run, the cast and crew will have performed 20 times, making this performance the longest run in the company’s history.
The cast and crew have clearly worked hard during rehearsals, or perhaps the members of the cast have simply known each other for a long time. The chemistry between the performers onstage is undeniable, and the talent is outstanding.
Director and choreographer Chris Blisset has directed this show three times previously and this Chenango River Theatre performance is his fourth time as musical director and choreographer.
“As rehearsals begin, I always tell them (the cast) that the key to the show is the music,” stated Blisset. “If we treat the music with respect, the rest will fall into place. The crux of the music lies in authority and authenticity with the ease of someone born to it.”
The show’s cast - Jennie Malone, Andrew Keeler, Diego Diaz, and Mike Rosengarten - take Blisset’s advice and rolls with it. The talent is undeniable. They bring the music to life, music first performed by Johnny Cash, the man in black himself.
At times, the show is hilarious, yet other moments are downright emotional, akin to Cash’s musical repertoire.
When characters are performing in the foreground, be sure to keep an eye on the performers in the dimly lit background. Some of the tightest chemistry and ease came from those moments in the show.
Andrew Keeler, Eddie, appears in his first performance at the Chenango River Theatre with Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash. Keeler has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Elon University and many performances under his belt. Seemingly random nods, glances, smirks and smiles, while quite possibly choreographed into his part, come across so naturally and it’s the little details like this that help make performances that extra bit of great.
Diego Diaz, David, brings his talents from New York City and recently completed an international tour of Titanic the Musical. Diaz pulls out a couple stops sure to surprise the audience in this performance, and he brings a fantastic amount of energy and skill.
Mike Rosengarten, Mark, returns to the Chenango River Theatre for this performance after being seen in Greene playing Jackson in Pump Boys and Dinettes. He’s performed as a musician in pits both on Broadway and off, and has been on several recordings. In this show it is clear he has terrific musical skills and there are moments when the audience can’t help but be impressed.
Jennie Malone, Trenna, hails from Newport, Ky., and one of her notable performances includes her portrayal of Martha Cratchit on a national tour of A Christmas Carol. Malone is a professional steel drummer in The Bacchanal Steel Band and has opened for The Beach Boys and John Stamos, as recently as May of this year. In Ring of Fire, her voice brings the audience balance and femininity as well as impressive talent.
It is clear from the start the group of performers are no strangers to the stage. Their ability to act cohesively - and independently when necessary - is fabulous.
Blisset and the cast certainly succeed in entertaining. The songs bring laughter, movement, participation, and at times emotion to the crowd.
For the biggest Johnny Cash fan, or someone who may be unfamiliar with the artist and only heard his rendition of the Nine Inch Nails tune “Hurt,” Ring of Fire is sure to leave the audience more than satisfied. Perhaps even eager to listen to more Johnny Cash on the drive home.
Artistic Director Bill Lelbach said, “We’re fortunate to be able to extend the run for this one week only – normally we go into rehearsal for our next show immediately after the scheduled closing date, but due to a scheduling quirk, we don’t start rehearsals for The Outgoing Tide until Sept. 9. It only gives us one day to tear out this show and get the next one on stage, but it’s worth it to give Ring of Fire another week to satisfy the demand for tickets. Co-Produced by the Raymond Corporation, Ring of Fire is the fastest selling production in our history.”
Tickets are $23 Thursdays, $26 Fridays, $27 Saturdays, and $24 Sundays. Curtain is promptly at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. For tickets, email tickets@chenangorivertheatre.org. The 24-Hour Reservation Line accepts reservations at any time at 656-8499. Tickets may be charged to MasterCard, Visa or Discover and payment is required when tickets are ordered.
For further information, visit chenangorivertheatre.org.
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