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THEATER Oregon Cabaret Theatre celebrates Johnny Cash Musical tribute tells the story of the 'The Man in Black' through his classic hits Comment By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Follow @@VickieAldous MailTribune.com By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Follow @@VickieAldous Posted Feb. 8, 2016 at 9:00 AM By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Follow @@VickieAldous Posted Feb. 8, 2016 at 9:00 AM » Social News The performing artists in Oregon Cabaret Theatre's production of "Ring of Fire" bring not only their acting skills to the stage. They also bring skilled vocals and abilities to play guitar, banjo and mandolin. The multi-talented cast — Philip David Black, Sean Wolf Galuszka, John Leistner, Brian Russell Carey and Cat Greenfield — will tell the life story of music legend Johnny Cash through more than two dozen of his classic hits, including "I Walk the Line," "A Boy Named Sue" and "Folsom Prison Blues." "Ring of Fire" will preview Thursday, Feb. 11, open Friday, Feb. 12, and run through April 17 at OCT, 241 Haradine St., Ashland. Curtain is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $21 for the preview, $35 for all other shows. Bistro seating is available for $21. Student rush tickets are $10 and are available 30 minutes before each show, subject to availability. Dinner seating begins at 6:30 p.m. and reservations are required. Appetizers, beverages and desserts are available without reservations. For tickets and reservations, call 541-488-2902 or see www.oregoncabaret.com . "Ring of Fire" director Valerie Rachelle says casting for the musical was a challenge given the skills the performers must bring to the stage. They also must understand the heart and soul of Cash's music. Born in 1932 in Arkansas, Cash was one of seven children and grew up picking cotton on his family's farm. He became one of the most popular songwriters and singers in America — creating music rooted in gospel, country, bluegrass and folk music — before his death in 2003. "Normally I'm not a big fan of musical revues, but this is more than a revue," Rachelle says. "It follows the journey of Johnny Cash's life and career. He was more than a musician. He was a poet. His music and lyrics have the feel of poetry. He truly was an artist." She says Cash's music always tells a story and addresses human emotions and passions, rights of passage, loss, needs and desires. "His music is so very human. It always has a message," Rachelle says. "Even if it's a sad song, it expresses hope for the human race." Multi-talented performer Greenfield will channel the emotion of Cash's music while also capturing the spirit of his wife and musical partner, June Carter Cash. " 'Ring of Fire' is a story, but it's also a concert at the same time," Greenfield says, who plays guitar, banjo, mandolin and autoharp. "We're trying to embody the spirit of Johnny Cash and encompass not only his life, but why he wrote what he wrote and what it meant to him. Everyone can relate to him. He was such a genuine person." Like Cash, Greenfield grew up in a musical family with diverse sources of inspiration. She says his songs are rooted in the American experience and its history. "Bluegrass and country come from a folk tradition. Folk songs are passed down orally. They usually have simple chord patterns, and the melodies are singable for everyone," Greenfield says. "His words are about things people can relate to — work, spirituality and feeling love, hurt and loss. These songs have their roots in people. It's music that has been passed down for generations." Staff reporter VIckie Aldous can be reached at 541-776-4486 or [email protected] . Follow her at www.twitter.com/VickieAldous . By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Follow @@VickieAldous MailTribune.com By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Follow @@VickieAldous Posted Feb. 8, 2016 at 9:00 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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