Go Country: A Musical On Johnny Cash

Fall into the Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash with impassioned renditions of the Man in Black’s most iconic songs at Kent State University’s Porthouse Theatre July 7-23. This Broadway adaptation provides a sonic snapshot of Cash’s life, from growing up dirt-poor in America’s heartland to becoming a country music legend. Amy Fritsche, an assistant professor of acting and musical theater at Kent State University, portrays the only female among the cast of five, who all sing and play instruments. “My character, Trenna, represents the major women in his life through the evolution of the show,” she says. While Cash’s life story weaves the tale together, the music takes center stage with early rockabilly fare such as “Foslom Prison Blues” to his biggest hits such as “I Walk the Line.” “There’s very little dialogue,” says Terri Kent, artistic director. “The music tells the story.” 3143 O’Neil Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-672-3884, porthousetheatre.com 

More theater we love:

June 2-16
The Toxic Avenger
Cain Park, 14591 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights, cainpark.com

June 17-July 3
The Tragedy of
King Richard II
Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, various locations in Cleveland, cleveshakes.com

July 1-17
The Tempest
Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, ohioshakespeare.com