BWW Review: North Carolina Theatre’s RING OF FIRE

Ring of Fireplace is a musical introduced as a live performance by a bunch of 5 performers taking part in the songs of legendary nation music artist Johnny Money. The present, which was conceived by William Meade and created by Richard Maltby, Jr., opened on March twelfth, 2006 on the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway. Sadly, it solely ran for 57 performances after closing on April thirtieth of that yr. This manufacturing introduced by North Carolina Theatre occurs to be directed by Randy Redd, who was a member of the unique Broadway solid.

Once I reviewed Raleigh Little Theatre’s manufacturing of Beehive: The 60s Musical again in August of final yr, I discussed that the one sort of musical that makes use of a pre-existing track catalogue that I do not suppose will get sufficient credit score is a revue. Ring of Fireplace is just about that as most of it consists of the solid performing their very own renditions of those traditional songs. Though all through the present, every performer takes turns narrating the backstory behind Johnny Money. A few of them act as if they’re “The Man in Black” himself, whereas others act as in the event that they’re the individuals he got here throughout in his lifetime. It is an fascinating idea given fairly a vigorous execution.

The entire present is staged on a primary unit set. Though the again wall does open up at one level through the first act (which is fairly cool to see). The lighting designed by CJ Barnwell could be very evocative of the temper and setting. Everybody up on stage works so effectively as a workforce. Carrie Lyn Brandon, Austin Hohnke, Jenna Moll Reyes, Rodolfo Soto, and Miguel Ragel Wilson all convey such wealthy vocals that do the songs justice. Not solely that, however in addition they play their very own devices very effectively. The general displays of those tunes are fairly rowdy

Within the director’s observe within the playbill for this manufacturing, Randy Redd stated that he felt the present was overshadowed by the 2005 Johnny Money biographical movie, Stroll the Line, when Ring of Fireplace initially debuted on Broadway. Whereas I agree with that, I feel it was additionally overshadowed by one other catalogue musical, Jersey Boys, which debuted throughout that very same theater season and have become an infinite hit. Although nonetheless, Ring of Fireplace proves to be fairly a novel present in its personal proper. Audiences of all generations are positive to have a good time. Whether or not you are acquainted with Johnny Money or not, it is best to nonetheless be tapping your toes and clapping alongside from starting to finish.

North Carolina Theatre’s manufacturing is at the moment taking part in at A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater via Could eighth. For extra data, please go to: https://nctheatre.com/reveals/ring-fire