“BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE”. AN ODE FROM THEIR SON

 Johnny and June Carter Cash were married for thirty five years. Some might call it a fairy tale romance, others might consider it a marriage of convenience. Both had spouses when they met, as snippets of their lives  and of how and when it began and ended are seamlessly segued into the story.   

This new musical/ ballad about these legends is now making its world premiere on the stage of The La Jolla Playhouse at the Mandell Weiss Theatre through July 7th. With book by Robert Cary and Des McAnuff,  music by Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash and others, choreographed by Byron Easley and directed by McAnuff,  the tell all tale saga looks to be a rousing success.

John Carter Cash, the only biological child of the musical couple, in collaboration with McAnuff ‘tells it like it was behind the scenes from different points of view’ giving us, the audience, the option to see the royal  couple through a different lens. Narrating the story and playing guitar, the talented 25 year old Cash Or JC (Van Hughes) goes back to the beginnings of the Carter Family where June was a singing sensation on her own. and Cash was coming up through the ranks. Some say they first met at The Grand Ole Opry in 1958.

Patti Murin, Christopher Ryan Grant and Van Hughes

others have differing opinions. 

The story and the music  zigs and zags through the Carter’s to the Cash Family and John’s strict bible thumping family with a no good father, a brother who died in a work accident as a young man, and a would be singer. Where and when they met again is open to speculation, but let’s just say the attraction was there. from the start. June’s family  was a singing family and from the outset looked rather ‘normal’ if you will. The story takes us through the different/difficult  stages of their lives; their drug addiction, alcohol abuse, physical abuse, emotional turmoil and making music together.

Cash started his musical career at Sun Records in Memphis in 1954 where he had an impromptu jam session with Elvis (who was already a star in his own right), Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins that soon became called the ‘Million Dollar Quartet.’ Several versions of this show have been seen locally and with equally talented actors.  Christopher Ryan Grant played Cash on Broadway. (Locally, Charles Evans Jr. comes to mind.)

Original photo Elvis at piano

But in 1956 success followed him again with one of his all time favorites, “I Walk The Line”, (His signature song). “Ring of Fire” written by June and was later re -recorded by Johnny with a new twist  became another instant success. It was surrounded by all kind of speculation as to how and why the song was written. Let’s just say it's a dandy of a song. Moons later a wonderful musical of “Ring of Fire’ was produced at The Laguna Playhouse. There are no shortages of Johnny Cash impersonators and they are all worthy. The production at The Laguna Playhouses production might be considered a Jukebox musical dedicated to The Man In Black, whereas our new production is not. 

Patti Murin and Christopher Ryan Grant

For this current production Christopher Ryan Grant is exceptional as the elder Cash with a deep bass baritone voice to match his good looks. Patti Murin is a perfect choice as June; pleasant, fun good looking warm and personable. There was also strong connection between the two on stage. Maddie Shea Baldwin, Drew Wildman Foster, Bart Satto, Paula Leggett Chase and Correy West play multiple roles, family and sort of round out some missing pieces as well as play multiple instruments.  So much talent on one stage, so much toe tappin’ hand clapping and foot rocking, rockabilly  brought the audience together having a blast. 

Cash made a pair of recordings, one from Folsom Prison( “Folsom Prison Blues”)  and the other from San Quentin that went gold. He was never an inmate, so they say, but spent the night on seven occasions for minor disruptions. He described himself as ‘The Man In Black” having a soft spot for the underdog. 

Scene showing the couple performing together.

With live orchestra on stage (musicians everywhere) the orchestra is conducted by keyboard/ music director Lisa LeMay. Musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Ron Melrose, Robert Brill (who was in the house on opening night) designed the set with an open and airy feeling like the inside of a train in the background, makeshift homes and the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Costume design by Sarafina Bush, lighting by Amanda Zieve, wigs by Alberto “Albee” Alvarado, projections by Sean  Nieuwenhuis.

Patti Murin and Christopher Ryan Grant

As an aside: The connection with the Playhouse and McAnuff goes way back to when Mc Anuff directed Roger Miller’s “Big River” (one of my all-time favorites). Cash saw it on Broadway and became an instant admirer of both Miller  and Des. So, it made sense that the younger Cash would migrate to La Jolla and work together with McAnuff and push for on his take of the backstage story of his parents. 

I did happen see Johnny Cash live when he was honored at Kennedy Center Honors Awards in 1956 where his daughter Rosanne Cash paid tribute to him and sang “I’ll Walk The Line”, and  I believe when he performed live from Folsom Prison in 1968 and he sang “The Folsom Prison Blues”.   

My Dad was a country /western fan as well as loving opera. Go figure! So, I just tagged along and developed a love for both. 

From The Playhouse, The Ballad Of Johnny and June” will move to Edmonton, Canada which is co-producing the show in November. 

We wish them well. 

Story well told, familiar music that I could understand, a look back in fond memory of one of the nation’s legends and an evening well spent. 

Enjoy. 

See you at the theatre. 

When: June 9 and runs through July 7. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays

Where: Mandell Weiss Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla

Tickets: $25-$119

Phone: (858) 550-1010

Photo: Rich Soublet II)