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Ring of Fire Reviews
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A corny waste of money Review by: musiclover, May 27, 2008 |
| We are season ticket holders. We attend many theatrical productions and usually are happy about our purchase. I even make a five hour drive to attend the shows! I can't give a review of the entire show because we left before the first act had even finished. My daughter and I had been looking forward to the show since we first heard it was coming. What a CORNY wannabe! We are from a family of musicians and music lovers. We thrive on ... read more live and local music. We are especially fond of Blues, Rock, Texas Country, and Mainstream Country. Johnny Cash has always been a favorite! This production seemed very fake. Go see a Johnny Cash cover band, something you'd normally pay a five dollar cover for...you'll have a much better time for a fraction of the cost! Before the third song was finished, my daughter whispered to me, "I don't know if I can take anymore of this." It's tiring. If that's what your idea is of Country Music, you might enjoy this. If you enjoy and actually KNOW the real thing, save yourself a trip. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 2 |
Smelling Salts Anyone? Review by: Dan, Jan 21, 2008 |
I'm sorry, I can't tell you how it ended as my wife and I left at intermission. During 80 percent of the first Act I was trying to figure out which actor was playing Johnny Cash amongst the Hee-Haw ho down. It wasn't until about the second last scene of ACT 1 that Cash and Carter met.....Please....smelling salts anyone?
If you enjoyed the movie "Walk the Line" as we did then watch it again instead. I would say the acting and singing ... read more were fine but they had nothing to work with. I couldn't imagine this getting much better in the second half so we left...went out to comb my hair with a cheese grater, chew on tin foil, and watch some paint dry! |
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| 3 |
Not great, not bad. Review by: DoctorjJoeE, Jul 9, 2006 |
The range of reviews of this show is interesting -- "best show ever" all the way to "worst show ever." Fascinating that the same show can be seen so differently by different audience members.
I'd have to say it's neither the best nor the worst, but closer to the latter. Certainly, the musicianship is exemplary. (When you're charging 100 bucks a ticket, that's a bare minimum requirement.) And yes, there is a story -- after a fashion. ... read more But overall, it left me cold. As with most staged musical retrospectives, it's an awkward attempt to string together an artist's life's work as a reflection of his life's triumphs and trials. Sometimes this works, but not here.
Another reviewer suggested audience members would do well to read about Johnny Cash's life before coming. Excuse me? This isn't a college course, it's supposed to be entertainment! If I can't pay $100 and be entertained without doing homework first, it's not entertainment.
In general, it's good music, well-performed, but I could have lived without the hokey stuff ("Look at them beans!"), and I think one would be just as entertained, for one fifth the money, simply listening to the show's CD. Better yet, buy a Cash album or two and listen to the real deal. |
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| 4 |
The Best nonmusical musical Review by: , Apr 26, 2006 |
| Excellent music and great performances. I recommend it highly |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 5 |
Review by: BERT & BELLA, Apr 21, 2006 |
LAST WEEK WENT TO SEE RING OF FIRE WITH ADULT FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT FANS OF COUNTRY MUSIC. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE FANS BUT ALL OTHERS WERE CONVERTED BECAUSE OF THE VERY TALENTED ACTORS, MUSIC AND UNIQUE PRODUCTION. WHAT AN ENJOYABLE ENVENING. HOPE IT RUNS FOR A LONG TIME. WE EXPECT TO SEE IT AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER. IT'S SUCH A PLEASURE TO SPEND TIME FEELING GOOD ABOUT MUSIC AND TALENT!!
DONT HESITATE TO TAKE THE ENTIRE ... read more FAMILY AND WITNESS TRUE MUSICAL TALENT.
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| 6 |
Waste of Time Review by: Tim, Apr 15, 2006 |
I'm a big Cash fan, and I went to see this play with my girlfriend because she got the tickets for free. The selection of songs they chose was strange, the acting was mediocre, and it even I was starting to wish everyone song would be the last.
I dont think any of the singers were bad, but none of them had the Cash feel... For the most part, his songs were butchered and almost unrecognizeable. In fact, the only two songs I thought ... read more were done well were "I've been everywhere," which featured the whole company, and "Delia's Gone" which was sung by David M. Lutken, who wasn't even one of the "Cash's" and rather a member of the band.
I really did not enjoy it, and even though the tickets were free I still walked away feeling like I'd wasted two hours of my life. I really wouldn't recommend this play. |
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| 7 |
Review by: Kim, Apr 5, 2006 |
If you like Johnny Cash music, you must see this! The actors/actresses were great with superb voices! They were able to tackle Cash's songs in their individual ways without trying to "imitate" him.
I'm not sure that a "typical New York native" would be able to relate to the "down home country" aspect but with an open mind, it can still be enjoyable.
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family, Seniors, Tourists
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| 8 |
Review by: Lynn, Apr 3, 2006 |
| Highly talented, spirited cast. The seamless flow of music throughout leaves one to feel the spirit of Cash's music and life in their own way---much like a modern painting. We loved it---did not miss the absence of a predictable story line at all. It is infectious--no wonder there is a sudden burst of emotion and standing ovation at the end. It creeps up on you! |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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| 9 |
Review by: Scott H., Apr 2, 2006 |
| Jeb Brown is a true star. He brings substantial grit to all his numbers, including "Sunday Morning Coming Down" and "Man In Black". |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 10 |
Review by: josie, Mar 27, 2006 |
| I can only echo the negative reviews. We see an average of one to two shows a month (Broadway and Off-Broadway). This completely missed its marked. Good voices from the case cannot save this one. |
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| 11 |
Review by: Ralph, Mar 18, 2006 |
| A complete waste of time and an insult to Johnny Cash, as well as to all people who love country music. There was no talent, no story, nothing to engage the heart or mind. The intention here is to put on a cheap show as a rip-off to the recent passing of a great star. We attend Broadway shows about 20 times a year. This one was near the bottom. Please ignore the discount offers and just stay away. |
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| 12 |
Review by: sal, Mar 16, 2006 |
| richard maltby wrote some beautiful songs and the cast did it justice bettery than some shows i have seen like scarlet pimpernel and chitty chitty bang bang and beast which i walked out of thanks mr maltby we love you do more great songs sal |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family
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| 13 |
Review by: Shari Cerit, Mar 16, 2006 |
| Was very happy when it was over. You'd be much better off just playing a Johnny Cash CD or go to a country music show. This was like going to an amusment park and watching their parade. Plenty of boring music with no story. |
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My recommendation:
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| 14 |
Review by: , Mar 14, 2006 |
| I saw Ring of Fire on opening night, and I loved it. The idea that Johnny Cash was just a drug addicted, bad boy is held only by those who have no idea who Johnny Cash was!!! It wasn't the movie, and I was glad. The movie was great, but this show seemed to depict a Johnny Cash that was known to those who knew Johnny Cash. It was about the songs and the stories they told. The cast is incredibly talented, and I thought they were moving great.... read more. I loved the dancing, the singing, and the music. Don't listen to Mr. Brantley. From what I saw, he must have had that review in his back pocket. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 15 |
Review by: Jeannie, Mar 13, 2006 |
Since all of the world is a critic, I would like to provide my own perspective of Richard Maltby’s “Ring of Fire” as a contrast to Ben Brantley’s jaded, cynical review from Monday, March 13th. As I am not a Johnny Cash fan, I was skeptical about attending the opening night and privately wondered whether or not I would like the music. I came away converted.
Richard Maltby’s joyful romp captures the essence of an era and portrays a refreshing, ... read more exuberant vision of the heartland of America. From the opening moment of the show, you are immediately drawn into the warmth, poignancy, and spirit of Johnny Cash’s homespun, often gritty, and inspiring music. Rather than creating a contrived book to accompany Johnny Cash’s songs, Richard Maltby’s revue celebrates and revels in the music itself. “Ring of Fire’s” train ride takes us on a radiant musical journey that connects us to a way of life and explores the full range of human emotions and common experience.
Versus Ben Brantley’s patronizing observation that the cast was comprised of “a team of clean-cut, anonymously personable singers ….”, I found that the three leading couples representing both the different stages of Johnny Cash’s personal life as well as the universal stages of life and relationships, bring freshness, charm, and energy to their roles. Their distinctive personalities, admirable vocalism (they are completely comfortable and at home with the genre), and sense of style create memorable characters that Richard Maltby has drawn with depth and appeal. Each couple has its own synergy, chemistry, and joie de vivre. Ultimately, the relationships portrayed give us insight into the depth of feeling and enduring passion that Johnny Cash had for his wife, June Carter.
Further, Brantley does a serious injustice to the “ sprightly ensemble of musicians who sing and act when called upon.” Clearly, Mr. Brantley is not a musician himself. He virtually ignored and underestimated the enormous talent and versatility of everyone on stage. Instead of using the musicians as accompaniment, or a back-up band, Mr. Maltby’s fresh concept fully incorporates them into the life of the show. They become flesh and blood characters that form the fabric of a community with music as its heart and driving force. As a music director, musician, and singer myself, I am tremendously impressed with the musician’s and singer’s virtuosic performances, and I am fully appreciative of the flexibility required to participate fully in the onstage life of a show.
Maltby uses all of his singers and actors to full advantage. There are numerous clever, delightful musical moments that add vitality and color to the music. From the use of rhythmic chains and metal chair drum solo (reminiscent of “Stomp”) in the prison sequence to the carousel of revolving musical instruments, the music is vivid and delectable. From the mean hand slapping bass to a guitarist who has a tenor that doesn’t quit, to a banjo pickin’, harp player with a deep bass voice, a sizzling piano player who sends up smoke from the keys, and a riveting flying fiddler, these musicians have got it all, and they deliver the goods. And, in the feel good opening of the second act, Maltby has each and every member of the troupe fully invested in the breathless, hand clappin’, foot tappin’, tour de force (I won’t divulge the surprise – but it’s worth the price of admission).
Further, Maltby’s imaginative vocal arrangements, brought alive by the creative harmony of the singers and musicians, bring out the flavor of the Johnny Cash’s music. From stomping gospel to plaintive ballads, the singers’ magnetic vocalism pays tribute to Cash’s lyrical style.
Also underestimated by Mr. Brantley, Michael Clark’s atmospheric, evocative photographic images are magical and give us a sense of time and place. And Lisa Shriver’s effervescent choreography (that Mr. Brantley mocks) is sparkling, lively, and rejuvenating.
Brantley re |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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