Cabrillo Music Theatre Presents RING OF FIRE, Opens 2/3

A multi-talented cast and onstage band bring to life the famous songs of "The Man In Black" when Cabrillo Music Theatre's production of RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF Johnny Cash makes its Thousand Oaks premiere at the Civic Arts Plaza. Directed by and starring original Broadway star Jason Edwards, RING OF FIRE opens on Friday, February 3rd, 2012, and plays until Sunday, February 12th, at the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks. Louis B. Robin, Cash's longtime friend and estate manager, is lending his time and rich history to Cabrillo's production.

RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF Johnny Cash uses the music of the man to bring to life the joys and sorrows of this music legend. Says Jason Edwards, the show's director and star, "RING OF FIRE is the only theatrical show Mr. Cash ever gave his approval for and endorsed. The show's concept was never to have someone impersonate Mr. Cash, but to get underneath his image and present what he was trying to say in his lyrics. And to select performers who in some way might convey the essence of his southern style and roots."

Cabrillo Music Theatre's production of RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF Johnny Cash boasts a cast of ten performers and musicians, all nationally recognized for their work. Joining Edwards onstage is Kelli Provart, longtime Southern California theatre mainstay and recent Ovation Award nominee; Broadway veteran Troy Burgess; and recording artist Trenna Barnes. They join a gathering of musicians with generations of experience in the theatre, concert, and recording worlds. Together they weave a musical portrait of Johnny Cash, culminating in a concert that will both move and exhilarate.

In addition to Jason Edwards, the staff of RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF Johnny Cash includes Jeff Lisenby as Musical Director, with choreography by Jane Lanier. Cabrillo Music Theatre is also pleased to announce that Louis B. Robin, Cash's longtime friend and estate manager, is playing a role in the project, providing invaluable insight and anecdotes about the Man in Black.

Continuing Cabrillo's OUTREACH program launched this season, RING OF FIRE will feature a signed performance for the deaf and hard-of-hearing on Friday, February 10th.

RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF Johnny Cash performs February 3rd through the 12th, 2012, at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Although the highs and lows of Cash's life are explored through song, RING OF FIRE is suitable for all audiences, and promises to be a foot-stompin', crowd-pleasin' good time.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

Jason Edwards (Director/Actor) starred On Broadway in Ring of Fire, The Music of Johnny Cash at the Barrymore Theatre, and is featured on the original cast recording. Subsequently, he has directed Ring of Fire at the La Mirada Theatre (SoCal premiere), FCLO Music Theatre, The California Center for the Arts, and most recently for Arkansas Repertory Theatre. His directorial credits across the United States include Actors' Theatre of Louisville, Chicago's Marriott Theatre, Virginia Stage Company, Maine State Music Theatre, Clarence Brown Theatre, Jupiter Theatre, among others. Off-Broadway he was in the original cast of Johnny Guitar (Century Center), Of Mice and Men (Mint Theatre), Honky Tonk Angel (Lambs Theatre). National Tours include Pump Boys and Dinettes (Director), Man of La Mancha (with John Raitt), The Will Rogers Follies (understudy for Larry Gatlin in the title role). Regionally he has played leading roles at Denver Center Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse, Actors' Theatre of Louisville, Buffalo Studio Arena, Arizona Theatre Company, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Barter Theatre.

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