Musician Kasper, wearing a jeans jacket, black pants and wide-brimmed black hat holds a violin and appears to be laughing. Kasper is among the stars of Ensemble Theatre Company’s production of ‘RING OF FIRE: The Music of Johnny Cash.’
Musician Kasper is among the stars of Ensemble Theatre Company’s production of ‘RING OF FIRE: The Music of Johnny Cash,’ which opens Saturday, Dec. 2 at the New Vic Theatre in Santa Barbara. Credit: Courtesy photo

Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) presents “RING OF FIRE, The Music of Johnny Cash” as its second show of the 2023-24 season.

“RING OF FIRE,” created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade, with musical direction and directed by Randy Redd, brings audiences the songs of one of the most influential song writers of all time.

Showtimes are: preview at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30; opening night, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Performances runs through Sunday, Dec. 17 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara.
 
With more than 30 classic hits, including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and the title tune, performed by a multi-talented cast, the show paints a musical portrait of The Man in Black.
 
“’RING OF FIRE’ is an extraordinary musical tribute to an American icon, Johnny Cash, which fits perfectly in this season’s theme of ‘truths,’” said Scott DeVine, ETC’s executive director. “Some may be surprised to learn that Johnny lived in Casitas Springs in the early 1960s, when his iconic certified Gold album, ‘I Walk the Line,’ was released.

“Sixty years later, our rendition of the hit Broadway show – with an original ‘RING OF FIRE’ cast member, Randy Redd, directing and bringing this production to life on the New Vic stage – is sure to be an incredible treat.”

Born the son of Arkansas cotton farmers, Cash broke into the entertainment industry as a singer-songwriter in the 1950s after servicing in the United States Air Force. Most of his music is considered soulful and reflective with themes described as being filled with “sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption.” 

“Johnny Cash was hands down one of the most influential voices in country music – he gave us an encyclopedia of American song,” Redd said. “I know those are big words, but it is true. These songs have as much meaning and power today as they did when he first wrote them – maybe more.

“His music is timeless and universal and reveals what it means to be alive in this world. I am so proud to have been a part of the original Broadway cast, and I am excited to bring ‘RING OF FIRE’ to the stage at ETC in Santa Barbara.”
 
The “RING OF FIRE” cast features Glenn Stanton; Valerie Larsen, Sam Linkowski, Kasper and LJ Benet.

Scenic design is by Amanda Rehbein; lighting design by Greg Mitchell; sound design by Danny Fiandaca; costume design by Sean Tribble; and properties design by Jenna Scordino. Casting is by Michael Donovan Casting, CSA. Ward LeHardy is the dramaturg.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays; with added performances at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5; 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13. There will be no performance at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10.

Ticket prices range from $40-$86. Patrons ages 35 and under are always $35. Student tickets are $25. Single tickets are available through the ETC box office, 805-965-5400, or online at etcsb.org. Prices subject to change.