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★★★★★
Country music legends Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash are the subject of new musical The Ballad of Johnny and June which is written by Des McAnuff and Robert Cary and currently touring theatres. As a longtime fan of country music and the biopic Walk the Line, which stars Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon as the couple, I was thrilled that a musical about the iconic performers’ lives would be coming to the UK. Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending the press night for the show at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. It’s fair to say that from the minute that the show started, I immediately realised that we were in for a totally unique new musical theatre experience, starting with the incredible sounds and rhythms that made the artists so popular.
About the show
The Ballad of Johnny and June follows Cash (Christopher Ryan Grant) and Carter’s (Christina Bianco) love story through the eyes of their son John Carter Cash (Ryan O’Donnell). Refreshingly the musical’s book focuses on both of the musicians equally, highlighting how their early beginnings in Arkansas and Virginia respectfully impacted their family lives, careers and personal trajectories. They don’t have a smooth road to each other, what with addiction and the pair initially being married to other people, but as their son shares with the audience, they eventually find one another and spend the remaining 35 years of their lives together.
It is extremely clever to have the character of John Carter Cash narrate the piece, breaking the fourth wall on many occasions to share insights into their relationship journey and the pair’s documented struggles. It brings such a personal touch to the material, providing audiences with what feels like a deeply transparent reflection on their relationship and music careers. There is also a band on stage for the entire performance, who alongside the actor-musician company bring the pair’s timeless discography to life and retain a toe-tapping musical heartbeat throughout. Complete with an era-appropriate wooden set by designer Robert Brill, this production also stays true to its Southern United States setting throughout and the many locations of the pair’s story.
Outstanding cast performances
Christopher Ryan Grant and Christina Bianco have such a magnetic connection as Cash and Carter, and they are supported by an unbelievably talented company. Their voices are remarkably reminiscent of the musical icons they are portraying, recreating the pair’s renowned sound in both their individual solo numbers and duets. Outside of Cash, Carter and their son, the remaining company members take on multiple roles each and it is commendable how they switch between these characters with very little costume change. This is one of the many elements that makes the whole production feel so fluid, leading to effortless continuity in the storytelling.
An actor-musician masterpiece
Easily one of my favourite musicals of the year so far, this show will appeal to both fans of country music and actor-musician-led pieces. As a theatre reviewer, I have always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with jukebox musicals, specifically biographical ones, but this production completely changed my mind. It stays totally true to its country roots, telling Cash and Carter’s stories with plenty of heart and reflection. Fans of Walk the Line will absolutely love this production. You can catch the show at the Marlowe until Saturday 5th September, with last minute tickets available via the theatre’s website.
*My ticket for The Ballad of Johnny and June was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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