The 2017 Greenwood Little Theatre hit jukebox musical “Ring of Fire” will light up the stage once again — this time in Indianola.
With the same directors, GLT veterans Ted MacIntosh and Cathy Roberts and musical direction by Alan Jones, the show will be performed at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Mid-Delta Arts Association’s Brindley Theater.
“Ring of Fire” is an all musical stage presentation about Johnny Cash. The show is a tribute to the singer, who broke barriers and left a legacy with roots in folk, gospel, rock ’n’ roll and country music.
The Mid-Delta Arts Association’s first show of the season was impromptu after the show slated to open the 2019-20 year had to be canceled.
“In mid-July, I got a phone call from Alan Jones,” said Roberts. “We hadn't spoken in a long time; life happens. He went straight to the point: Would Ted and I be interested in staging ‘Ring of Fire’ at Mid-Delta Arts Association in Indianola?”
Roberts said she was thrilled at the opportunity to revive “Ring of Fire,” especially after its success at the Little Theatre.
“When we staged ‘Ring’ in Greenwood almost three years ago, it was a fabulous experience,” she said. “So much talent on the stage. Full house for all performances that begged for more.”
At first, Roberts thought perhaps Jones was talking about presenting “Ring of Fire” for Mid-Delta Arts Association’s next season.
Roberts said, however, that Jones replied, “No, MDAA wants us to help them out by filling their first slot up in early October.”
After talking with MacIntosh and other cast members from the GLT show, they all decided to make room in their busy schedules for “Ring of Fire.”
“It took some creative juggling by a group of determined, somewhat crazy theater people,” said Roberts.
Roberts and the rest of the “Ring of Fire” cast and crew are excited to present the show in Indianola this week.
“The cast is different, but the same,” said Roberts. “The songs are the same, but different.”
The cast and crew of 16 will feature 11 Greenwood Little Theatre members, including its president, Nichole Henry, who just wrapped up directing “M*A*S*H” at GLT.
A couple of “M*A*S*H” cast members will also be in the “Ring” production, including Taylor Buchanan and J.T. Hurst.
“We invite our Greenwood friends to drive over and see ‘Ring of Fire,’” said Buchanan. “There is no doubt that we will rock the house.”
“Ring of Fire” will include a full stage band and a cast of vocalists. More than 25 classics from the “man in black” will be on the program, including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and the title tune — “Ring of Fire.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 662-887-4522. Tickets can also be picked up at The Crown in Indianola or reserved online at www.mid-deltaarts.org.
