Christopher Ryan Grant and Christina Bianco in The Ballad of Johnny & June (credit Pamela Raith)
The Ballad of Johnny & June. Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.
The title sounds like a country song doesn’t it? Well… the “Johnny & June” of the title are of course Johnny Cash and June Carter. Two huge stars of country music history. Johnny Cash is one of the biggest selling music artists ever. June Carter was a multiple grammy award winner. Their story was immortalised in the film “Walk The Line” starring Joaquin Pheonix and Reese Witherspoon. Now their story is a stage show touring the UK.
The piece begins when the pair meet backstage at The Grand Ole Opry. When they did meet they were both married but we of course know where fate led. We are then taken back to Johnny’s childhood and given a whistle stop tour of his life. We also get a brief history of June’s life but in less detail (we return to the backstage meeting later on). The whole piece is narrated by John Junior (their son – played by Ryan O’Donnell). Johnny as a child is invisible so you have to use your imagination. There is also a lot of information being thrown at you so you really have to concentrate, and it can also be a little narrative – almost as if you’re watching a biography channel. However, it’s delivered with heart, And then of course there’s the music.
The music is just fantastic. It’s wonderful to hear songs like Jackson, I Walk The Line, Folsom Prison Blues, and Ring of Fire (the crowd favourite) live. They sound sensational. A mention must go to the live band who are excellent.
Christopher Ryan Grant plays Johnny and from the moment he walks on and says “hello, I’m Johnny Cash” he really is. He fully embodies the legend and his deep husky voice is spot on. You can easily believe you’re watching Cash himself. June is played by the wonderful Christina Bianco, who is charming, quirky, and a joy to watch. Bianco is a wonderful talent.
The ensemble cast are also excellent. They all play multi roles as well as playing instruments. An extremely talented cast.
The set (designed by Robert Brill) is very effective. Wooden planks intertwined with hung chairs and bed frames create a space that is reminiscent of a country barn but also transports you to the stage of The Grand Ole Opry.
A hugely enjoyable line to walk.
4 stars. A must for country music fans.
