The Ballad of Johnny and June – New Theatre, Cardiff and National Tour

Since the emergence of the musical Jersey Boys there have been many other musicals which tell the story of an individual musical great or a group that has impacted the world of popular music. Now it’s the turn of one of the most beloved artists of country music, Johnny Cash. Those who’ve seen the 2005 film Walk the Line will know how inextricably linked June Carter is to Cash’s story, in fact their relationship is often sold as country music’s greatest love story. This is the starting point for The Ballad of Johnny and June, their story is narrated by their only child, John Carter Cash who tells their story from the inside, warts and all, looking for meaning in the experience of his parent’s relationship.

The major card up this show’s sleeve is the music, which is used to great effect, and all the hits are there including “Ring of Fire”, “Walk the Line” and even “A Boy Named Sue”. What the show does really well though is to highlight the roots of country music and the importance of the Carter Family within that tradition, making June’s contribution to it clear rather than relegating her to wife and partner of Johnny Cash. It also shows respect between the two talented musicians for each other’s talent as well as their mutual attraction.

It is a great story and both Johnny and June had colourful lives with plenty of challenges to overcome and their story is well structured by Des McAnuff and Robert Cary. Des Mcnuff’s direction is slick and full of the rhythm of country. The set by Robert Brill works incredibly well and is set out like a backstage area which easily switches from country venues like the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry to a television studio and even Folsom Prison. There is also brilliant use made of projections by Sean Nieuwenhuis which add even more context and atmosphere to it. There is a superb onstage band but this is supplemented by the ensemble and leading actors who also play instruments, which lifts all the songs even higher.

The ensemble of six, named Man and Woman 1-3 are the heartbeat of the show providing the most gorgeous harmonies as well as brilliantly playing various different characters within the story. It’s hard to single anyone out but if I have to it would be Christopher Short who plays Johnny’s brother Jack. His rendition of the song Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down was beautifully spinechilling in the best way.

The musical rises and falls on it’s central performances and they do not disappoint. Ryan O Donnell is the perfect guide as John Carter Cash giving us the sense of connection between him and his parents as well as a sense of legacy. Christopher Ryan Grant is superb as Johnny Cash capturing his mannerisms perfectly but also delivering all those iconic songs with a gorgeous rich and deeply warm yet acerbic voice, you can tell that he understands those songs and the life from which they came. Christina Bianco as June Carter Cash is a tour de force, she’s like a pocket rocket full of energy which is continuously bubbling over, fully displaying June’s strength but also her vulnerability perfectly. Her performance of the Carter Family classic Wildwood Flower was the standout moment of the show for me and showcased her stunning voice for all to see and hear!

This is a great addition to the jukebox musical genre and is a story worth telling. The wonderful music is reason alone to see this and, even if you know nothing about country music or Johnny Cash and June Carter, this is a ballad you really need to hear.

*****     Five Stars