Don't fall into this 'Ring of Fire'

By Matt Windman | Special to amNewYork

Just like magic, "Ring of Fire" manages to turn Johnny Cash's signature country and rock songs into another mediocre jukebox musical.

If Broadway were a theme park in the Midwest, 'Ring of Fire' might have made ideal entertainment. But in reality, this well-meaning yet awkward show is unlikely to follow in the footsteps of successful jukebox musicals like 'Mamma Mia,' 'Jersey Boys,' and 'Moviní Out.'

Director Richard Maltby Jr., who also conceived the more successful Fats Waller revue 'Ain't Misbehavin,' is not necessarily at fault. In fact, by choosing not to shoestring the songs into a plot, he at least avoided committing the catastrophic errors made by far worse pop productions like 'Good Vibrations' and 'Lennon.'

However, the revue's 38 songs are too intimate, and not theatrical enough to be genuine show tunes. And more importantly, they were meant to be performed by The Man in Black himself ,in concert. Instead, we get an oversized, cheery cast that literally acts out the sagas of 'A Boy Named Sue' and 'Folsom Prison Blues' in front of computer projections.

The Johnny Cash biography film 'Walk the Line' can be easily enjoyed due to its excellent acting and screenplay. But 'Ring of Fire' is unlikely to be appreciated by those unfamiliar with Mr. Cash, and his fans will expect far better than this shallow production.

Ethel Barrymore, 243 W 47th St, 212-239-6200, $86.25-$101.25. Tue 8pm, Wed 2 & 8pm, Thu-Fri 8pm, Sat 2 & 8pm, Sun 2pm. Open run.