Overview
From Johnny Cash’s iconic songbook comes a unique musical journey through love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. Told through over two dozen of his greatest hits—including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and the title song “Ring of Fire”—performed by a multi-talented cast that paints a musical portrait of The Man in Black in a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to the musical legend.
Though he is never impersonated, the show paints an authentic musical portrait of his remarkable life, showcasing the passion, grit, and heart that defined his journey. With every note, RING OF FIRE takes audiences on an exciting ride, climaxing in a concert experience that will both move and exhilarate. This memorable tribute to Johnny Cash’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of his music.
TRW’s Small Cast Editions are specially adapted versions of beloved musicals, designed for productions with fewer performers without sacrificing the show’s impact. Perfect for schools, community theaters, and smaller ensembles, these editions maintain the heart of the original while streamlining the cast size for a more flexible and accessible performance experience.
Casting & Production
Casting
TRENNA — Female vocalist, doubling on acoustic guitar if possible
JASON — Male vocalist playing acoustic guitar
DAVE — Male vocalist playing electric guitar, banjo and fiddle
EDDIE — Male vocalist playing acoustic and electric guitar
MARK — Male vocalist playing bass (preferably double bass but electric bass can be used) and various percussion
The small cast version of RING OF FIRE, intended for five cast members who also play the instruments, provides a more intimate performance experience than the larger cast Broadway show. If any or all of your five cast members do not play instruments, you are welcome to perform the show using a separate pit band – or some musicians to cover those actors who don’t play an instrument – preferably setup on stage.
Orchestral Information
5 Musicians
Player 1 (Trenna) – Acoustic Guitar
Player 2 (Jason) – Acoustic Guitar and various percussion
Player 3 (Eddie) Electric Guitar and various percussion
Player 4 (David) Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Resonator, Fiddle, Banjo, and various percussion
Player 5 (Mark) bass (preferably double bass but electric bass can be used) and various percussion
Credits
RING OF FIRE
The Music of Johnny Cash
Created by RICHARD MALTBY, JR. Conceived by WILLIAM MEADE
Adapted from the Broadway Production by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Jason Edwards
Orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby Additional arrangements by David Abbinanti
Ring of Fire was originally produced on Broadway by William Meade, CTM Productions, Bob Cuillo, GFour Productions, and James B. Freydberg
Media
- Ring of Fire Opening
- Country Boy
- Straight A’s In Love
- While I've Got It On My Mind
- Five Feet High and Rising
- Sweet Bye And Bye
- Daddy Sang Bass
- Flesh And Blood
- The Old Rugged Cross
- Cry, Cry, Cry
- Big River
- I Still Miss Someone
- Get Rhythm
- Egg Suckin' Dog
- Angel Band
- Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart
- If I Were a Carpenter
- Ring of Fire
- Jackson
- I've Been Everywhere
- Sunday Morning Coming Down
- All Over Again
- Going to Memphis
- Delia's Gone
- Folsom Prison Blues
- Man in Black
- I Walk the Line
- Waiting on the Far Side Banks of Jordan
- Why Me, Lord?
- Hey Porter
- A Boy Named Sue
Authors
Upcoming Productions
Georgia Ensemble Theatre
Sandy Springs, GA
Greater Ocean City Theatre Company
Ocean City, NJ
Merrimack Repertory Theatre
Lowell, MA
Resources
