Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

Daily Herald - Recommended

"...Nevertheless, the show is an audience pleaser, especially when the performers interact with the audience. The women's number, "Flushed From the Bathroom," provides some laughs at the expense of some folks in the audience who are picked out by the ladies. The expected hits -- "Ring of Fire," "Sunday Morning Coming Down," "A Boy Named Sue," "Jackson," "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Walk the Line" -- are all delivered with aplomb. Especially moving are the early gospel numbers such as "Sweet Bye and Bye" and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." The ensemble's voices blend beautifully in harmonious rapture."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Neither a full-fledged concert nor a musical biography, the show is a lame hybrid the momentum of which is slowed by short bits of biographical info that never quite add up to compelling story. The current production, directed by Joe Keefe, is packed with young actors who get the accents right but can't find the fire in these iconic tunes, all the more a shame when the band, led by David Welker, nails it."

Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Somewhat Recommended

"...Unfortunately, the vocals are the weakest element of the show, and the attempt to "sound country" is disingenuous. In general, these actors are too young or inexperienced for the depth of this music and many of their otherwise decent voices are not cast appropriately for the range or style of the music. Most of the songs are far too low for any of the men and women. The exception is Greenberg, who has a decent Carter-esque bluegrass vocal style and accent most of the time."