Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Alas, in this show, it never feels like anything really is at stake, always a danger with this particular piece. If you're a fan of the Cash repertoire (many of the songs were written by others), you'll surely enjoy the likes of "Walk the Line," and "Why Me, Lord," and appreciate the vocal strengths of this cast, all of whom are likable. The turning visuals from set designer Angela Weber Miller look cool, too, especially Anthony Churchill's projections."
Daily Herald
- Somewhat Recommended
"...As a jukebox musical, "Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash" is second-tier. But as a tribute concert to a country music legend and rock 'n' roll pioneer, Drury Lane Theatre's revival is first-rate."
Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Why Maltby and company decided not to go whole hog and give us an evening of full-strength Johnny Cash, I don’t pretend to know. In the current Drury Lane revival (directed by Scott Weinstein), Ron E. Rains does a pretty good job playing Johnny, and the band does a credible job playing an assortment of lesser-known tunes (“Dirty Old Egg Sucking Dog” and “Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart”) and bona fide hits (“Man in Black,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and the titular song). But the show lacks, well, fire."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Overall, Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash, created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade, was a delightful night listening to and revisiting the days of hearing Cash's songs. I was looking for more narrative about his life and the legacy of Cash, which would have resonated more with the audience; however, they chose the path of featuring Cash's songs with minimal dialogue. I wanted to see why this play was more music and conversation - and I discovered that the original production, which provided more narrative, wasn't as successful."
Around The Town Chicago
- Recommended
"...If you love Country/Western music, and in particular, the works of Johnny Cash, Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook has "just what the doctor ordered". "Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash", created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade. I guess this production, directed by Scott Weinstein is more a "review" than an actual play with music. What you will have is a two-hour, two-act production that tells us the story of Johnny Cash."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Recommended
"...Conceived by William Meade, this jukebox musical revue is the creation of Broadway's Richard Maltby, Jr. It's a fragmented autobiography of the life of the Man in Black. The charm of the show is that it's told almost entirely through the songs made famous Johnny Cash. Often presented in a smaller venue, Angela Weber Miller's large, versatile scenic design manages to fill the Drury Lane stage and bring a surprising intimacy to this production. Brilliantly costumed by Izumi Inaba, with ever-changing hair and wig designs by Megan Pirtle, this is an entertaining two hours of songs that include such hits as "Jackson," "I've Been Everywhere," "Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart," "Daddy Sang Bass," "In the Sweet Bye and Bye," "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line" and, of course, "A Boy Named Sue.""
Buzz Center Stage
- Recommended
"...Fall into the blazing ring of fire that is Johnny Cash's scorching song catalogue at Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash at Drury Lane Theatre. Part biography, part music revue, and all entertainment, Ring of Fire will take you on a nostalgic, country music-filled journey through the life, times, and songs of American treasure Johnny Cash."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre
- Somewhat Recommended
"...A matinee with a band of virtuosic actor-musicians always makes for a pleasant afternoon, and Angela Weber Miller's end-of-the-line train depot makes a beaten yet handsome stage for them. (Anthony Churchill's projections make for a verdant Grant Wood-ish backdrop.) But there's the creeping sense that a show trying to mirror Cash's life (however obliquely) should just deck you when you least expect it, like a barroom brawl. Drury Lane, lovely venue that it is, ain't a barroom and that punch never comes."
Chicago On Stage
- Somewhat Recommended
"...No one is ever going to list Ring of Fire among the greatest jukebox musicals. However, it is undeniably fun to spend an evening with Cash's music. If that is enough for you-and it should be-you'll find Ring of Fire to be an entertaining evening. On the other hand, as my husband opined, "I'd rather spend my money on an anthology album.""
Life and Times
- Recommended
"...Productions of Ring of Fire have been praised for the show's energetic and uplifting performances, its heartwarming story, and its faithful renditions of Cash's music. The show has been produced all over the world and has been seen by millions of people, and the production on stage at Drury Lane shows why audiences respond so passionately. On the night of review, the audience was immediately on their feet at the end of the performance to applaud the cast during the show's finale - the ultimate sign of respect."
Splash Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...Ring of Fire is a jukebox musical revue celebrating Johnny Cash's iconic music. It is a country love fest loosely based on themes from June Carter and Johnny Cash's life. You do not have to love Country Music or even be a fan of Johnny Cash to thoroughly enjoy this foot stompin', loud clappin', crowd pleasin' hootenanny musical good time."
