PEOPLE PLACES THINGS: Dueling Johnny Cash shows, honoring MLK, a Goblin King Ball and more
Twenty years after his death, the Man in Black maintains a presence on the entertainment scene as reflected in two upcoming Johnny Cashthemed shows in Milwaukee.
Cash's iconic 1968 performances at California's Folsom Prison and the resulting album – which rebooted his career – inspired Folsom Prison Experience at the Pabst Theater, starring Jay Ernest, frontman of tribute band Church of Cash.
Show attendees are encouraged to wear prison garb. “The audience is now inmates at Folsom Prison,” says Ernest. “We have guards at the door who walk up and down the aisle to keep the peace.” A set resembling Folsom's granite walls, eight musicians and four actors recreate the event. “It's about 70% music, 30% drama,” says Minnesota-based Ernest, who wrote the show with Tom Pickard. The plot features Cash's wife, June Carter Cash, played by singer Kat Perkins, who some know from “The Voice” season 6.
Ernest discovered Cash as a child. “As far back as I can remember, my dad was playing [Cash's] eight-tracks and tapes in trucks,” he says.
Once freed, inmates can follow up the show one month later with Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience at the Marcus Center, produced with Cash's estate. A live band and singers will accompany video of Cash from his TV program “The Johnny Cash Show.” The Official Concert Experience delivers hits “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” along with narration from Cash's sole son, John Carter Cash.
Folsom Prison Experience is Jan. 19 at the Pabst Theater. Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience is Feb. 15 at the Marcus Center.