Review: The Ballad of Johnny & June - The Johnny Cash Musical (Richmond Theatre / UK & Ireland Tour)

Review by Daz Gale

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When you think of a classic love story in country music, they don't get more iconic than Johnny Cash and June Carter, two titans of the industry who cemented their legacies both individually through their own achievements and collectively through their famous love story. That romance has remained long after their deaths, with references in pop culture making the names “Johnny and June” transcend generations and genres to remain instantly recognisable, so when a show is titled The Ballad of Johnny & June, you know exactly who it is referring to. It’s gone everywhere as part of its UK & Ireland tour and this week it’s in London for a stint at Richmond Theatre, but would this new musical be able to walk the line of greatness?

Making its UK premiere following sell-out seasons in California and Canada, The Ballad of Johnny & June is a new jukebox musical that doesn't so much focus on the life stories of Johnny Cash and June Carter, but more the love story that tied them together, with mere glimpses of their own lives before their worlds collided. Told through the eyes of their son, John Carter Cash, the show charts the highs and lows of the pair, the bond that tied them together and the legacy they left behind. Interestingly, the accuracy of the story is questioned throughout with Johnny and June showing differing perspectives of the same events, and the admission that some aspects have been neatened up for the narrative.

Co-created by the real John Carter Cash, The Ballad of Johnny & June is inspired by his memories of his late parents, Robert Cary and Des McAnuff have written a cohesive retelling of large parts of their lives, told almost in bullet-point format. That style works to its advantage, creating a pacey show that flies through the decades. From Johnny and June's first meeting, their eventual marriage and the demons they both face, this musical covers a lot in a relatively short space of time. There is an argument that perhaps it would have been beneficial for the pace to slow down at points so the audience can really dive into the themes, particularly when it comes to them battling addictions, as we are never quite given the chance to let these themes settle and impact in the way they really should. Still, the writing still packs a lot in with moments of humour, differing aspects of their personalities and, most importantly, the love between the pair that forms the key theme of the show.

McAnuff also directs, bringing a sense of flair and authenticity to his storytelling, retaining a rugged edge and refusing to gloss over anything in a production that does its job fairly solidly and inoffensively. One aspect of the storytelling I wasn’t too enamoured by was the choice to have John Carter Cash (Ryan O’Donnell) act as all of the children characters, providing their voices from a corner of the stage while the child’s parent addresses an empty space, save for a fishing rod or microphone there to represent them. It may feel pedantic, but it risked feeling humorous and perhaps would have been more effective had the actor been in the scene with them, rather than witnessing them talking to thin air.

There is always a risk of shoehorning in songs to any jukebox musicals, and a degree where these happen more often than not. The Ballad of Johnny & June mostly avoids the traps of tenuous links tying into a song, though there are one or two examples where it still happens. Instead, classic songs associated with Johnny Cash are used primarily as part of his performances to avoid these pitfalls, with ‘Ring Of Fire’ and ‘I’ve Been Everywhere’ and ‘A Boy Named Sue’ used to great effect. ‘I Walk The Line’ carries a bit more of a narrative to it, but this comes across naturally and works for the situation.

Robert Brill’s set design is simple yet effective, with its rustic feel providing the perfect backdrop to the story with no bells or whistles required, just fantastic performances. A striking use of lighting from Amanda Zieve elevates the aesthetic at times, while a special mention has to go for Sarafina Bush’s gorgeous costume designs and Alberto ‘Albee’ Alvarado’s wigs, hair and make-up. A day after I found a big West End opening damaged by sound issues, it was easy to appreciate the crystal clear sound design on offer here from Peter Fitzgerald, with every word, note and song heard perfectly.

The Ballad of Johnny & June is a pleasant production, but it finds itself taken to the next level through its exceptional cast. Christopher Ryan Grant is an absolute wonder as Johnny Cash, capturing his essence fantastically and delivering those classic songs in such a way you may forget you’re not watching the real thing. The way Grant becomes Cash so effortlessly is astonishing, and no matter your knowledge of the real Johnny Cash or even your affection for his voice or music, you will find it hard not to be impressed by his commanding performance. Whether he is tapping into the more restrained moments of Cash’s demeanour, or the more erratic side we see fleetingly as the show progresses, Grant never fails to put a foot wrong in an accomplished portrayal that more than pays a fitting tribute to the legend he portrays.

Christina Bianco may be known to many for her impeccable impersonations of iconic singers, and more recently for her equally impressive stint in a number of musicals such as Joseph and The Wizard of Oz. Here, she gets to combine both of those worlds, taking on June Carter Cash with such an ease that demonstrates her strengths as a performer. In a rich characterisation, she demonstrates such versatility in moments that range from sweet to sassy, with sincerity and even the troubling moments that are touched upon in the show. Bianco does all of this with a real warmth in what could be a career-best turn for her. Crucially, the chemistry she exhibits with Christopher Ryan Grant isn’t just believable, it’s electric, with their pairing bouncing off the stage and lifting the material exponentially.

The show is seen through the eyes of John Carter Cash, and Ryan O’Donnell takes on that role, acting as the narrator. Inserting himself into the story in places he shouldn’t have been due to him not even being born, O’Donnell is brilliant as the bridge between the characters and audience with a knowing wink and a fourth wall break or two to really let them invest in the story. The other cast members take on a number of roles with Abigail Matthews, Celyn Cartwright, Peter Peverley, Anne-Marie Wojna, Christopher Short and Chomba S. Taulo all have moments to shine, both collectively and individually. Wojna, in particular, is a huge highlight as Johnny’s first wife, bringing an emotional quality to the story and perfectly showing that the love story of Johnny and June left casualties in its trail.

I will always be a defender of jukebox musicals for their ability to keep artists' legacies alive, long after they’ve gone. I’ve discovered artists' catalogues I was previously unaware of from going to their musicals, with one example seeing me front row at that artist's next London concert. I must admit to not knowing many Johnny Cash songs prior to seeing this show, with one of the only few I knew due to a Leona Lewis cover of all people. However, what The Ballad of Johnny & June does well is make itself accessible to all people, no matter your knowledge, familiarity or even adoration of Johnny Cash and his story. If you go in with some prior knowledge, there will surely be some nuggets you pick up on that the more casual audience member won’t, but if you go in as a complete novice as I did, you won’t enjoy the show any less for it. It may not be the most groundbreaking of musicals, but a pleasant story is elevated by its remarkable lead casting who light up the stage like a ring of fire.

The Ballad of Johnny & June is at Richmond Theatre until 11th July, and continues touring the UK & Ireland until September. Dates and tickets at https://johnnyandjunemusical.com/#tour

Photos by Pamela Raith