Theater Review (Bridgeport, CT): The Man in Black - Page 2

Keeton shares the stage with his band, which features Jack Heilaman on lead guitar, Craig Wetz on bass, and James Keys on drums. Also sharing the stage is Ashley DePascale, a Connecticut native, who portrays June Carter in all her upbeat and perky glory, providing a marked contrast to the tone of Mr. Cash’s sometimes somber and melancholy songs of struggle and redemption.

The songlist itself is impressive. Keeton covers, “Cry, Cry, Cry,” “Get Rhythm,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Busted,” “Cocaine Blues,” “Daddy Sang Bass,” “The Ballad of Ira Hayes,” “I Walk the Line,” “Ring of Fire,” and more. My favorites included a version of “Oh Lonesome Me,” which had me thinking of good times back at Tootsie’s in Nashville, and “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” which featured a rousing and impressive section of dueling guitars between Mr. Keeton and Mr. Heilaman. For me, the showstopper was “I’ve Been Everywhere,” where with the help of some cue cards held by "June," Mr. Keeton deftly delivers Cash’s famous tongue-twisting song.

The Man in Black not only takes the audience for a trip down memory lane, it reminds us of the legacy of the life and music of Johnny Cash, whether it be obtaining faith through trials and tribulations, or recognizing the struggles of the oppressed, the downtrodden, the imprisoned, and the poor. It is a reflection of hope for everyman as well as a celebration of musical genius that spanned generations, from the first rockabilly hits like "Get Rhythm" to cover versions of Depeche Mode’s "Personal Jesus" and Nine-Inch Nails' "Hurt." Most of all, The Man in Black is a musical celebration that will leave the audience singing.

Unfortunately, The Man in Black closed on May 24th, but with the Downtown Cabaret, there's always hope that a sold out show will return for a second run. I highly recommend the show to theatergoers should it arrive in your town.  As for the Downtown Cabaret, you can check out their next musical performance, The Kingston Trio, on August 22nd.  Under consideration for the theater are the following: Livingston Taylor, Shirley Jones, Pat McRoberts, The Leading Men of Broadway, and It's a Wonderful Life.  Visit the theater website, or email InTheWorks@DowntownCabaret.org to let them know what you want to see.

Article Author: CindyC

Cindy's interests include books, music, charitable work, musical theater, the arts, Hugh Laurie, and House. She is now a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle.

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