UPDATES AND CORRECTIONS: AS OF 12/1/25
Correy West is co directing the production with Karen Oster
Base Costumes are designed by Amanda Gladu
RING OF FIRE The Music of Johnny Cash
Created by RICHARD MALTBY, JR. Conceived by WILLIAM MEADE
Adapted from the Broadway Production by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Jason Edwards
Ring of Fire Small Cast is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036.
Orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby Additional arrangements by David Abbinanti
Ring of Fire was originally produced on Broadway by William Meade, CTM Productions, Bob Cuillo, GFour Productions, and James B. Freydberg
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: October 7, 2025
CONTACT: Carolyn Andrews
BOX OFFICE: 978-654-4678 | ONLINE: mrt.org
Merrimack Repertory Theatre Presents “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash
Lowell, MA– Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) is proud to present Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash, running November 26, 2025, through December 14, 2025, as part of MRT’s 2025-26 season. A celebration of one of America’s most beloved musical icons, this exhilarating production offers a heartfelt tribute to the life and legacy of the legendary Johnny Cash.
This production, created by Tony Award winning director and producer Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade, brings to the stage a vibrant mix of rock & roll, country, and gospel, featuring timeless hits like “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” among many more for a toe-tappin’, soul stirring good time.
Told through the voices of five actor-musicians who play, sing, and transform into a variety of characters from Johnny Cash’s life, Ring of Fire brings to life the joy, heartbreak, grit, and spirit of Johnny Cash’s journey, from his humble beginnings and meteoric rise to his struggles and redemption.
The talented 5 person cast ensemble of Andrew Frace, Jo Brook, Nathan Yates Douglass, Celeste Vandermillen, and Patrick Dinnsen all make their MRT debuts in this high-energy production filled with live music and heartfelt storytelling.
“Johnny Cash’s music continues to resonate because it speaks to the core of who we are, our struggles, our hopes, our faith, and our love,” said Courtney Sale, the Nancy L. Donahue Executive Artistic Director of MRT. “This production is not just a concert. It is a celebration of the human spirit through the lens of a truly American legend.”
In an exciting partnership, Courtney Sale will co-direct the production with Karen Oster, Chair of Performing Arts at Middlesex Community College, further strengthening the collaboration between MRT and MCC’s educational and arts communities.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to his music, Ring of Fire is a cross-generational experience that resonates with audiences of all ages. It’s a show that unites families through music with songs about love, faith, rebellion, and the road that lies ahead.
