Last night I attended the opening night performance of “Ring of Fire” – a compelling storytelling through song about the legendary Johnny Cash, including his family and wife; the amazing June Carter Cash.
Patrick Metzger, Devon Busswood, Frankie Cottrell, Tainui Kuru, and Caitriona Murphy in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Luckily my friend Lynda and I made it to the Arts Club Theatre at Granville Island only minutes before the start, after mistakenly first going to the Stanley Alliance Theatre on South Granville. I wondered why the marquee said “Guys and Dolls.” Anyway; note to self: always double check the ticket info beforehand duh.
In a nutshell the show was nothing short of INCREDIBLE. The performers were top-notch with their singing and musical instrument capabilities, that it could’ve easily been a Broadway Musical. I mean; they were truly mind-blowing.
FrankieCottrell (as Johnny Cash) in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
I’m personally not a huge country music fan, however I always admired Johnny Cash. His charisma and deep, resonant voice had a distinctive style blending country, rockabilly, blues, and gospel.
He often sang about the struggles of the common man, themes of redemption, faith, and justice. Cash’s music captured the essence of the human experience, reflecting both personal introspection and societal commentary.
Cast of Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Beyond his music, he was recognized for his authenticity and enduring influence on generations of musicians and fans alike.
DevonBusswood (as June Carter Cash) in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
I highly recommend seeing this show if you’re in Vancouver – even if you’re not a huge country music fan.
I’ve been meaning to post something about my talented, beautiful singer/songwriter friend JenniDoyle ever since I first met her in Palm Springs the last time I was there. She and her husband live in Vancouver and also have a home in Palm Springs.
I feel like I’ve known Jenni a lot longer than I have because I’ve heard so much about her through two friends that we’ve both known forever, although these two other friends have never met. Our mutual friend Susanne has written lyrics to some of Jenni’s songs, while our other mutual friend Michael, wrote music for her album “Night Angles.”
Talk about a small world and having something in common aside from our love for dogs and Palm Springs.
Her single “Only One Cook” was filmed at philanthropist Joe Segal’s breathtaking waterfront mansion in Vancouver and directed and edited by Dave Benedict. Jenni’s make-up by Safina Kataria. Photo from her website.
Jenni has been entertaining people since the ripe age of two, when she donned her first pair of tap dancing shoes. After her early years in musical theatre and dance, she was accepted into Canterbury High School for the Arts in Ottawa, which then led her to Vancouver where she studied acting at Vancouver Film School. In the years to follow, Jenni was one of the top 25 finalists out of 4,000 girls, to make it onto the Global T.V. reality show “Popstars.”
This experience propelled her into the music industry, where she worked with producer/songwriter John Dexter (Carly Rae Jepsen, Bif Naked, D-Cru). She recorded two songs on the D-Cru album “Into the Future” which was released in stores across Canada. She went on to sing in a duo called “JeLL” where they performed their “Night Angles” songs and “The Star Spangled Banner” live on ESPN in Los Angeles.
Jenni has also had the honour of singing “OhCanada” and performing her Shania Twain act in front of thousands of people at B.C. Place.
With Gloria Macarenko, longtime host of CBC Vancouver’s supper-hour television newscast at 6:00, and Tina Turner and George Michael lookalike performers. Jenni does a tribute to Shania Twain. That’s her up on the screen.
Jenni also shared a heartwarming story about meeting her cute little Shih Tzu named Bella. This is her second Bella. Her first Bella passed away from cancer at a fairly young age. Jenni loved the dog and was completely heartbroken. About two years after Bella’s passing a friend suggested it was time Jenni get another dog. She wanted another Shih Tzu. When she went to look at a litter of pups one got very excited, ran right up to her and jumped into her arms. The owner said the dog’s name was “Bella.” On her birth certificate was written “Bella Comes Back.” True story!
I just heard this song Feel Good Feelin’ for the first time yesterday. I thought since the title has Feel Good in it, how appropriate for an uplifting Friday note. Hope you enjoy it even if you’re new to country music. Be sure to check out the Kelowna, B.C. scenery (and the tattoo on her arm in the very beginning).
Have a great weekend! The last one before Christmas.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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