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.
It has been some while since I’ve been to an actual Broadway show, so watching this last night was almost like being back in New York. Meaning it was that good.
Daniel Curalli and Tenaj Williams in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Take a leap back in time to 194o’s New York City where gambling was rampant, night club performers were raunchy and attractive but empty-headed women were referred to as “Dolls” in the hit Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls” – now playing until June 30th at the Arts Club Stanley Alliance Stage in Vancouver. Now celebrating their diamond anniversary – shining bright for 60 years.
The last musical I saw on this stage was “Beautiful” – the Carole King Story and it was excellent. Of course I knew all the songs from having listened to “Tapestry” over and over again back in the day.
I must admit that I really enjoy a good musical with talented singers/dancers/actors, so this performance of “Guys and Dolls” hit all the right notes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the familiarity of songs I’ve heard in the past such as “Sue Me” and “If I were a Bell.”
Yasmin D’Oshun, Madeleine Suddaby, Shannon Hanbury in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon, “Guys and Dolls” first premiered in 1950 with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows. Set in the bustling streets of New York City, the show follows the intertwining stories of gamblers, nightclub performers, and missionaries.
At its heart, “Guys and Dolls” is a romantic comedy, featuring colorful characters such as Nathan Detroit, a lovable but perpetually broke gambler; Miss Adelaide, his long-suffering fiancée of 14 years who is desperate to get him to the altar; Sky Masterson, a suave and high-rolling gambler; and Sarah Brown, a devout missionary trying to save souls in the midst of the city’s chaos.
Cast of Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
The plot revolves around Nathan’s attempts to find a venue for his infamous floating craps game while simultaneously trying to avoid commitment to Adelaide. Meanwhile, Sky makes a bet that he can take Sarah on a date to Havana, Cuba, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements.
Filled with catchy tunes like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Guys and Dolls” is known for its vibrant characters, witty dialogue, and toe-tapping music. It’s a delightful blend of humor, romance, and old-school charm that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal.
Yasmin D’Oshun, Madeleine Suddaby, Shannon Hanbury in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Header image: Cast of Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
I saw this (previously On Broadway) Musical the other night and really, really enjoyed it. Fabulous songs we all know (or should) performed by talented actors/singers/musicians. How can anyone not love Carole King?
Unveiling the Tapestry of her life…the good, the bad, the incredible…
There’s comfort in the familiar. This is one of the least pretentious album covers of all time.
“All I needed to do was sing with conviction, speaking my truth from the heart, honestly and straightforwardly, and to offer my words, ideas and music to the audience as if it were one collective friend that I’d known for a very long time.” – Carole King
Kaylee Harwood did a superb job as Carole King. Photo: Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Carole King started out her humble beginnings as Carole Klein (she’s claimed it would take her five decades to appreciate her surname and the history that came with it) living in a Brooklyn apartment with her separated piano teacher mother, but ended up living her dream of becoming a master song writer and as we all now know; a music legend.
The pianist/song writer had a strong conviction in her ability to write great songs and enough chutzpah to walk into a music producer’s office in Manhattan with her sheet music and no appointment and ask for an audition. She was lucky. The producer happened to be there and she left getting hired on the spot to write music at the age of 15. Having already skipped two grades, she was a smart cookie and her determination paid off. She signed her first contract with ABC-Paramount that same year.
From there she grew up pretty fast.
Kirk Smith, Kaylee Harwood, Kamyar Pazandeh, and Daniela Fernandez. Photo: Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.
She met lyricist Gerry Goffin while still a teenager and by the age of 20 she was a married mother of two. Together they co-wrote many singles that made it to top charts for stars like The Shirelles “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” and Aretha Franklin’s (you make me feel like a) “Natural Woman.” Hope they don’t ban that song or change the words – don’t get me started! “You’ve Got a Friend” became a No. 1 hit for James Taylor and he was apparently too nervous to speak to her on the first night they met.
It was these pop standards that led John Lennon to remark that, when he and Paul McCartney first got together, they wanted to be “the Goffin-King of England.” It was those songs that were given to Randy Newman in demo form as examples of perfect writing (he has called King his hero).
“I only wanted to be a songwriter. I never wanted to be a singer. And I never wanted to be famous.” – Carole King
Ivy Charles, Dawn Pemberton, Maria Fernandes, and Ali Watson as “The Shirelles.” Photo: Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.
For the purpose of this post I prefer to focus on King’s musical accomplishments and not so much on her personal life, however I should point out that she suffered some emotional abuse when Goffin couldn’t stop his cheating heart with women they knew and worked with. King tried to stick it out chalking the infidelities up to the fact that they got married so young. But there was only so much she could take and she ended up moving on.
And move on she did…
The day before Tapestry came out Carole King turned 28, by which time she had been in the music business for more than a decade. The only thing she wasn’t confident about was her own singing voice, but since the album was very personal and she wasn’t sure who she could get to sing it, she decided to do so.
Tapestry was one of my all time favourite albums and of course I’m not alone. like so many others, I knew all the words to every song . Tapestry has been certified 14× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in the US, and has sold an estimated 25 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Shaquan Lewis, Hal Wesley Rogers, Andrew J. Hampton, and Tenaj Williams Lynch as “The Drifters.” Photo: Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.
One of her proudest accomplishments was playing Carnegie Hall in 1971.
It was the first time she played in front of a live audience with a roster that formerly included Tchaikovsky, George Gershwin, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland and The Beatles. A music-making honour roll of artists representing the finest of every genre has filled Carnegie Hall throughout the years. Carole King was now among them. It was moving when Goffin showed up and surprised her and said “I’m Sorry.”
King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2021.
I highly recommend this production showcasing unforgettable classics by King and her contemporaries—“The Locomotion,” “One Fine Day,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman,” and many more.
Some cast members. Photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Where is she now? Inquiring minds want to know
After moving to Los Angeles and living in Laurel Canyon for a spell, she relocated to Idaho after retiring from actively making music in 2012. Although she still attends various events and award shows, in recent years, King has focused on her personal life and philanthropic endeavors. She is a strong advocate for environmental and political causes, and has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for various organizations. She has 4 children and is now 81 years old and still looking good.
You’ve got to get up every morning With a smile on your face And show the world all the love in your heart Then people gonna treat you better You’re gonna find, yes you will That you’re beautiful, as you feel – lyrics from “Beautiful” by Carole King.
Playing until August 6th at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage – An Arts Club Production.
Vancouver Opera’s Company Premiere of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award winning smash hit EVITA will open at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on April 30th.
Few women in history have had the allure of Eva Perón, She once said “My biggest fear in life is to be forgotten.” Her legend lives on….
A very brief bio because the musical will explain everything in about 2 hours and 45 minutes including a short intermission:
*Don’t cry for me Argentina
Maria Eva Duarte de Perón was born out of wedlock on May 7, 1919, in Los Toldos, Argentina. Eva (commonly known as Evita), left school when she was 16 and went to Buenos Aires in the 1930s to pursue her dream of becoming a star. She had reasonable success as an actress before marrying Juan Perón in 1945, who became president of Argentina the following year. Eva Perón used her position as first lady to fight for women’s suffrage and improving the lives of the poor, and became a legendary figure in Argentine politics. She died in 1952.
I’m really looking forward to this musical especially having been to Buenos Aires and since visiting the mausoleum of Evita in La Recoleta Cemetary. It is most definitely one of the most amazing cemeteries I’ve ever seen.
Tickets are selling out for the VO’s brand new full-scale production taking place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with only 6 performances, from April 30th – May 8, 2016. It has won 7 Tony Awards.
La Recoleta Cemetary – CNN listed it as one of the 10 most beautiful cemeteries in the world.
VO’s Evita will star three seasoned Broadway stars with international followings.
Ramin Karimloo will star as Che. Mr. Karimloo has played both Jean Valjean (Les Misérables) on Broadway and The Phantom (Phantom of the Opera) in London’s West End. He was personally selected by Andrew Lloyd Webber to star in the London World Premiere of the Phantom sequel, Love Never Dies. This will be his first appearance as Che.
Caroline Bowman will play Evita, a role she has also played in the Broadway revival and on tour in the United States. She also starred in the Broadway productions of Wicked (as Elphaba) and in Kinky Boots.
John Cudia will play Perón. Mr. Cudia is the first and only performer to have played the roles of The Phantom and Jean Valjean on Broadway. Equally at home on opera, theatre and concert stages, Mr.Cudia is a lyric tenor who has also sung Alfredo in La traviata with Lyric Opera of the North.
“I have one thing that counts, and that is my heart;it burns in my soul, it aches in my flesh, and it ignites my nerves: that is my love for the people and Peron.” – Evita
She will not be forgotten
*Don’t Cry for me Argentina is a song composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice. It was first recorded by Julie Covington on the 1976 concept album Evita, and was later included in the 1978 stage musical of the same name. It appeared at the opening and near the end of the show, initially as the spirit of the dead Eva exhorting the people of Argentina not to mourn her, and finally during Eva’s speech from the balcony of Casa Rosada.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
You must be logged in to post a comment.