MOUNT CARROLL – If you liked TLP’’s Million Dollar Quartet last fall, you’ll love Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash. Timber Lake Playhouse, the premier professional summer theatre of northwest Illinois is pleased to open their 57th season with this popular Juke Box Musical.

From the opening chords of vintage country to rockabilly, rock n’ roll, searing ballads and gentle songs of love and deep faith, Ring of Fire tells the events of Cash’s life and the incredible struggles and triumphs of his life. TLP’s Artistic Director, Paul Stancato, has put together a core group of talented actor/musicians from around the country. “This show celebrates the songs that are such a part of our collective experience,” said Stancato. “If we haven’t lived the words of his music, we certainly have felt them at one time or another.”

Ring of Fire is directed by TLP newcomer, Chris Blisset. Blisset is a singer, actor, musician, comedian and director who grew up in Illinois. He now travels around the country starring in shows where he can showcase his unique talent as an actor/musician. “Cash’s spirit is invoked through the music and stories you’ll see onstage,” said Blisset about the musical. “It’s more of a ‘concert with attitude than a musical.” Ring of Fire, which opens at TLP on May 11 has little to do with the dark, troubled and excitingly dangerous presence that most people remember as Johnny Cash. It hovers between the usual singalong and storybook styles.

“Using songs recorded by Mr. Cash between 1955 and 2002 (many of them written by other composers), the show follows a sort of ages-of-man path from green country-boy idealism into the sloughs of a hard-living musician's disillusionment and on up to the mountains of spiritual redemption...” says one review of the show. The musical opened on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on March 12, 2006.

Ring of Fire runs May 11 – 13 & 18 – 20 with performances on Fridays at 7:30, Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:30 and Sundays at 2:00. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $20 for children and students.

TLP’s Magic Owl Children’s Theatre opens May 8 with a production of Junie B. Jones, The Musical, based on the book series by Barbara Park. Junie B. Jones runs May 8 – 11, 10:00 & 1:00 and May 12 at 10:00. All Tickets are $6.

On Friday, May 25, TLP opens their Concert Series with Reba ... and Friends featuring Nashville recording artist, Brooke Byam. The show begins at 7:00 and tickets are $20.

On June 2, Timber Lake Playhouse welcomes Broadway's Andrea McArdle to kickoff TLP’s First Annual Broadway Concert with the Stars starring Broadway’s original Annie. Ms. McArdle brings her award-winning vocal talents to Timber Lake Playhouse for a one-night only concert experience not to be missed! Tickets are $50.

As an added experience, join TLP for a private and intimate dining experience with “Annie” under the stars on the patio of the Lake Carroll Clubhouse on Friday, June 1.  Tickets for this dining event are $75.

Don’t miss all the other exciting events at Timber Lake this summer including Worldly Delights – Celebrity Chef this Saturday, April 28 at 6:00 at the theatre. For more information, visit the TLP website at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or call the Box Office at (815) 244-2035. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 – 3:00.

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