West Des Moines Thespians Featured in Johnny Cash Musical ‘Ring of Fire’

A press release from the Des Moines Community Playhouse:

Douglas Cochrane and Sarah Stallman, both of West Des Moines, are featured in the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of the music of Johnny Cash – even in death still one of the most popular entertainers of all time – in Ring of Fire.

The play runs March 30-April 22.

What's your favorite Johnny Cash song? What local band covers Johnny Cash best? Tell us in comments.

Born a poor Arkansas boy, the boy who grew up to be known as “the Man in Black,” picked cotton on the family farm before embarking on a 50-year career in music that includes more than 1,000 songs, 17 Grammys, and more than 90 million in album sales.

Ring of Fire tells Johnny Cash's story of faith, family, passion, redemption, and salvation. A gifted cast of singers and musicians presents 30 Johnny Cash hits including Daddy Sang Bass, Jackson, Folsom Prison Blues, A Boy Named Sue, I Walk the Line, and, of course, Ring of Fire.

Ring of Fire features Elisabeth Ballstadt, Randy Burk, Douglas Cochrane, Preshia Paulding, Sarah Stallman, Dane Van Brocklin, and Ben Wantland, backed by a five-piece band.

Ring of Fire is directed by John Viars, with musical direction by Brenton Brown and choreography by Alison Shafer.

Pre-Show Talk, Post-Show Music and Drinks
The Playhouse is also introducing two new programs with Ring of Fire. Audiences are encouraged to come to the theatre 45 minutes prior to curtain for a preshow talk about the show. After the show, on Friday and Saturday evenings, audiences are invited to stay for live music and drinks in the lobby.

Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at  (515) 277-6261, and at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St., Des Moines. "Ring of Fire" is sponsored by EMC Insurance Companies.

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

Performances, March 30-April 22

• 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
• 2 p.m. Sundays

Ticket prices are $20-$35, with discounts for senior citizens, students and groups of 15 or more.