Debuting in San Diego in 2024, this production about the lives of Johnny Cash and June Carter has been touring since. While their tempestuous relationship has been explored across various media forms, The Ballad Of Johnny & June stands out due to powerful performances, the talented musicians involved and the consultation from son John Carter Cash, whose insight aids a raw, personal recounting of one of country music’s greatest love stories.
Despite the complex family dynamics and various breakups, humour is effectively woven into the storyline. An excellent Ryan O’Donnell narrates in the role of John Carter Cash, offering a chronicle of his parents’ respective careers until their fateful meeting backstage at Nashville’s Ryman Theatre. The show successfully combines their greatest hits with their personal backstories, including struggles with substance abuse and subsequent family interventions.
Thirty-six songs are performed, woven through the storyline and including many Carter Family songs that truly transport you back to that time. Both main leads – Christopher Ryan Grant as Johnny, and Christina Bianco as June – are incredible, with pitch-perfect voices and Grant’s mannerisms and look particularly spot-on.
The supporting cast is equally talented, their respective spouses providing some of the more emotional scenes, and O’Donnell brings the story together, deftly moving between narrator, musician, and observer.
This is an age-old story of love, passion and human failings, told with honesty and openness, of one of country music’s most iconic couples. One of the more touching scenes is towards the end when Johnny and his son are recording, and he tells his son, “Love with all your heart – it’s over in a blink of an eye.”
The Ballad Of Johnny & June, New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 10 Mar
On until Sat 14 Mar. Tickets: from £31.50. Info: here
words ANTONIA LEVAY
