Ring of Fire: About the Show

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Welcome to our Rockabilly Slice of American Life

Ring of Fire: Project Johnny Cash is a musical about a wild gentleman, a rustic poet, a saved sinner and an American music hero. The Broadway show features 30 hit songs and remarkable stories that reveal how cash went from a modest life of farming to one of influential fame – all based on his genre-busting sound that still kicks-it today.

Ring of Fire (conceived by William Meade and created by Richard Maltby Jr.) has all the boisterous flavour of the Johnny cash experience. it is potent with the themes of love, faith, family, rowdiness, resilience through hard times, and redemption. But this musical is more than a typical biography or collection of popular songs. in a mosaic of inspiring stories paired with his unforgettable music, Ring of Fire reveals a sweeping portrayal of American life. The beauty of Johnny cash is he let us hear many strands of a growing nation finding its groove. and there is something appealing about the idea of wild individualism set against the fabric of community.

Johnny cash became a mainstay not just in the hearts of his fans, but also in the music industry. We are excited to recreate his half-century career for our audiences, to sing his most popular songs, and to tell his story as young man falling in love, getting married, dealing with adversity, and finally reaching his golden years. in Ring of Fire, you can feel the depth of cash’s journey, and perhaps a bit of your own.

The Man in Black

Johnny cash had an undeniably notorious nature, but there’s much to be learned about the music legend. Did you know?…

  • “Johnny Cash” is not his real name! Until his air force days he was called by his given name, “J.R.”.
  • He sold over 90 million albums in his nearly fifty-year career – and recorded over 1,200 songs!
  • He wasn’t only a songwriter, he also composed poems, stories, articles, two autobiographies – Man in Black (1975), and Cash: The Autobiography (1997).
  • After his one and only voice lesson, his teacher advised him not to let anyone change the way he sang.
  • His first guitar was purchased in Germany for about $5.00 US.
  • His signature introduction – “Hello, I’m Johnny cash” – debuted at his concert at Folsom prison.
  • June Carter finally accepted Cash’s proposal for marriage at a hockey arena in Ontario.
  • Cash suffered from aviataphobia (fear of flying) and ophidophobia (fear of snakes).
  • Cash was known for his “outlaw” image – earned in the 60s due to incidents involving hotel rooms, drugs, and the police. But the 70’s were a new lease on life; he remarried and re-dedicated to his christian roots (earning a degree in theology and becoming an ordained minister).
  • His diversity is evidenced by his presence in three major music halls of fame: the Nashville Songwriters Hall of fame (1977), The Country Music Hall of Fame (1980), and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1992).

The world will never stop missing Johnny cash, and we thank you for joining us to enjoy the work of a maverick musician, iconic songwriter, and legendary hell-raiser!

By |February 8th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season|0 Comments

Chemainus Theatre Opens New Season in February

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It’s here again – the magic of creation, the skill of top-notch performers and the revelry of story and song. Once again, a dedicated collection of professional artists and performers from across Canada has gathered to create a theatrical season and experience unique to Vancouver Island.

In this charming town by the sea, we will rock to musical legends from Arkansas to the British Isles, delight in antics from Virginia country charmers to New York City’s bustling metropolis and
follow a paper-boy who delivers the news with a side serving of the voice of God. And it’s all staged with sophistication, curiosity and the verve that excites and ignites the body and soul.

Theatre that explores and nourishes the human spirit through a deep and ecstatic connection with story is what the Chemainus Theatre Festival is all about. Thank you for joining us in this vibrant and charming town.

Randal Huber
Managing Director
Mark DuMez
Artistic Director
By |January 12th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season, Theatre News|0 Comments

New for the 2015 Season

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Flex Pass

Book your tickets in any combination, see what you want, when you want. Use your passes for one specific show or use them throughout the year to see a number of different shows.

Early Bird Draw

Order your ticket package by Nov. 27 and be automatically entered to win your package, a getaway night and gift certificate.

Discounts for Family & Friends

Purchase additional theatre tickets and Playbill Dining Room and get 15% off at time of booking (10% for Flex Passes).

50% Off Studio Theatre Tickets

Confessions of a Paperboy, a bittersweet fable about the confusion of adolescence, the blush of first love, and the power of faith.

Table d’hôte in the Playbill Dining Room

During the run of Jeeves Intervenes we will be serving a set menu with your choice of three pre-selected main courses, along with the salad and dessert bar.

On Sale Dates for Season Tickets and Single Tickets

Season ticket renewals begin Wednesday, November 5.
New season ticket package can be booked starting November 19.
Single tickets go on sale December 17, 2014!

By |January 8th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season, Theatre News|0 Comments

Christmas Message from the Managing Director

photo_randal2Welcome Friends! We’ve just announced our 23rd season of live professional theatre on Vancouver Island. 2015 will feature six amazing, diverse theatre experiences – comedies, dramas, mysteries and musicals. Seasons tickets are available and will guarantee you catch all that we have to offer.

Become a Super Patron! It’s easy. Add a $100, or more, donation to your season ticket order and join our Membership family. Membership is the key that opens the Chemainus Theatre world. Attend play readings, dress rehearsals and exclusive mixers with cast. These are just a few of the great perks that enable you to meet the artists that bring these stories to life.

Still Christmas shopping? No need for Sherlock’s clever sleuthing on this one… it’s elementary! Season tickets offer a year-long adventure that will enthrall and entertain, while providing the best value and the best seats. Enjoy your next performance!

Randal Huber




By |December 9th, 2014|Categories: 2014 Season, 2015 Season|0 Comments

Education and Community Engagement

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The Chemainus Theatre Festival is committed to building a healthy and strong community by instilling confidence, creativity and self-expression through exposure to and participation in the arts. Through our many educational programs, we inspire the imaginations of thousands of children on Vancouver Island each year.

Programs share three high level goals:

  • Enriching the Region
  • Build Community
  • Advance the Arts

Feature programs include:

  • Island Savings Discover Theatre Workshops
  • Student Matinees
  • Talkbacks
  • Summer Theatre Camp
  • Workshops

Other upcoming opportunities include:

High School Work Experience, Young Company Intensives and Apprenticeships. For more information on any of the above programs please visit our website or contact our Education Coordinator at education@chemainustheatre.ca or 250.246.9800 x728

Become a Super Patron

Donate $100 or more with your season ticket package and become a Super Patron!

Join the inner circle of Theatre supporters and receive a host of perks including invites to Member soirees, advance booking privileges and a complimentary welcome drink in our Fireside Lounge during your first theatre visit in 2015.

Plus,Super Patrons who book into selected Gala Opening Nights are automatically invited to attend a post-show party, your exclusive chance to mix and mingle with the cast and crew in a relaxed environment.

For more information on our Membership programs email: members@chemainustheatre.ca

By |November 17th, 2014|Categories: 2015 Season, Theatre Fundraising|0 Comments