The Man In Black - Tex Perkins as Johnny Cash

Band: Tex Perkins as Johnny Cash 'The Man In Black'
Venue: Athenaeum Theatre
Date: 1st September 2009
Reviewed By: Espylyn

Lights, music, action - and out comes Tex Perkins (Johnny Cash) and Rachael Tidd (June Carter) to join the band The Tennessee Four who comprises of Peter Luscombe on drums (Rockwiz), Steve Hadley on bass (Men at Work), James Black on guitar (Rockwiz) and Ash Naylor on acoustic guitar (Even). Walk The Line is the first tune to hit the crowd who straight away leap into applause at the hit song. Tex, known for playing multiple musical roles, has taken a shining to Cash, a musician he has followed ever since he can remember so tonights opening show must be a highlight in his 27 year career. The music stops and Tex (black suit with white shirt) greets us "Hi, Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Tex Perkins and welcome to the life, times and musical celebration of one of the greatest singers and songwriters, and entertainers ever to grace the stage, that would be Johnny Cash. Eruption of screams and whoops and some bad heckling ensue.
Tex displays Cash in fantastic form, putting narrative stories, comedy and a voice perfect for this role all into a two hour show. Both Tex and Rachael narrate the Cash story between songs starting from the time Cash was a young boy to his musical beginnings and then ending at his and June's death. The narrative side of things is a little rehearsed and sometimes a little missed (Tex, don't think of giving up music for the stage permanently!), but this aside, it was great to hear the Cash story from yay to nay and all in between. The band played brilliantly, the rhythm was present and the groove kept up throughout, even if at times when the narrative part was happening, some band members looked bored.

The second set started with the backdrop disappearing and we were given a simulation of the Folsom Prison show that Cash did in 1968 to the prisoners - this was a highlight in Cash's career and definately a highlight in tonights performance. Tex's suit changed to totally black in colour now and he displayed the Cash persona perfectly, I cannot fault Tex in this role. Tex and Rachael displayed stage presence with each other which clicked from the beginning - displaying shy glances, kisses and hugs throughout the show, it was plain to see they both enjoyed the experience. The sound in the theatre was clear and the lighting almost right. Tex played a mock guitar throughout the night, but hey, Cash with no guitar just would not suit, so this mock guitar works well. By the end the crowd couldn't get enough, Ring Of Fire ended the night but with constant clapping from the crowd all stage members were back with a medley of the big Cash hits including band introductions before final bows were taken.

Songs played, Hey Porter, Get Rhythm, Boy Named Sue, Don't Take Your Guns To Town, 25 Minutes To Go, If I Were A Carpenter, Ring Of Fire, How Highs The Water Mama, Hurt (Nine Inch Nails) dedicated to June Carter after she died by Cash and Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord) which was my highlight - Rachael's vocals here were sublime and Tex's deep vocals made me chuckle.

Tex as The Man In Black must be witnessed by all Johnny Cash fans. You will enjoy the narrative aspect, you will enjoy the voice of Tex so close to Cash's - full of that rich country sound and you will enjoy Rachael's narrative part and singing. This production is wonderfully blended with the Tennessee Four, a production that should be proud that a fantastic dream has been a reality.