Rosebud presents musical treat for fans

Laureen F. Guenther
Times Contributor

 

The musical Wildwood Fire appears on Rosebud’s BMO Studio Stage, May 6 to June 20. This play, written by Lauren de Graaf and Kelsey Krogman, is a treat for everyone who loves a musical story, and especially for fans of June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash.
We understand there was supposed to be a different kind of concert, performed by Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash and June’s mother Maybelle Carter. But Johnny is in the hospital, suffering the effects of his substance abuse, so his mother-in-law Maybelle (Alix Cowman) left June in the hospital with Johnny, and has come to do this concert alone. But June (Lauren de Graaf) surprises her mother by also coming to perform, insisting she doesn’t want to disappoint their audience.
De Graaf and Cowman use stories and songs, with banjo and ukulele, to tell the story of June’s life, about her growing up with music, and her life with Johnny — their sorrows, their struggles, and their love. While Maybelle urges June to go to her husband, to be the supportive wife she’d taught her daughter to be, we discover that fear of disappointing her audience is not June’s only fear, and that it’s not the real reason she insisted she would perform.
Wildwood Fire is a touching story, and our sell-out crowd gave de Graaf and Cowman a standing ovation. If you enjoy the music of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, or are fascinated by their story of victory over tragedy, you’ll love this show too.
However, you’ll need to book your tickets soon. As of opening night, nearly 75% of the Wildwood Fire tickets were sold. Fortunately, Rosebud Theatre has added three extra shows to the line-up. You can get your tickets at 1-800-267-7553 or rosebudtheatre.com.