The Man in Black is back

Everything is black. A single spotlight shines down on a solitary figure holding a guitar.

"I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel. I focus on the pain, the only thing that's real," he sings as the melody wafts it way through the theater. The beat of the drum picks up as emotions swell.

"And you could have it all, my empire of dirt. I will let you down. I will make you hurt," sings the man in black.

The Studio Arena Theater premiered "Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show" on Friday Sept. 9. The musical is an original production launched by the Studio Arena Theater in Buffalo and will run through Oct. 9.

The acclaimed director Richard Maltby Jr. created and directed the musical with the help of William Meade. Jeff Lisenby handles musical direction, while Lisa Shriver managed the choreography.

The cast consists of six main characters that act out and sing a plethora of Cash songs. There is a full band that provides the melodies for the singers and dancers. Band members initiate songs that are soon accompanied by cast members who skillfully showcase their superb musical abilities.

The harmony of voices and instruments flow together, creating a sound in Johnny Cash's style. Together, they bring the artist's music to life.

With plenty of Cash's classic and dramatic narrative melodies, the overall mood was both somber and heart wrenching. However, the melancholic atmosphere is periodically broken up with bits of comedy and an upbeat tempo that give the musical an emotional balance.

Immediately following the dramatic introduction of Johnny Cash's 2003 award-winning cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt," for example, there is a complete transformation. The mood switches entirely from somber to a fast-paced, line dancing, barn scene with a montage of "Country Boy," "A Thing Called Love" and "There You Go" sung by the whole cast.

Appropriately placed between songs like "Flesh and Blood" and "Ring of Fire" are humorous songs such as "Dirty Old Egg Suckin' Dog," "I've Been Everywhere," and "A Boy Named Sue."

The initial backdrop is wood paneling that drops away after the first scene, revealing a setting of digital scenery. The computer-generated backdrop changes with each scene from a kitchen or the inside of a barn to rolling hills and seasonal landscapes. The backdrop is convenient and brings a new technology that is both impressive and constructive in regards to moving the story along.

Actor Jason Edwards began the night with the engaging introduction of "Hurt," while his significant other, Cass Morgan sang "Flushed," and together they sang "Waiting on the Far Side Banks of Jordan."

Other Johnny Cash tunes sung in duets include "While I've Got It On My Mind," "Temptation," "I Feel Better All Over," and "Ring of Fire."

Not only is the entire cast vocally gifted and multi-instrumental, they each hold impressive acting histories. The six main characters have starred in several highly respectable productions. Jarrod Emmick played in "The Boy from Oz" with Hugh Jackman on Broadway.

The band members also share a reputable history with individual members earning "Fiddle Player of the Year" from the California Country Music Association, while another drummed for Barry Manilow and Olivia Newton-John.

There was a musical miscue that was forgivable since the play is early in its run. Most audience members will have few complaints because "Ring of Fire" is a moving musical that is touched with hints of comedy, amounting to a successful performance.

For fans of Cash, "Ring of Fire" will be a delight to see his songs brought to life in such a unique form. For those just looking for some hearty entertainment, the musical is sure to satisfy. Ticket prices range from $25 to $53.