The most authentic Johnny Cash show is about to hit the Burdekin for the first time ever this Saturday, May 24, with the crew entering the final phase of their preparations before lighting up the Burdekin Theatre.
“It is quite the production, so getting together and rehearsing and going through what we're going to do is really important,” says Joanne Caligiuri, who stars as June Carter alongside her husband Mark, playing the Man in Black.
The Caligiuris, along with their tight-knit band, have taken their Johnny Cash tribute show on the road all across Australia, spending years fine-tuning their tribute show into what Joanne calls a “well-oiled machine.”
Joanne says it’s the group's closeness—both personally and geographically—that helps them perfect their performance and continue improving the show.
“We’re quite lucky in a sense that our band all live near each other, so we always get together before a show, go through what we're going to do, the songs—and actually a few new songs the guys have been working on as well,” she says.
“We've been doing this for a long time. Both (Mark and I) have been performers most of our lives, and we're not complacent. We don't just sort of do a show and leave it. We are always working on it.”
The show mixes popular tracks like Ring of Fire and Jackson with lesser-known gems and a taste of Cash’s gospel and darker material.
“There are certain songs that are very, very wordy—Johnny Cash used to love to write many, many verses,” Joanne says. “We sort of cover different areas like the earlier Cash recordings, gospel, and a slightly darker side to Cash. We always make sure we prepare for that part particularly because some of the words are quite intense.”
It’s this attention to detail that makes the show stand out from the rest.
“We’re very sincere entertainers—we genuinely care about the audience and making sure we give them the best possible experience,” Joanne says. “We’ve watched a lot of Johnny Cash and June Carter, and while we don’t mimic them, we do take on those roles to help the audience feel that connection.”
With final rehearsals wrapped and the setlist locked in, the group is excited to share their passion for Cash’s music with a new audience.
“It’s such a joy for us to bring this show to different towns,” Joanne says. “Every place has its own energy, and we feed off that. We all look into the towns that we haven't been to before to look around and see what makes it special.”
To top it all off, the cast will be sticking around after the curtain falls for a chance to connect with their audience face to face.
Tickets are still available! Book yours now at www.burdekintheatre.com.au or by calling the Burdekin Theatre Box Office on (07) 4783 9880.
What: Get Rhythm -The Johnny cash & June Carter Show
When: Saturday, May 24
Where: Burdekin Theatre
The most authentic Johnny Cash show is about to hit the Burdekin for the first time ever this Saturday. Photo supplied
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