Beast of Bourbon, Tex Perkins, is taking on a different monster in his Helpmann Award-winning show The Man In Black, an exploration of the ever-enigmatic Johnny Cash.
The show has played to over 100,000 people across Australia and New Zealand and will be returning to its premiere home, Melbourne’s Athenaeum, for a limited season in July.
Over two hours, Tex and the Tennessee Four cover the music and life of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Cash's heart-wrenching songs propelled his induction into the Country, Rock and Gospel Hall of Fame, and stamped his unique imprint in music history as an unlikely hero of rock. As a rebellious and sombre man of God, Cash was most famous for his baritone voice, mournful lyrics, dark clothing, and for putting on free shows inside prison walls.
Traditionally, Cash would start a show by growling “I'm Johnny Cash” into the microphone, an aspect of his character that Perkins nails, according to the Australian: “When Tex Perkins grabs the microphone and growls 'I'm Johnny Cash', you believe him.”
The Man In Black encapsulates the singer's tumultuous life, battles with drug addiction, rise to fame and eventual redemption, as well as his relationship with second wife June Carter, portrayed by Rachael Tidd. Perkins brings this legacy to life with renditions of 24 of Cash's hit songs, including Ring Of Fire, I Walk The Line and Folsom Prison Blues.
The Man In Black plays the Athenaeum July 19-21.
