Press
5th July, 2011
Cash’s story a knockout show
The Man in Black – The Johnny Cash Story. TSB Showplace. Saturday July 2.
There have been plenty of highfalutin words and lofty praise slung the way of Tex Perkins and The Man in Black stage show.
It’s achieved this, surpassed that and superbly presented the iconic songs and life of American country music legend Johnny Cash and other such slobbering accolades that are frequently awarded but rarely deserved.
But in this case it is safe to say the show deserves everything it has had and everything it has got coming to it.
It’s good, and leaves you wondering just why it is you don’t go to more live performances.
Thought not terribly familiar with Cash’s massive catalogue, at this show such ignorance is only a minor annoyance. There is enough passion, fun and energy in every song that listening the first time is as rewarding as the second, third, or as some of the foot thumping fans proved, 200th.
The story of Johnny Cash’s life is woven in between these songs and though some of the weaving is a bit lumpy and the ad libs a bit awkward, they are short and usually interesting enough to leave you wanting to know more.
Te key to the show is the music, and Perkins is an expert in being Cash, His deep gravelly mumble, his sentimental self reflective sojourns, his madness – Perkins nails it every time.
He is more than ably supported by Rachael Tidd, who plays Cash’s wife and soulmate June Carter. Her voice is equal, if not better than the character she inhabits and the chemistry she shares with Perkins adds a level of authenticity to what is obviously a well-practised stage show.
And finally, the band. Put simply, they are brilliant and could very well change any rock’n’roll dream in favour of country music.
I would definitely go again, and will be buying a Johnny Cash album or two in the meantime.
Reviewed by Matt Rilkoff.
Taranaki Daily News
1 July, 2011
Also read the interview Kate Saunders did with Tex Perkins for the Taranaki Daily News
13th March, 2010
… The lanky charismatic Perkins is way too good an artist in his own right to merely impersonate. Perkins interprets Cash yet maintains faith with his icon.
The tools of Perkin’s trade are deep felt emotion, fine tuned expression and utter authenticity.
Instinctively, he balances passion and restraint. It’s a beautiful thing to watch.
Robert Jarman
The Mercury, Hobart
DRESSED in a sharp black suit and slinging his guitar like a shotgun, Tex Perkins blazes through this two hour tribute to Johnny Cash, the hard-living, hell-raising American singer-songwriter … singing blues, country, gospel and rock.
He was the type of guy who loved Jesus and cocaine at the same time.
Elissa Blake
Sun Herald, Sydney
By casting gangly country rock singer Tex Perkins as Cash, the producers got the best man for the job.
He … possesses the dark charisma of Cash, … relates to the dark material of the songs and has the range to cover Cash’s diverse musical palette that mixes up folk, blues, country, gospel and rockabilly.
Perkins is brilliantly backed by the Tennessee Four, featuring some of the country’s finest musicians, and Rachael Tidd, whose voice outshines June Carter’s.
Patrick Donovan
Athenaeum Theatre
For press enquiries please contact:
Michael J. Wilkie
National Publicist
Email madpr@optusnet.com.au
Office 03 9378 8303
Mobile 0413 733 302
Fax 03 9378 9777
Postal P.O. Box 147 Brunswick 3056