Join Johnny Cash and June Carter in Song at Thousand Islands Playhouse
Often described as the most legendary country music love story, Johnny Cash and June Carter’s music has remained a staple in the country genre. With joint hits like “Long Legged Guitar Pickin’ Man,” covers made iconic like “It Ain’t Me Babe” and “If I Were a Carpenter,” as well as their respective works, it is impossible to imagine what country music would look like without them. A final addition to the Thousand Islands Playhouse season, The Songs of Johnny & June, playing until November 23rd, is a country song-cycle celebrating the iconic love story of Cash and Carter through their lives, filled with classic hits from across their careers.
Having only five performers on stage, each playing a variety of instruments, the staging is intimate and engaging, with actors Brett Houghton (He) and Melissa MacKenzie (She) interacting with the band. Andrew Murray plays the guitar, Bob Alridge is on bass, and Sean Donaldson handles percussion. Both actors support the band by playing a variety of instruments during the concert as well, with Houghton on the acoustic guitar and ukulele. Meanwhile, MacKenzie, also the music director for the show, tackles a range of instruments, from piano, to the kazoo, to strings, and more.
Houghton and MacKenzie’s voices are simply incredible: Houghton’s low baritone-bass is utterly perfect for the iconic country singer; phrasings and stunning vocal choices are instantly reminiscent of Johnny Cash’s iconic sound. Likewise, MacKenzie’s spectacular range and control of her instrument is evident from the moment she sings the first note. Much of Carter’s music is filled with vocal howls and cries, growls and runs, and MacKenzie navigates these complexities with complete ease. The patter sections she sings throughout are particularly impressive, as she colours each word with unique meanings, guiding the audience through the story of her music, even as words come flying out of her mouth at lightning speed. Their voices blend together beautifully, a perfect balance between Houghton’s low, droning notes and MacKenzie’s sparkling voice. Truly a spectacular pairing that balances the load of the show with ease.
The pacing of the production—which can be attributed to the efforts of its creator, Jacob Hemphill, and director, Rebecca Parent—is well done, with short breaks between songs to tell the story of Cash and Carter inventively, never feeling too long or dragged on. I particularly enjoyed the range of roles Houghton and MacKenzie took on over the course of the two hours: from narrators of the titular love story, to radio and television hosts, to Cash and Carter themselves. Each moment was easily distinguishable and fun, flaunting the extensive capabilities of the performers.
Joe Pagnan’s set transforms the Firehall Theatre into a concert setting, littered with instrument and equipment cases labelled for Cash and Carter, as one may see backstage at a performance. The band is also placed on platforms just behind Houghton and MacKenzie, ensuring that audience members have a clear view of all the performers on stage. Alison Crosby’s lighting design enhances the set with a warm dimness that reminded me of the lighting in a country bar, featuring a “J & J” projection in floral script on the back wall of the stage before the show and during intermission.
The Songs of Johnny & June is a fantastic production that should not be missed—filled with country hits, a classic love story, and stellar performances, catch it at Thousand Islands Playhouse while you can!
‘The Songs of Johnny & June’ is presented by Thousand Islands Playhouse, and will be playing at the Firehall Theatre until November 23, 2025. Tickets and more information can be found here.
