Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Close your eyes and imagine the unique sound of Johnny Cash, as if it were live and for the first time in the early 1960's. Now open your eyes and experience this great singer songwriter recreated on stage at the Panasonic Theatre, November 29 - December 6, in the hit musical tribute: THE MAN IN BLACK. Widely acclaimed by the general public and critics alike, the star, Shawn Barker, is considered as the pre-eminent Johnny Cash tribute artist as well as an accomplished musician and singer songwriter. Having an uncanny resemblance to the younger Cash, his portrayal is stunningly accurate and remarkable authentic.
“A legend brought back to life….A perfect evening….Shawn Barker is exceptional!" - Rythme FM, Quebec
About Shawn Barker
Shawn Barker hails from the St. Louis Missouri area. A former carpenter, Shawn started his musical career as an Elvis Tribute Artist. Although Shawn drew success through his Elvis act, he soon realized that in a market saturated with Elvis acts; he could only go so far.
Auditioning for the part of Elvis in a Hollywood production of "The Million Dollar Quartet"(the famed SUN Records recording artists Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis) the director asked Shawn to also send video of him portraying the other characters in the script. Shawn did and was instantly cast as Johnny Cash. This started a one-year character study of Johnny Cash, his life, music, voice, and stage presence. Shawn ended up turning down the role because of scheduling conflicts.
During this time while performing in an all-Elvis tribute show, Shawn suggested to the producer that he throw a twist into the show and come out as Johnny Cash. The producer immediately recognized Shawn's calling by portraying the Legendary Johnny Cash and cast him in an upcoming all-country tribute show.
So impressed by his performance, the producer then created and scripted a show for Shawn called; The Man In Black, which is now drawing great success throughout North America, with shows performed and booked into numerous venues.
Shawn's portrayal offers the high energy and classic look of the late Johnny Cash. Although Shawn portrays the younger Johnny Cash, his repertoire covers the late singer’s entire career including duets Johnny Cash performed with the late June Carter.
Shawn plays guitar and harmonica and has toured in The Man In Black since 2005 as well as making special appearances in multi-act tributes throughout North America. Shawn is currently completing his first recording CD of original music soon to be released to the public.
Shawn had the opportunity to travel to Australia to perform as Johnny Cash as well as working with W.S. “Fluke” Holland, Johnny Cash’s drummer of 40 years.
Besides touring across the United States, Shawn and The Man In Black has performed extensively throughout Quebec during the summers of 2009 through 2013. The show has has been seen by more than 350,000 audience members in Quebec City, Montreal and Saint Sauveur.
THE MAN IN BLACK
November 29 - December 11, 2016
Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge Street
Toronto
Performance Schedule:
Tuesday - Saturday at 7:30 PM
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 PM
Tickets: $39 - $79
Ticketking 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333
Online Ticket Sales: www.mirvish.com
Groups of 12 or more 416-593-4142
Twitter @mirvishFacebook: Mirvish Productions
Photo: Shawn Barker as Johnny Cash. ©Matt Downing.
2016-11-11
Toronto: "The Man in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash" starring Shawn Barker runs November 29-December 11