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Theater

SINGING LIFTS HANK WILLIAMS STORY

From the evidence of "Hank Williams: Lost Highway," the musical biography of the "hillbilly" legend at Zachary Scott Theatre, Williams led a short, relatively dull life. Williams fought with his bandmates and his wife, abused drugs and alcohol, then died of an apparent overdose at age 29 in 1953. Not much for playwrights Randal Myler and Mark Harelik to work with.

Yet shows such as "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story" and "Always: Pasty Cline" have proved monster hits for Zach Scott, and "Hank" might catch fire as well, since everyone wants to hear the actor impersonating — or rather singing — Williams. Nashville musician Kenneth Brian comes with the idol's stringbean shape and his half-yodeling pipes, but he commenced his opening night performance Saturday with a barely audible shyness and a lack of connection with either fellow players or the audience.

That is, until he launched into Williams' familiar hits, which he sparked with a slow-burn charisma and sure-fire vocal assurance. His bandmates — Chris Rhoades, Herb Steiner and Walt Roberts — are all excellent musicians, but not convincing actors either. The theatrical high points were delivered by veteran Janis Stinson as the nurturing Mama Lilly, energetic Rick Perkins as a combination narrator and manager, and Sara Kendrick as Williams' perky wife who can't carry a tune (a funny bit, but overextended).

The only novelty in Myler and Harelik's script is its explicit link between Williams and the black blues and gospel distilled from his Alabama hills. Otherwise, "Hank" boils down to the guy behind the microphone, and if Brian can elevate his acting to the level of his singing, this indeed will be a winner.

"Hank Williams: Lonely Highway" continues 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays through June 19. Zachary Scott Theatre, Kleberg Stage, 1421 Riverside Drive. $33-$51. 476-0541, ext. 1, www.zachscott.com.
— Michael Barnes

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