'Hank Williams' lives again at 6th Street

But “Hank Williams: Lost Highway,” now playing at Santa Rosa's 6th Street Playhouse, is more than a tribute concert for two reasons:

First, the script has depth. Co-written by Marcus Frank Harelik and Sebastopol native Randal Myler, and previously produced off Broadway, the show captures both the rough comedy and abject tragedy of the country singer's short life and spectacular career. Hank comes across as human, not an icon.

Second, director Elizabeth Craven's hybrid cast of experienced actors and polished musicians has become a single cohesive troupe. The singers and musicians act, the actors sing and play, and it all comes together.

Tahmus Rounds stars as Hank Williams and, like Myler, the show's co-author, Rounds has some local history. In the ‘80s, Rounds performed under Craven's direction at Sonoma State University. Since then, he has established himself as an actor in Los Angeles, appearing in guest supporting roles on prime-time TV shows.

Looking rough and ruddy, Rounds takes Williams from a rowdy kid who loves the blues to a jaded, wasted star who has lost his way. His antics aren't always admirable, but Rounds never allows the audience to lose sight of the character's essential innocence and inexperience.

While some theater-goers' post-show chatter might center on how accurately Rounds mimics Williams' recorded vocals, that's really beside the point. Rounds captures the raw spirit of the music, without any hint of exaggeration or self-conscious imitation.

The supporting cast is very strong: Mollie Boice as Williams' iron-willed mother, John Craven as his ambitious but benevolent record producer, Arnold House as the country blues singer who mentors Williams, local singer Shannon Rider Urquhart as Williams' troublesome wife, Audrey, and Kendall Carroll as a truckstop waitress who has one memorable encounter with the star.

Two of Williams' backup musicians are also important characters in the play: Hoss, the bassist, played by Tim Sarter, and Jimmy. the guitarist, played by the show's musical director, Jim Peterson. As Williams' companions from the beginning, they help the audience follow his rise and decline.

The opening-night audience cheered for violinist and mandolinist Chris Rovetti as gawking, stooping Leon, who seems unimpressive until he breaks into his virtuoso instrumental solos.

Steel guitarist Dave Zirbel rounds out the band. Like Peterson, he also performed in last year's local hit production of “Always, Patsy Cline.” Co-produced by 6th Street and Petaluma's Cinnabar Theater, the show had three sold-out runs in Santa Rosa and Petaluma, then went on to a successful one-night stand at Wells Fargo Center.

Yes, classic country music can fill the house, but what really makes both of these shows worthwhile is that they're also good theater, with a powerful story, strong emotions and solid stagecraft.

For “Hank Williams: Lost Highway,” scenic designer David Lear has created a stunning three-part set, with a country shack on one side, a truckstop on the other, and a stage in the center, which serves as honkytonk, radio station and Grand Ole Opry, as needed.

For some scenes, set at a fishing hole or a highway at night, the audience must use its imagination, and subtle lighting design by Theo Bridant makes that work.

Pamela Johnson's costume designs mirror the careers of Williams and his band with matching stage outfits that become progressively more expensive-looking as Williams' fame increases.

The mostly comedic first act goes by faster than the more tragic second act, but the show maintains a steady pace and delivers a big finish.

The show's score mixes in some traditional folk, blues and gospel with Hank's classic country hits — “Lovesick Blues,” “Honkytonk Blues,” “I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love with You),” “Jambalaya” and the rest.

And yet, the gospel finale, “I Saw the Light,” with the entire cast (and some of the audience) singing along, gives the show one of its most powerful moments.

You can reach Staff Writer Dan Taylor at 521-5243 or dan.taylor@pressdemocrat.com. See his ARTS blog at http://arts.blogs.pressdemocrat.com.