THE CAST

Folsom Prison Experience - johnny closeup

Johnny Cash

Jay Ernest

Folsom Prison Experience Cast - Kat Perkins​ as June Carter

June Carter

Kat Perkins

Folsom Prison Experience - warden bio

The Warden

DAN Hopman

Folsom Prison Experience - hugh bio

Radio DJ Hugh Cherry

Brad Erickson

Folsom Prison Experience - Statler Brothers

The Statler Brothers

Hitchville

Glen Sherley

Bronson Bergeson

guard bio cast 1

Edward The Guard

Ryan Nelson

guard bio 2

Ennis The Guard

Poppa Bear Norton

The Tennessee Three

Jonathon TeBeest, Tony Wirth & Eric Warner

Jay Ernest as Johnny Cash

With a music career spanning over 4,000 shows across 10 countries and 32 states, Jay Ernest has recorded on more than 20 albums and built a reputation as a world-class performer. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, Jay has lived in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Honolulu, and now resides in Minneapolis, where he fronts the award-winning tribute band Church of Cash.


Recognized as “Best Tribute Act” by the Midwest Country Music Organization and inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, Jay is dedicated to keeping the music alive. He also founded Jayder Records in 2008, producing albums for numerous artists.

Kat Perkins as June Carter

Nationally recognized from The Voice (Season 6), where she advanced to the finals, Kat Perkins has performed alongside Bon Jovi and entertained U.S. troops overseas.


In addition to her performing career, Kat founded The Rising Star Foundation in 2017 and runs her own music camp. She combines her passions for music and education to inspire the next generation.

Dan Hopman as The Warden

Dan Hopman is a seasoned stage actor whose credits include productions with the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre Company, Theatre Latte Da, The History Theatre, Park Square Theatre, Pillsbury House Theatre, MN Jewish Theatre Company, Gremlin Theatre, Walking Shadow Theatre Company, and the Playwright’s Center.


He is also a company member of Science Live! at the Science Museum of Minnesota—the oldest and longest-running live theatrical program in a museum in North America.

Brad Erickson as Radio DJ Hugh Cherry

A writer, actor, creator, and founder of History Comes to Life, Brad Erickson brings a diverse set of skills to the stage. His storytelling and leadership make him the perfect fit to play Hugh Cherry, the DJ tasked with keeping Folsom Prison’s most famous concert running smoothly.

The Statler Brothers

The Statler Brothers are brought to life by members of the country supergroup Hitchville: Matt Kneefe, Kris Stauffer, and Mike Johnson.

Bronson Bergeson as Multiple Characters

A world-class guitar player and touring musician, Bronson Bergeson has recorded in Nashville and performs regularly throughout the Midwest. In Folsom Prison Experience, he takes on multiple roles while showcasing the talent that makes him a sought-after session player and performer.

The Guards

Keeping the tension alive—and reminding everyone this isn’t just a concert, it’s Folsom—are our guards: Edward (played by Ryan Nelson) and Ennis (played by Zach Norton).

The Tennessee Three

The musicians behind Jay are the backbone of the show—and the powerhouse band behind Church of Cash. Together, this core trio channels the energy and precision of the original Tennessee Three, delivering a sound that could carry the night on its own.