Story of country legend Roger Miller to premiere in Laguna

The year is 1966 and wisecracking novelty songwriter Roger Miller is at the peak of his career with multiple Grammy Awards under his cowboy belt and his own prime-time variety television show. Life looks great on the outside, but behind the scenes is a different story, as seen in the new play “King of the Road: the Roger Miller Story.”

Written by Cort Casady and Miller’s wife, Mary Miller, the true story about the man who introduced hits such as “Dang Me” and “Kansas City Star” to the world, will have its world premiere this week at the Laguna Playhouse. Previews will open Wednesday, April 19, and regular performances will run April 22-May 14.

The play begins with Roger, played by actor Jesse Johnson, during the most successful era of his career when everything seems to be going right – despite his heavy use of drugs and alcohol. The stage will be set to look like his hit ABC television show “The Roger Miller Show,” with flashback scenes in his dressing room and home that present various events that led to his success.

When he is visited by the spirit of his younger self, played by actor Braxton Baker, Miller is forced to face his demons, confront his self-destructive tendencies and accept love from others. The second act will fast-forward the audience to 1991 at the Birchmere music hall in Virginia, during one of the last performances of his life before he died of lung cancer in 1992.

Actor Jesse Johnson was cast in the lead role after director Andrew Barnicle saw him perform in the band of the Laguna Playhouse play “I’m Still Getting My Act Together” in 2015. Johnson, the son of actor Don Johnson and actress Patti D’Arbanville, said he did not initially know who Miller was, so he will bring his own portrayal to the part.

“I didn’t really go deep down the rabbit hole with studying his movements and personality on videos and stuff, because I want an authentic performance that is me, rather than a Roger mimic,” said Johnson.

With more than 20 live songs featured in the show, the lead role demands a lot of singing and guitar-playing, which Johnson said has not been a problem since he has played in bands since high school. Backed by a five-piece band, Johnson will perform alongside his real-life best friend, Trevor Wheetman, who will play the role of “Thumbs” Carlille, Miller’s longtime friend and musical director.

Johnson, 34, and Wheetman, 36, grew up in Colorado and attended Aspen Community School together, where they performed with one another in musical theater. Although Johnson lives in Los Angeles and Wheetman lives in Nashville today, they have remained close friends, which Wheetman said helps bring a special dynamic to their roles, since Roger and Thumbs were good friends.

“Trevor came to my school when I was in fourth grade and booked the lead in our school musical that year. He’s always been an incredible musician and actor,” said Johnson, “We’ve been thick as thieves since we met – I even gave a best man speech at his wedding.”

This play will be the first time both actors have joined each other on stage since grade school. Wheetman said he has always been a fan of Miller and his music, and he hopes the play will shed light on the Grammy and Tony Award-winning country legend for those who are not familiar with his work.

“The play is not highly biographical in my opinion – it’s not following his life chronologically. But there are key things to learn about him, especially the parts that show his struggle and success,” said Johnson, “I really hope we give his songs justice too, so the audience can enjoy his fun lyrics.”

Miller is best known for his comical novelty songs, such as “Chug-a-Lug” and “England Swings,” as well as hit country classics, such as the chart-topping “King of the Road.” He also wrote and performed several of the songs for the 1973 Disney animated film “Robin Hood,” and in 1983, he acted in and wrote the music and lyrics for the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Big River.”

Miller privately struggled with depression, insomnia and addiction, which often resulted in him canceling shows and even walking off stage during his concerts. Such events and struggles will be presented in the play.

“I hope the play introduces this profound musician that has had such a large effect on the American culture and see the remarkable talent he was,” Johnson said. “For people familiar with him, I hope it kicks off the feelings of their adolescence of growing up with Roger, and maybe bring back memories of the glory days.”

‘King of the Road: The Roger Miller Story’

Where: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road

When: Previews Wednesday, April 19-Friday, April 21; regular performances Saturday, April 22-May 14. Curtain times 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 5:30 p.m. April 23 and 30, 1 p.m. May 7 and 14

How much: $66-$81

Call: 949-497-2787

Online: lagunaplayhouse.com