Review: Theatre By The Sea's 'Always... Patsy Cline' Sure to Make the Hit Parade

It's Texas in 1957, and a young mother hears a voice unlike anything she's heard before on a TV show called "Talent Scouts." Little does she know that a few years later, thanks to the owner of that voice, her life would change.

Lousie Seger (Mary Callanan) hears the early music of Patsy Cline (Meagan Lewis-Michelson) and is instantly a fan. When Louise discovers that Miss Cline will be coming to her neck of the woods to a big honky-tonk (dancehall typically playing country music), she and her friends plan a night out to see the star.

"Always... Patsy Cline" chronicles the based-on-a-true story of an unlikely (by modern standards) friendship between a country music star and one of her devoted fans. Told in Lousie's words exclusively, it gives an insight into what must have been a magical experience for the fan while highlighting a good portion of Cline's iconic musical stylings. While not a traditional jukebox musical, this production nevertheless has its charm and warmth at its center, mostly because of the actors portraying the star and fan.

Louise and her boss, plus a few friends, arrive at the dancehall an hour and a half early to grab the best table in the house. She notices a young gal dressed to the nines checking the place out; this is the legendary Patsy Cline, and, of course Louise invites her over to her table for some chat and a Schlitz beer. Delighting all of them with her down to earth attitude, Patsy eventually does her show, and later tries to call a cab to return her to her hotel in Dallas, which is miles away. Louise offers to host her for the evening at her place, but not before begging Patsy to give an impromptu interview at the local radio station (where Louise annoys the local DJ to play Miss Cline's records multiple times a day).

The ploy works: After a night of chatting about being single mothers in 1961 (apparently both of their husbands were losers), they reach the radio station, to the shock of the DJ. He's willing to interview such a huge country music star; it's gotta be good for listeners, right?

After the early morning interview, Louise gets Patsy to her hotel room to change, pack, and get on her plane back home. They regularly write each other about what's happening in their lives. Cline's signature sign off informs the title of the musical, as she finishes each note with "love, always... Patsy Cline." Their correspondence continued until the star's untimely death in a plane crash in 1963.

Callanan is a perfect choice for Louise, a brash but loving mother who truly loves her country music. Her performance is outstanding, as she addresses the audience and regales us with funny tales about her experiences.

Lewis-Michelson rarely speaks; she sings for the most part, and when she does, it's pure magic. She has nailed the trademark Cline phrasing in each song, belting out tunes like "I Fall to Pieces" and "Crazy," which many will recognize as signature songs from her repertoire. Her Cline is almost a ghost on the radio, but she manages to hold the audience rapt for each song, which is truly a grand feat.

Theatre by the Sea regular Kat Moser-Priddy directs the Ted Swindley-penned show, and, as the actors are flanked by a group of talented musicians, this show will truly entertain fans of Cline and country alike.

"Always... Patsy Cline" is running through June 21st at Theatre By The Sea, 245 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. For information or tickets call 401-782-8587 or visit www.theatrebythesea.com