-by Brenda Hillegas
-photo by Mark Garvin
Whether you’re a Patsy Cline fan or just a music buff who loves to learn more about the singers behind the songs, Always…Patsy Cline is a sweet, funny, concert-like performance that you must see! The show, created by Ted Swindley, has toured all over the United States, including a successful run off-Broadway. According to American Theatre Magazine, it’s one of the most produced musicals in America. Walnut Street’s production, playing through May 15th is directed by South Philly native Debi Marcucci.
You know her music- “Crazy”, I Fall to Pieces”, “Back in Baby’s Arms” to name a few. Now come meet Patsy herself as Jenny Lee Stern once again channels the iconic musician for the Walnut stage. Stern has portrayed Cline many times before, including right at the Walnut in 2016. Between Stern’s experiences as the musician and roles like Joanne in the original Broadway cast of Rocky or Mary Delgado in Jersey Boys on tour, you know Patsy Cline is in good hands.
Always…Patsy Cline highlights bits of Cline’s history sprinkled in between songs as narrator Louise Seger (played enthusiastically by Walnut regular Rebecca Robbins) moves the story along. What you’re seeing on stage is actually a true story, not just a fabricated script put together for the purposes of highlighting Cline’s music. Two years prior to Cline’s tragic death, she befriended Louise before a performance in Texas.
This is the type of musical we all need to see right now- a sweet story about a real friendship that blossomed from a chance encounter and some familiar music that we already love. You’ll have fun clapping and singing along, laughing with the ladies on stage, and feeling like you’re at a Texas honky tonk right there with them! Spend some time with Patsy at the Walnut Street Theatre. Tickets are available here.
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