The popular musical is a must-see in southern Colorado this summer
The iconic music of Patsy Cline is brought to life on stage at Creede Repertory Theatre this summer in the musical Always … Patsy Cline. Theatergoers are welcomed to the Grand Ole Opry stage by a four-piece band. Then, a young Patsy Cline enters the stage and sings one of her classics leaving all in awe of her voice.
The band remains on stage throughout the two-act musical that consists of a cast of two characters – Patsy and her friend Louise. Ted Swindley’s play is based on the true, yet unlikely friendship between Patsy and Louise. It is heartfelt story told by Louise, who fell in love with Patsy’s voice the first time she heard it on her black-and-white television.
The set design is brilliant, with rotating panels on stage left and right. When a panel turns, the audience is transported to Louise’s kitchen, where Louise narrates the story. As Louise talks, Patsy and the band are center stage at the Grand Ole Opry, where Patsy’s songs move the story along. The design also allows for the actors to break the fourth wall to bring the audience into the play — just as a performer would at a concert.
Louise is brilliantly performed by Caitlin Wise, who steals the show with her larger-than-life characterization of a star-struck fan who truly cares about Patsy. Louise wants to see Patsy succeed, and she also wants to see her happy. We watch as Louise recalls everything about her infatuation with the singer. She tells of how she called the radio station every day to request Patsy’s music and how she drove out to a venue to see her perform.
Throughout the narration, Patsy, performed by Emily Van Fleet, sings songs that coincide with the action on stage. Van Fleet portrays a melancholy Patsy who enjoys her success, yet longs for friendship and family. Her voice transports the audience to the late 1950s, making them believe they are seeing Patsy Cline on stage and experiencing her live and in person.
Yet, Always … Patsy Cline is so much more than a tribute performance to the star. It is the story of true friendship amidst fame. It’s no surprise to the audience when Louise wiggles her way into Patsy’s life, becoming the perfect host to the somewhat lonely singer. Wise’s performance of Louise makes the character lovable and hilarious. She swings her hips right into the audience’s hearts, as Van Fleet sings her way in. The crowd experiences their chance meeting and one night together in the two-hour show.
Always … Patsy Cline is on the Mainstage at Creede. It is the larger of two theaters, but it is still an intimate venue. If you are going to Creede Reperatory Theatre this summer, this should be a must see on your list of shows.
Debra Mayeux is an award-winning journalist who has covered news, events and the arts in both broadcast and print format during the past 30 years at media companies throughout the Four Corners region. She also is an actor with 40 years of experience on stage.
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