The proscenium of the Welk Theater is a huge barn entrance. The center offers a raised stage framed by another barn-like background, representing many of Patsy Cline's singing venues. To the right of the stage is a bar interior and to the left is Louise Seger's kitchen. We are entering into the land and history of Miss Cline and about to hear a retrospective of her best songs in Always...Patsy Cline.
Louise Seger (Cissy King) is an ardent fan of Patsy Cline (Christa Jackson), since first hearing her sing on the "Arthur Godfrey Show" in 1957. Her daily hounding of a local Houston DJ to play Cline's records is legendary. In1961, Seger met Cline at a Houston club date. They struck up a friendship that lasted until Cline's untimely death in a plane crash in 1963.
The production is a revue of Cline's hits, with only the connective of Seger's memories. The upside here is 27 of Cline's best songs. The downside we don't have a chance to learn more about Cline, only about Seger's feelings about her -- he's the ultimate fan.
While I might disagree with the script concept, I certainly can only praise production. Cissy King is a delightful comedienne who commands the stage with a strong voice and physical antics; her charisma captures the audience. Her description of her car, "Sexy Dude," is a hilarious burlesque-like comedy routine of the kind that hasn't been on any stage in 60 years. The absolute awe King portrays upon meeting Cline for the first time is heartwarming. The development of their relationship is well scripted.
Christa Jackson quite simply becomes Patsy Cline. Jackson is blessed with an incredible singing voice and an ability to bring to the audience the nuances of Cline's signing style, as well as a stage presence that was a keynote of the country and western star. Jackson also manages many fast costume changes in the first act as we follow Cline's early successes.
Always...Patsy Cline is so completely in a revue format that there are even two scripted encores, "If You've Got Leavin' On Your Mind" and "Bill Bailey." Other hits include "Anytime," "Walkin' After Midnight." "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Crazy," and "Shake, Rattle, and Roll." All of this made possible by "The Bodacious Bobcats Band" comprised of Joe Bob on piano, Jim Bob on steel guitar, Billy Bob on lead guitar, Ray Bob on fiddle, and Bob Bob on drums (Justin Gray, Doug Meyer, Vince Cooper, Dennis Caplinger, and Mike Masessa).
Andrew Hammer's set design is a great backdrop for the show; a perfect environment for Miss Patsy Cline. Her costumes and shoes, coordinated by Carlotta Malone, help define the character. Anika Catania's props, which populate the set, compliment the characters and the time period.
Welk Theater has mounted a very happy show that will be enjoyed by a wide audience, even those that missed the short career of Patsy Cline.
