OnStage Playhouse opens its 2015-16 season with “Always …Patsy Cline.” It’s much more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.
The musical play, complete with down-home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walking After Midnight.” There are 27 songs in all.
The show’s title was inspired by Cline’s letters to Seger, which were signed “Love Always … Patsy Cline.”
Originally produced by Ted Swindley, the show premiered in 1988 and has since played across the United States, including more than a year off-Broadway in New York City and more than a year to sold-out shows nightly in Nashville.
Essential to the OnStage production is Debbie David’s musical rendition of Cline’s famous songs. The actor/singer captures the rich tone and expressive voice of one of America’s most-respected female vocalists. David reveals the “country gal” side of Cline. The role of the fanatic fan and Cline’s friend, lively Louise Seger, is portrayed by Susan Bray. She shares with the audience her energy and excitement at spending time with Cline.
A fun, foot-tapping part of the show is the performance of “The Bodacious Bobcats,” the five-member band that plays onstage for Cline. The members alternate among Kirk Valles and Michael Seaman at the piano, Tim “Steel Bone” Cook on the steel guitar and trombone, Josh Vasquez and Raynald Marte on the guitar, Marc Encabo on the bass, Dan Sankey on the fiddle, and Ed Reeves and Paul Kimbaro on the drums. Their lively music adds an authentic touch to the iconic songs.
Director Melinda Gilb’s pacing moves smoothly from songs to the spoken word. Her acting background undoubtedly contributes to the authenticity and pathos of the play.
“Always … Patsy Cline” marks the OnStage directorial debut of San Diego favorite Gilb.
The set includes Seger’s kitchen, the Grand Ole Opry and the Esquire Ballroom. The 1960s Western scenes transport the audience to the time period. Valles (“Into the Woods,” Pickwick Players) provides musical direction and artistic director Teri Brown is the producer.
Audience members were enthusiastic, especially in regard to the lead actors, David and Bray
Two long-time subscribers of OnStage commented how much they liked the energy of the play. One said, “Debbie is perfect for the role.” Another member of the audience said that the Patsy Cline single “I Fall to Pieces” is one of the first records he ever bought.
Pay-in-advance online tickets are $17 (student/senior/military) and $20 (general admission), with group rates available. Pay-at-the-door prices are $20 (student/senior/military) and $23 (general admission). Curtain times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July 26.
OnStage Playhouse is located on historic Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista, within walking distance of many restaurants for pre- and post-show dining. Parking is readily available on nearby streets or several city lots.
