author: Leonard Taube
Few singers can boast the title of one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century, as well as one of the first country music artists to cross over into pop music. Of course I’m talking about the legendary Patsy Cline, an American singer from the state of Virginia who had several major hits during her 8-year recording career including two number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country and Western Sides chart. With a career starting at the tender age of 15, to her first recording contract with the Four Star label in 1954, to her first national television appearance in 1957, to her untimely death in a plane crash in 1963 at the age of 30, Patsy Cline will forever be endeared to fans who fondly remember such hits as “Walkin’ After Midnight”, “I Fall to Pieces”, and “Crazy.”
Dundalk Community Theater (CCBC-Dundalk) is currently putting on the show “Always…Patsy Cline”. This jukebox musical revue is based on the true story of Patsy Cline’s friendship with fan Louise Seger and takes place during 1957-1963 to the present. Chronicling the relationship between the two women peppered with a large number of songs, “Always…Patsy Cline” is set in Louise Seger’s home in Texas and various locations from Patsy Cline’s career. This reviewer was pleasantly surprised with the story, staging and wonderful rendition of the songs performed with heart and soul. The audience at the show this reviewer attended was a predominantly older clientele who applauded and cheered loudly after the first few words of many of the songs, bringing back pleasant memories of an artist they may have listened to back in the day. But you don’t have to be of a geriatric persuasion to enjoy the music. It’s an endearing show about a special relationship and the timeless hits of the late Ms. Cline.
Director Eric J. Potter hits the mark with this production, eliciting lots of laughter and applause from the house. This is basically a two-woman show, which can be tricky without others to play off, but Potter seamlessly takes you from Louise’s narration into the various numbers and at times the two women have scene together full of heart and, yes, more songs. Potter coaxes the best of his two principals and the result is a masterful show of storytelling and song.
Set Designer and all things Tech guru Marc Smith (so much an institution at DCT that there is an entire room outside the theatre dedicated to his 50+ year career complete with photos of pasts sets and some of the blueprints he’s worked with to create his masterpieces), has put together a realistic set boasting a 60’s era kitchen, jukebox and centered with a raised platform where live musicians provide the musical accompaniment for all of the numbers under a large “Grand Ole Opry” sign. Music balance with vocals is top notch as is the lighting. No issues as far as this eye/ear could detect except for some occasional microphone high pitch feedback that quickly dissipated.
The musicians noted above are top notch at their craft and are known (in the show at least) as The Bodacious Bobcats Band consisting of Jim Kraus (Joe Bob & also the Music Director), Jamie Williams (Billie Bob), Chris Peterson (Jim Bob), Matthew Carroll (Jay Bob), Mike Feathers (Bob Bob) and Kelee Robers (Ray Bob). A piano, guitar, side guitar, bass, drums and fiddle provide all you need for a honkytonk sound that will get you on your feet.
Costumer Eva Grove has put together a sensible outfit that a Texas housewife might have worn at the time for Louise, but it’s with Patsy Cline’s costumes where she truly shines. Grove has put together some gorgeous dresses and outfits for Cline to wear throughout the show, some of which are literally quite stunning.
Louise Seger (played by Maribeth Vogel) is large, loud and lovable. Vogel endears herself to you with that Texas twang of an accent as she moves about her kitchen, shakes her “assets” and regales you with her love of Patsy Cline. She even gets to share some of Patsy’s numbers as part of the show, and at times comes down into the house to either rouse everyone up or snatch up one lucky man to dosido with. Super fan she is, and Vogel, in channeling this divorced Texas housewife, does not disappoint with her high energy and penchant for narration.
Step aside y’all, Patsy Cline is in the house! The woman herself is played with startling likeness by renowned actress Tiffany Walker Porta Burrows. With a strong country music voice, affectation, and manner, Burrows is made for this role. Not only does she have an entire show’s worth of songs committed to memory (no easy task), but she delivers them with strong belts and smooth tones one after the other after the other. Burrows elicited hoots and hollers from the house at each song’s end and received a standing ovation at curtain call. Such is the power of her voice and her ability to connect to the audience by simply singing her way through hit after hit. Delightful to watch and a joy to listen to, Burrows is a standout.
Brief cameos are made by DJ Hal Harris (Wayne Ivusich) and his wife Mrs. Harris (costumer Eva Grove). Only on stage briefly, this dynamic duo makes for some good, albeit brief, comedy.
Final verdict? “Always…Patsy Cline” is an enjoyable way to time warp back to a simpler time. Sit back and enjoy the songs, listen to the story, clap your hands and enjoy. It will leave you feeling good and is a show that you’ll remember, as Patsy Cline signed her letters to Louise, always.
Running Time: 2 hours with one intermission
Always…Patsy Cline plays through November 3rd 2024 with Dundalk Community Theatre located on the campus of the Community College of Baltimore County Dundalk in the John E. Ravekes Theatre— 7200 Sollers Point Road in Dundalk, MD. Tickets are available for purchase by calling the box office at (443) 840-2787 or by purchasing them in advance online.
