‘Patsy Cline’ at Salem is funny, touching tribute

By LORRAINE WARDLE

entertainment @vindy.com

SALEM

You don’t have to be a fan of country music to appreciate legend Patsy Cline or to enjoy Salem Community Theatre’s latest production, “Always ... Patsy Cline.”

“Always ... Patsy Cline,” written by Ted Swindley, is a theatrical homage to the renowned singer that everyone can enjoy. Friday’s opening night performance of the upbeat, swinging musical had audience members singing along all night.

A funny and touching tribute, narrated by one of Cline’s most-devoted fans and friends, “Always ... Patsy Cline” is a neat blend of theater and live concert performance. The play shifts between narration and song, creating a nice balance that keeps the show both interesting and fast-paced.

The play is based on the true story of Cline’s friendship with Louise Seger. Louise, the narrator, was a single mother in Houston in 1961. She describes how she became a devoted fan after hearing Patsy Cline sing on television. When Louise discovers that Patsy is giving a concert in Houston, Louise is the first one there. The two women meet and begin a friendship that is continued through letters until Cline’s untimely death in 1963.

Throughout the play, Patsy’s songs are interspersed in Louise’s narration. At times, Louise and Patsy interact, and at others, Patsy sings alone to accompany Louise’s narration.

There are only two women in the cast, Patsy and Louise. Director Gary Kekel had a difficult task: to find a strong actress who can also sing and an amazing singer who can also act. Luckily for Kekel, he found Julie Benner and Connie Cassidy.

Benner, as Louise, was over-the-top but sweet and sincere. She delivered her lines with perfect comic timing and a serious Southern accent. Her narration carried the play along, sometimes light and funny, and sometimes somber.

As the title role and singing half of the duo, Cassidy played Patsy Cline as a normal hometown girl. She was straight-forward and strong-willed, as well as kind and gracious.

Cassidy is a powerful singer, with a low voice appropriate for Cline’s music. She was able to evoke Patsy Cline to her audience as both a real person and a great singer.

A production of “Always ... Patsy Cline” would not be complete without a good ol’ country band. And The Bodacious Bobcats Band was amazing. So often, community-theater productions lack strong, musical back-up of an orchestra. But, the members of this band were extremely talented and rehearsed. They could have been the band for a professional country artist.

Kekel, as sound designer, mixed the sound so the band blended together and with Cassidy’s singing perfectly. They even sang a little, too, in perfect harmony.

Nearly 50 years after her death, Patsy Cline remains one of the most well-known and respected county- music artists in history. To Seger, she was that and more.

“Always ... Patsy Cline” is an intimate show that celebrates both Cline’s career and Seger’s friendship with her.

“Always ... Patsy Cline” continues today and next Sunday at 2 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. For reservations, call 330-332-9688.