A true testament to womanhood, friendships and enduring courage, “Always…Patsy Cline” warmed the audiences’ hearts this Sunday at the Luhrs Performing Arts Center.
Cindy Summers and Misty Rowe joined together on stage as Patsy Cline (Summers) and Lousie Seger (Rowe). Cline was an American singer and country music legend in the 1960s, a pioneer for the “Nashville Sound,” which is a combination of country and pop music. Her rising career was cut short due to an airplane crash, which led to the deaths of four individuals, including Cline, at the young age of 30 years old. The play follows the narrative of fan and friend Louise, whose keen interest for Cline’s music led them to meet and become close confidants during their trials and tribulations in life and love.
Louise’s recollections brought good, old-fashioned country humor, and Cline’s songs brought the audience back to a simpler time. From her iconic hits like “I Fall to Pieces,” “Crazy” and “Walking After Midnight,” to her feel-good “Back In Baby’s Arms” and a cover of Connie Francis’ “Stupid Cupid.” This was a true honky-tonk tribute.
The show also featured a live band, including Paul Haaker, Karl Kimmel, Darrin Newhardt and Tom Versen. The audience got to sing, and even dance along, with Louise, Cline and the band, creating a beautiful, heartfelt experience, just as Cline did all those years ago.
For more information about the “Always… Patsy Cline” show, contact the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.