Erin McCracken as Patsy Cline             Photos by John Vecchiolla

                                 By Ed Lieberman

The Westchester Broadway Theatre’s latest production is Always . . .Patsy Cline, a tribute to the famous country singer, whose life was tragically cut short in a plane crash in 1963, at the age of 30. Cline, who was the first woman inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, was “discovered” after winning an audition to appear on the “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” TV ahow in 1957. It was her performance on that show that captivated a Houston housewife, Louise Seger, and led to the unlikely (true life) relationship between the two that forms the backstory of the show.

As described, Ms. Seger was so taken by Cline’s voice on the Godfrey show that she would call her local radio station every day to have them play her favorite Cline tunes until one day the exasperated DJ mentioned to her that her idol was going to be performing at a local honky tonk. She was so excited that she and the friends she commanded to attend with her arrived 90 minutes before the show to get a table “right up front.” By coincidence, Cline was traveling alone and also arrived early. Seger shyly invited Cline to join them in the still-empty room, and they struck up a friendship that led to her staying over with Seger that night before flying out to her next gig. Although they exchanged information in the morning, Seger did not expect to hear back from her idol, but Cline wrote to her two weeks later, beginning a penpal relationship that was to last until Cline’s death. The title of the show, Always . . . Patsy Cline, comes from the way Cline ended her letters to Seger. 

Erin McCracken as Patsy Cline with band members and Susann Fletcher as Louise Seger

Always, is a two character jukebox musical, with Seger’s character, played endearingly by Susann Fletcher, providing the filler between the 27 songs (or snippets thereof) sung by Erin McCracken, in the title role. McCracken ably handles the Cline repertoire, but the show is stolen by Ms. Fletcher, who displays a great sense of humor, the sassiness of a single mom in 1950’s rural Texas, and the adoration she held for her idol. She even trolled the audience for dance partners!

Unlike other WBT productions, the usual orchestra was given the month off, with the musical accompanyment provided by a quartet known as the “Bodacious Bobcat Band,” led by Ken Lundie, Musical Director. The set was minimal, consisting of a jukebox (only “used” once), a table, which served as both a kitchen table at the Seger home and for the audience at the honky tonk, and some minimal decoration. The Band was, as expected, onstage, as they would be as a backup band at a Cline performance. Costumes, by Heidi Giarlo, accurately depicted the cowgirl outfits famously worn by Ms. Cline.

Patsy Cline had a meteoric career. Millions of her albums sold after her death, and according to the Playbill, she holds the distinction of having the #1 Jukebox hit of all time for her signature song, “Crazy,” and holds the record for “most weeks on the US charts for an album by a female artist of any genre in history.” For those who are Patsy Cline fans, this show will provide an emotional connection with a performer who tragically left the scene so many years ago. For those unfamiliar with Patsy Cline’s music, this is a pleasant way to become acquainted with country music, in general, and Patsy Cline’s songbook, in particular, which includes such country classics as the aforementioned “Crazy,” “Honky Tonk Merry Go Round,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” and “I Fall to Pieces,” among many, many others.

It is suitable for all ages.

Always . . .Patsy Cline will be at WBT until February 28, 2016. Performances are Thursday-Sunday, with matinees Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. WBT is at 1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford, NY.

Box Office: (914) 592-2268. www.broadwaytheatre.com.

Comng soon:           MAN OF LA MANCHA   March 3 – May 1, 2016