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Shirle Gottlieb - Press Telegram Correspondent
"Always...Patsy
Cline" will have you humming a fine tune
You don't have to be a fan of country music to enjoy Musical Theater West's "Always...Patsy Cline," playing through May 9 at the Carpenter Center.
"Patsy Cline" is a rousing example of popular entertainment. Featuring Christa Jackson in the title role, with Sally Struthers as Louise (her devoted fan and best friend), this production knocked the socks off the opening night audience as each performer strutted her stuff and commanded the stage for two solid hours.
Based on a true story written by Ted Swindley, "Patsy Cline" is a tender tribute that looks back over the singer's career after a tragic airplane crash ended her life when she was only 30 years old.
It may be a simple story, but as narrated by Louise, it is an absolute crackup. In short, Struthers' outstanding comedic skills are the perfect balance to the country western twang and vocal treatment of Jackson, who belts out each of her songs to the rafters.
Most fans of the Grand Ole Opry are familiar with country music favorites such as "Anytime," "Walkin" After Midnight,'' "I Fall to Pieces," "Your Cheatin" Heart'' and "Crazy." Jackson sings all of them in Cline's inimitable style, backed up by a five-piece band directed by Brian Baker.
The high energy created onstage explodes into the audience and becomes interactive. On given signals, everyone claps and sings along with great enthusiasm. At other times, Struthers pulls some unsuspecting guy up to dance with her, while Jackson comes down to flirt with men in the front row.
Although the set was provided by Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities, the fantastic lighting is the work of resident MTW designer Leigh Allen. As for Jackson's glitzy, show-biz outfits, they are the creations of MTW designer Carin Jacobs.
Yes, "Walkin" After Midnight'' was written almost half a century ago, but it's become a country classic that people were singing as they left the Carpenter Center. After you see "Always...Patsy Cline," you'll be humming it too.
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