Theatrical Review: “Always…Patsy Cline”

ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE
Written by Ted Swindley
Director: Michael-Alan Read
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented “Always…Patsy Cline” as a musical revue and tribute to the country music star who died at the age of 30 in a plane crash. I must admit, I don’t particularly care for country music so I am not among those who came into the show as a fan of Ms. Cline. But, by the show’s end, I came to appreciate her and her music a great deal more then I thought I would.

The tribute to Ms. Cline were presented not only by a re creation of her songs by Erin Parker, but by the point of view of a devoted fan Louise Seger (portrayed by Liza Grando) from whom we learn more about the influence she had among those who admired her and her talent. As a matter of fact, the impressive talent of the two actresses on stage made the presentation much more interesting than those of lesser skills could have made it. Ms. Grando’s performance could have easily gone way over the top making her role more of a caricature than a character, but the complex subtleties making up humanity was evident throughout the show.

Ms. Parker’s performance was as equally impressive as it was intriguing. It would not be quite accurate to say her portrayal of Patsy Cline was a biographical one as the nature of as it was largely based upon the Louis Seger’s understanding of whom Patsy Cline was and not necessarily of what she was really like. This may have seemed like a flaw in the production but for the interesting approach Ms. Parker gave to the character. While Ms. Parker demonstrated Patsy Cline’s to be quite accessible to those she contacted in a very human way, she also had a certain aloofness which is often created by fans who place the object of their fascination on a slightly elevated pedestal. This vision is what many fans often hold on to even when their favorite celebrities are shown to have feet made of clay and lives made out of…. Well, you know.

The musicians in the show consisted of Ronan Mariano* on Piano who portrayed Joe Bob and served as the production’s Music Director, Robin A. Kessler* on Guitar who portrayed Billy Bob, Chris Pavlishin on Guitar who portrayed Jim Bob, and Marshal Haskall on drums who portrayed Bob Bob.

The Shawnee Playhouse* production of “Always…Patsy Cline” by Ted Swindley was Directed by Michael-Alan Read and Stage Managed by Josh Daniels who also served the Company Manager. The Technical Director was Scot Cleaveland with Alex Wilson as Spot Light Operator. The Production’s Interns were Luke Swierczek, Lydia Watson, and Michael Demyan*. The Shawnee Playhouse* producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while group Sales of their productions are handled by Mary Horn* (who also served as a member of the Box Office Staff) while The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer*. The Box office staff includes Becky Haskell, Barbara Ross, and Melinda Clemente. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse* is Midge McClosky*.

This production of “Always…Patsy Cline” by Ted Swindley continues its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until July 12th and is based upon a true story. Even if you’re not a fan of country music or of Patsy Cline, I would recommend seeing this play. The music is interesting and the acting is even more so. In combination, the experience of seeing this revue makes for a very interesting time at the theatre. The next Shawnee Playhouse* presentations will be their production of “Camelot” presented June 26th - August 9th, “Wit” presented July 10th - August 2nd, “Dames at Sea” presented July 24th - August 30th, and Sylvia” presented August 7th - 30th. In addition to these productions, “The Jungle Book” will be presented July 10th - August 22nd as part of their children’s theatrical offerings. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee of The Shawnee Playhouse* Productions (excluding Children Theatrical Productions and those presented by non Shawnee Production Companies). Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

Photograph provided by The Shawnee Playhouse and depicts Erin Parker and Liza Grando.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.