Treat yourself to a musical that will leave you humming some of the most memorable country songs in music history. Always… Patsy Cline is a celebration of legendary country songstress Patsy Cline, complete with downhome humor and genuine emotion. The production at The Phoenix Theatre Company has a limited engagement from June 8 through Aug. 7, 2022.
Always…Patsy Cline is based on the true story of a friendship between Cline and Louise Seger, a fan who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk. The two wrote letters back and forth until Cline’s untimely death in a plane crash at the age of 30. The show’s title was inspired by Cline’s letters to Seger, which were regularly signed “Love always … Patsy Cline.” Tales of Cline’s life on the road are told with warm country wit and brought to life through her vibrant and iconic music.
“This sweet and nostalgic show gives audiences a peek inside the relationships of these two women, and the importance of the intimate connection this unlikely pair forged that lasted for the rest of Patsy’s life,” said Debra K. Stevens, the show’s director, who is making her directorial debut at The Phoenix Theatre Company. “This show means a lot to me because my mother introduced me to Patsy’s music. My goal is to not only celebrate Patsy as an artist, but also celebrate the value of true friendship in our lives.”
Cline gained notoriety when she won a talent competition in 1957 and appeared on the Arthur Godfrey TV show. Her success came relatively fast, appearing at the Grand Ole Opry and quickly becoming synonymous with country music. Cline is considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century and was one of the first country music artists to successfully cross over into pop music. In 1963, at the young age of only 30, Cline was killed in a small plane crash while flying home to Nashville after an engagement.
Always…Patsy Cline was created by Ted Swindley and first appeared off-Broadway in 1997. The two-person musical features 27 classic songs from Cline, including “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Back in Baby’s Arms.”
The Phoenix Theatre Company production features Valley favorites Cassie Chilton as Cline and Katie McFadzen as Seger. Chae Clearwood (Patsy Cline) and Amie Bjorklund (Louise) will serve as understudies for Chilton and McFadzen. The live music by the onstage band will be performed by Michelle Chin, Nathaniel De La Cruz, Andrew Gonzalez and Ken Skaggs, under the direction of conductor/music director Kevin White.
To provide patrons who would feel more comfortable in a fully masked and vaccinated environment with an opportunity to attend productions, the theatre has designated the following performances of Always…Patsy Cline as “Mask and Vaccination Required.” Those performances are Thursday, June 16 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 2 at 3 p.m.; Saturday, July 2 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 16 at 3 p.m.; Saturday, July 16 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 30 at 3 p.m.; and Saturday, July 30 at 8 p.m.
During these performances, masks and vaccines will be required for all patrons and staff in the lobby and theatres unless actively eating/drinking. No food or beverages will be allowed in the theatres. Patrons must also show proof of vaccination at their time of entry into the theatre with their valid ticket. “Fully vaccinated” means the performance date must be at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or at least 14 days after a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Exceptions are being made for children under 12 and people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination. These guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within six hours of the performance start time.
ASL/Audio Describe Night – Audio Description and American Sign Language Interpretation are available for each production. ASL/Audio Describe Night is Thursday, June 30, for Always…Patsy Cline.
ABOUT THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY
The Phoenix Theatre Company is the largest professional regional theatre company in the state. As the first arts organization in Arizona and a founding member of the Central Arts District, The Phoenix Theatre Company is committed to advancing performing arts in the Valley, with nearly 500 performances each year on multiple stages. Located at 1825 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix, The Phoenix Theatre Company’s mission is to create exceptional theatrical experiences by using the arts to articulate messages that inspire hope and understanding.
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