By ALAN SMASON, Theatre Critic, WYES-TV (“Steppin’ Out“)
Three years ago the National World War II Museum’s entertainment staff decided to move away from the standard fare they offered, which was mostlyWorld War II-centric material. While the mission of the museum is to recall the triumph of the “Greatest Generation,” it makes sense to market productions that resonate with younger markets. but who would still appreciate a show with good production standards and values.
One of the first of the productions aimed at this different demographic was the 2015 two-person show Always, Patsy Cline, a show that first appeared on New Orleans stages as a presentation of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society. The entire cast reappears from now through March 25, reprising their roles again at B.B.’s Stage Door Canteen.
The premise of this piece by playwright Ted Swindley, who has marketed the work for the past three decades is simple. Patsy Cline (Margaret Belton), the woman who rose from obscurity in Virginia to become a bona fide country music legend, is seen as both the multiple-platinum selling singer and a real life, down-to-earth woman working hard to support her family and find her way in life.
The memory play is told through the eyes of the second character Louise Seger (Caroline Fourmy), an obsessed fan who gets to share a memorable night with Cline and became her pen pal until her untimely death in a plane crash. The story is based on “Honky Tonk Angel: The Intimate Story of Patsy Cline” by Ellis Nassour.
The show is a treasure trove of Cline favorites such as “Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces” and “Walking After Midnight,” but, above all, is an opportunity for Belton to sing songs based on Cline’s best-sellers and some that even diehard fans might not have known she recorded. Belton has been singing Cline classics for some time with her own group, The Patsychords, so her songs are not imitations, but, instead, heartfelt tributes to the legendary singer.
Belton’s voice is lovely and her backing group of The Bodacious Bobcats is quite handily filled by Stoo Odom on bass, Chris Lacinak on drums, Pete Rose on electric guitar, David Easley on pedal steel guitar and pianist Josh Wexler, who serves as music director. The band is superb accompaniment to Belton’s rich and harmonious voice.
From the opening in a red cowgirl outfit with Western hat, white boots and white trim, Belton has a succession of costume changes that are perfect enhancements to her singing. The costumes executed by Victoria Reed’s entertainment staff include a yellow pair of yellow three-quarter length pants and a matching yellow neckerchief with a red-checkered Western shirt, a pink suit as well as a blue and white dress with an attractive rhinestone belt and a white sweater attractively draped over her shoulders.
Belton reaches out to the audience as she sings over a radio microphone and announces “I’m back where I belong, back in baby’s arms” as she launches in the song “Back in Baby’s Arms.” Later, Seger’s character recounts on the first time she caught Cline over the Arthur Godfrey TV show, “My God. That’s how I’ve always wanted to sing,” she exclaims gleefully.
We see a simpatico between the two even before they meet. In real life, Seger and Cline had a lot in common beside similar upbringing in rural areas. They both were recently divorced and they each had two children they were raising on their own. “I’ve never heard a voice that impressed me so,” Seger remarks after hearing Cline’s performance of “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Even the title Always, Patsy Cline is a reference to the fact that the two were pen pals and that was the way Cline typically ended her missives to Seger.
The show has the big Cline numbers we expect, but also touches on Cline’s deeply spiritual beliefs too. She sings “How Great Thou Art” and “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” to reinforce that part of her career.
Some interesting choices for song selections include Neil Sedaka’s “Stupid Cupid” and “Bill Bailey” that closes out the review.
BB’s Stage Door Canteen continues its tribute shows in coming months with the next two shows set to honor the memories of Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison.
Always, Patsy Cline continues at B.B’s Stage Door Canteen the National World War II Museum on weekends now through March 25. For ticket information call 504-528-1943 or click here. There are meal options for evening shows, while the Sunday show comes with a brunch.
