Stages Repertory Theatre Kicks Off 40th Anniversary Season with ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE

Always...Patsy Cline, one of the most often performed stage productions in the U.S., makes a triumphant return to Stages Repertory Theatre-where it had its world premiere-to kick off the theatre's 40th Anniversary Season. Written by Stages' Founding Artistic Director Ted Swindley, and directed by Stages' current Artistic Director Kenn McLaughlin, the internationally-acclaimed musical is based on the true story of an unlikely friendship between the beloved country singer and a Houston fan.

Always...Patsy Cline premiered as a one-act play on July 11, 1988, at the theatre's current facility. "Patsy belongs at Stages," McLaughlin said. "It started here, our audiences ask for it day after day, and the pure theatrical joy and exuberance that radiate from this play are such an important part of Stages' history and identity. I must confess that I love this play as much as the thousands of Houstonians who have made it the phenomenon that it is."

Always...Patsy Cline is based on the true story of Cline's friendship with Houstonian Louise Seger, a devoted superfan who met Cline while she was performing in Houston. After an evening of singing and soul searching, Seger and Cline began a friendship that lasted until the star's death in 1963. Deemed "a song-filled valentine" by the Los Angeles Times, the production features 27 of Cline's unforgettable chart-topping hits and the return of audience favorite Susan Koozin in the role of Louise, which she has played in every Stages production of the show since 2003.

Koozin (The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Grey Gardens, Steel Magnolias) is joined by Kelley Peters as Patsy Cline, following on the heels of Peters' star turn in Stages' recent productions of The Honky Tonk Angels and The Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular, also written by Swindley.

"The success of Always...Patsy Cline has resulted not only from the timeless and beloved country ballads performed, but from the touching and relatable story of two best friends who, through music, have the ability to heal each other's wounds," director Kenn McLaughin said. This will be the sixth time Stages has produced the show since its World Premiere in 1988.

Post-show Q&A discussions with the cast and creative team will take place Sunday, July 2 at 2:30pm, Thursday, July 6 at 7:30pm, and Sunday, July 9 at 2:30pm.

Press tickets are available for the 8pm show on Friday, June 30. To request seats, email press@stagestheatre.com.

Performance times are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays 8pm, Saturdays 2:30pm and 8pm, and Sundays 2:30pm.

Regular tickets start at $21 with savings for groups of 6 or more. To purchase, call the Stages Box Office at 713.527.0123 or reserve online at www.stagestheatre.com.

For more information including production photos and interviews contact Jonathan Beitler, Barrelhouse Media, 832-964-9932, jonathan@barrelhousemedia.com.

ABOUT STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE
Founded in 1978, Stages is a professional Equity theatre that produces new work, presents established work in new ways, nurtures and develops talent, and cultivates and strengthens relationships with Houston audiences. Characterized by courage, generosity, ingenuity and intimacy, Stages works to advance theatre and enliven community to make a more vibrant Houston.

Stages presents a broad scope of plays and musicals in an intimate setting, generating critical acclaim and creating powerful connections between plays and people. The third-largest theatre in Houston and the sixth-largest in Texas, Stages performs year-round, one of only a handful of Texas theatres that offers year-round employment for creative professionals. On average, Stages produces 12 productions per year totaling more than 340 performances and reaching 50,000+ patrons. All of Stages' shows are rehearsed and constructed on-site in Houston, brought to life by an exceptional community of locally-based artists and craftspeople along with occasional guest directors, actors and designers from around the world.

For more than a decade Stages has made a strong investment in nurturing emerging artists and craftspeople who have now become field leaders and working professionals. Stages' learning opportunities include performance and production internship programs for college students and conservatory-style training for middle and high school students.

Through this robust scope of activities Stages encourages conversation about important ideas, provides insight into other cultures and viewpoints, and helps develop each new generation of artists, audiences and citizens. For more information visit www.stagestheatre.com.

UPCOMING SHOWS IN THE 2017-2018 SEASON

REGIONAL PREMIERE
Woody Sez - The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie devised by David M. Lutken with Nick Corley and Darcie Deaville, Helen Jean Russell and Andy Teirstein
July 26 - September 3, 2017

Xanadu based on the book by Douglas Carter Beane with music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar
presented at Miller Outdoor Theatre
September 8 & 9, 2017

WORLD PREMIERE
Balls by Bryony Lavery and Kevin Armento
a co-production with One Year Lease Theater Company
October 11-29, 2017

WORLD PREMIERE
A Midnight Clear - A Musical Tale of Christmas by Kenn McLaughlin, music and lyrics by David Nehls
November 8 - December 24, 2017

Panto Cinderella by Kate Hawley, music and lyrics by Gregg Coffin
November 29 - December 31, 2017

REGIONAL PREMIERE
Alma en venta (Soul on Sale) by Phillip Boehm
January 24 - February 11, 2018

Sin Muros - A Latina/o Theatre Festival
February 1-4, 2018

WORLD PREMIERE
Purple Eyes by Josh Inocéncio
Ann by Holland Taylor
February 14 - April 8, 2018

REGIONAL PREMIERE
We are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as South-West Africa From the German Sudwestafrika, Between the Years 1884-1915
March 14 - April 1, 2018

REGIONAL PREMIERE
The Revisionist by Jessie Eisenberg
presented at The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center
April 10 - 22, 2018

The Great American Trailer Park Musical by Betsy Kelso, music and lyrics by David Nehls
May 2 - June 24, 2018

WORLD PREMIERE
Replica by Mickey Fisher
May 23 - June 10, 2018