Review: ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE at Florida Studio Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre has a hit almost as big as Miss Patsy Cline herself with their currently staged production of Always...Patsy Cline, noting an extended engagement through July 1, 2018. Don't miss it!

Now before I begin my thoughts on this production, I have to confess, I moved here last year from Nashville, y'all. And I worked in the recording industry on Music Row just yonder of Acuff Rose Music, Sony, Warner Chappell and several iconic recording studios. I am not originally from Nashville but in the many years I lived there I came to expand my knowledge of country music. Being a Yankee girl, I wasn't exposed much to country music. Back in the day my radio was filled with Top 40 Rock and Roll and Pop. Since then I have been privileged to work with several country performers and enjoyed the opportunity to be backstage many times at The Ryman, "The Mother Church", The Grand Ole Opry. There is a reverence there. A sacred feeling. A warm and peaceful ambiance that embraces this majestic venue. The good folk who started their careers there respect this hallowed ground, and each other. I learned to do the same. So when you talk about country music and its down to earth performers, this Yankee girl's gonna say, y'all better do it justice!

Justice was served by Meredith Jones bringing Patsy Cline to life in Ted Swindley's portrayal of Patsy's friendship with her biggest fan, Louise Seger (Susan Greenhill) who became a close friend. We all have people we idolize - stage, sports, music, film, and TV stars. So imagine that person coming to your hometown and you not only get to see them perform, but as fate would have it, they hang out with you and even spend the night in your home before flying off to their next performance destination.

This lively and amusing story is so entertaining and heartwarming told from Louise's point of view. But first you have to have someone who can pull off Louise - a bundle of energy with a vivacious and audacious personality. She is a no-nonsense, I don't take no for an answer, kind of gal. She loves life, her children, and the inspiration she receives listening to Patsy Cline via her local radio station. Which, by the way, she calls daily asking for several requests for Patsy's songs. Well, actually it's more of a spirited demand than a request. Once there is a Louis in place to tell the story, you absolutely have to have someone who can nail Patsy Cline - her voice, her mannerisms and the sweet way she accepts and befriends people. In walks Meredith Jones. Bingo. These two take you on a ride more fun than Thelma & that other Louise. They are perfect for these roles and play off each other, (and some of the audience members), so well. Patsy and Louise's friendship would last until Patsy's untimely death in a plane crash outside of Nashville.

The way so many of Patsy's iconic songs were written in to this production is priceless. Many of the songs received a warm round of applause the minute Meredith let her pipes loose on the first few notes. Songs such as "Walkin' After Midnight", "I Fall to Pieces", "You're Cheatin' Heart", "Shake Rattle and Roll" and a big favorite, "Crazy" brought audible oohhs and aahhs from the crowd.

The band that accompanied Miss Cline got into the country spirit sporting Johnny Cash-like black trousers and cattlemen shirts with outlined yokes and piping. And of course cowboy hats. Drummer Donn Foster, Bassist Chuck Davis, Rhythm Guitarist Skip Ellis and Music Director Dr. Justin P. Cowan on the piano came to play and play they did. I haven't seen a pedal steel guitar since I left Nashville. Nice touch Skip Ellis, ya done good son.

Director Kate Alexander opened the doors for Miss Greenhill to give a lot of personality to Louise and encouraged Miss Jones to elaborate on Patsy's sweet disposition and positive attitude. I loved the eye contact shared between Patsy and Louise. It was as though watching old friends connect rather than two actors waiting on each other to say their lines. There was a fondness present that was believable.

Costume designer Susan Angermann's beautiful costumes perfectly captured Patsy's transition from cowgirl in boots, tucked shirts and skirts with fringe, to high-end cocktail dresses and heels.

The clever set design by Isabel & Moriah Curley-Clay allowed the audience to peer into some of the bars and stages Patsy graced on one side of the stage, while maintaining Louise's kitchen on the other. Nice tribute by the way to the ever recognizable Grand Ole Opry mic stand.

Rounding off the talented crew was ambient lighting provided by lighting director Thom Beaulieu who captured Meredith's twinkling eyes by honing in and providing a lovely glow, like a close up, to several numbers she sang. Sound designer Thom Korp was up to the mighty task of managing a show full of continuous music.

Florida Studio Theatre, thanks for a quick trip back home y'all. Now someone pass me a biscuit.

The Florida Studio Theatre is comprised of five theater venues full of entertainment: the Keating Theatre, Gompertz Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, and Bownes's Lab Theatre.

For more information on Florida Studio Theatre and their upcoming variety of shows visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

For more information on Patsy Cline, y'all just need to visit the Pasty Cline Museum up there on 3rd Street, downtown Music City. www.patsymuseum.com.

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