Julie Johnson Takes The Stage In A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE at Westport Plaza

Mark Bell Presents the smash hit musical A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE at the Playhouse @ Westport Plaza April 17-May 6. Tickets are $65 and on sale now. Tickets may be purchased through MetroTix at www.metrotix.com or by calling 314/534-1111. Additionally, tickets will be available at the Playhouse @ Westport Plaza box office one hour prior to show time. Groups of ten or more should call 314/616-4455 for special rates.

A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE is America's favorite Patsy Cline tribute starring Julie Johnson. This happy, loving tribute to country music's most enduring superstar traces the legendary singer's rise from her hometown in Winchester, Virginia to the Grand Ole Opry, Las Vegas and Carnegie Hall. Patsy Cline defined the term "crossover hit" by dominating country, blues, pop and gospel charts simultaneously in the 1950s and early '60s. This endearing musical will feature 21 of Patsy's greatest hits including "Walkin' After Midnight," "Sweet Dreams," "I Fall to Pieces," "Crazy," "She's Got You," "Seven Lonely Days" and the title song, "A Closer Walk with Thee." For more information, visit www.acloserwalkwithpatsycline.com.

Julie Johnson's performance of the legendary Patsy Cline is unbelievable and even sanctioned by the Patsy Cline Estate. Johnson has enjoyed a varied and exciting career spanning Broadway, off-Broadway, regional theatre and concerts. Johnson made her Carnegie Hall debut singing with the New York Pops Orchestra under the direction of Skitch Henderson in 2003. She was introduced to St. Louis audiences when she portrayed Mama at the Fox Theatre in the first national tour of "Memphis the Musical" for which she was nominated for a Theatre World Award.

She portrayed the role of Angel in "The Rink" at Music Theater Works and Manhattan Theater Club. Regional credits include Dolly in "Hello Dolly," Mrs. Lovette in "Sweeney Todd," Hannie in "Roadside," "Look Homeward Honky Tonk Angel," "Opal," "The Plexiglass Slipper," "As Long as I Can Sing," "Chasing the Song," Domina in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," Mrs. Potts in "Beauty and the Beast," Miss Mona in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "Rocky Horror Picture Show," "A Christmas Carol," "Sense and Sensibility," "Moonshine," Miss Trixie in "Papermoon" and Mae West in "Dirty Blonde."

Her television credits include "As the World Turns" and 20 years as the voice of Baby Bop on "Barney & Friends" children's program. Movie credits include "Pure Country" with George Strait and "The Apostle" starring Robert Duvall. Johnson's CDs All Grown Up...So Far and More Than Half Way are available for purchase in the lobby at every show.

Playhouse @ Westport Plaza is located at 635 Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights, Missouri and is a venue filling a niche for a variety of Broadway and Off-Broadway entertainment that would otherwise not find its way to the St. Louis area. Programming at the venue is offered at affordable ticket pricing so that anyone can have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area as well as see a great show. For additional information on upcoming events and to download high resolution photos, please visit www.playhouseatwestport.com.

Performance schedule:

Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Wednesdays at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Thursdays at 8 p.m.
Fridays at 8 p.m.
Saturdays at 4 p.m. & 8 p.m.