American Blues Is “Always…” Excellent

By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano

American Blues Theater’s production of “Always…Patsy Cline”, created by Ted Swindley and directed by Harmony France, is an homage to the music performed by the country legend (exceptionally played by Liz Chidester) and her real-life friendship with fan-atic Louise Seger (jubilantly portrayed by Molly Hernandez), a single mother with two children.

Louise would call the DJ Hal daily at the local radio station requesting he play Patsy’s records for her. She then meets her idol at the Esquire Ballroom in her hometown, Houston, and they immediately bond after Louise offers to host Patsy at her home, where they share life stories over coffee and a home cooked breakfast, which leads to years of letter correspondence.

All through her timeless songs, under the music direction of Michael Mahler (band and vocal orchestrations by August Eriksmoen and Tony Migliore), are played by the impeccable onstage band, led by Ian Paul Custer (also on keys), with Nilko Andreas (guitar), Marc Edelstein (upright bass), Lior Shragg (drums), and Lauren Vogel (fiddle). Costume designer Lily Walls nails it replicating Ms. Cline’s wardrobe. You’d be “Crazy” not to see this warm, wonderful show, but make sure it’s by June 21st, when the lights go down on Patsy’s legacy for the last time – please see www.americanbluestheater.com for tickets or more information.

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