You’ve probably been told that times marches on, but every so often it miraculously turns back upon itself. Such is the case with the Racine Theater Guild’s revival of “Always, Patsy Cline,” which brought down the house back in 2003 and is doing so again 14 years later. And while there are all kinds of reasons to love this new production, there’s no more important reason than the amazing performance of Kate Potter Barrow, who is back again as Patsy Cline. I’m told that as soon as this show was announced for the 2017-2018 season, the phone began ringing off the wall with people calling to find out if Kate was going to be back in the title role. It’s not all that often that an individual performance makes that kind of an indelible impression on people, but Kate’s performance really burrowed itself into people’s hearts – and the news of her return as Patsy has created tremendous excitement. And after hearing the opening night performance, I can attest to the fact that Kate is singing these songs even better than she did 14 years ago- caressing every phrase with that velvety voice of hers while also beautifully evoking Patsy’s unique sense of style. It is always a treat to hear this kind of marvelous singing- but even more exciting when it’s also a long awaited and eagerly anticipated encore performance.
The title “Always, Patsy Cline” refers to how she signed her letters – and in this show, Patsy meets one of her most ardent fans, Louise Seger, with whom she enjoyed a friendship via letters between 1961 and 1963. This show is essentially a two-person show and it’s absolutely essential that there be a powerful and authentic chemistry between the two women. Happily, the RTG really hit the jackpot in this revival by casting Anne Mollerskov as Louise. She brings just the right kind of spirit and heart to the role- and Anne and Kate create an onstage friendship that feels completely real. (It obviously helps that they have a very warm relationship offstage as well.)
I think one of the most moving things about “Always, Patsy Cline” is in the way it depicts the relationship between these two women … one of them an ordinary Mississippi housewife and the other one of the country’s most popular entertainers. It’s hard to imagine such a friendship springing into being in this day and age, where celebrities are so thickly insulated from the rest of us by an omnipresent, fiercely protective entourage of handlers and security. Patsy Cline came to prominence in a simpler time when a friendship like the one she had with Louise was possible – if not likely. It also speaks volumes for the kind of woman that Patsy Cline was that she would welcome such a friendship in the first place- and remain devoted to that friendship right up to the time of her tragic death at the age of 30.
I’m no country music fan, but I usually manage to enjoy and appreciate it when it’s well sung …. and well played. This production is blessed not just by the fine performances of Kate and Anne, but also by the assured playing of a crackerjack band led by Zachary Scott Johnson, a former voice student of mine and one of the most impressively versatile musicians I’ve ever known. He’s also a kind and positive guy, which is tremendously important when you’re entrusted with leading a production like this. Joining him are four fine musicians, including his younger brother Nate as well as frequent collaborator Mark Paffrath. This particular quintet, however, had never played together before this production – but they have a comfortable rapport with each other and the whole performance felt tight in the best sense of the word.
And if all that weren’t enough, there’s also an effective set and lighting against which one can enjoy the splendid costumes designed by Kim Instenes to reflect the outfits that the real Patsy Cline wore. And in one of a number of neat touches, director Doug Instenes has a screen at the back of the stage on which are projected various images from Patsy’s career. But what matters most in this production are the people on that stage – and the powerful connection that we in the audience feel with them. In fact, one of the best things about this particular show are the moments when there is very direct interaction between the performers onstage and members of the audience. It really contributes to the sense that this is one great love fest.
But the curtain comes down on the RTG’s “Always, Patsy Cline” this coming Sunday … and if you don’t get there for one of these final performances, you will be missing out on your last opportunity to experience this treasurable moment in the guild’s long history. Patsy Cline is about to leave our stage… “not just for an hour …. not just for a day …. not just for a year ….. but always.”
(The phone number at the box office is 262-633-4218.)