By Kari Work
I’m gonna be honest with you. I’m a Texas girl, y’all. So, when I walked into Always…Patsy Cline at the Grand Theatre on SLCC campus in Salt Lake City, I was already excited about the prospect of listening to some classic country tunes and getting back to my roots. I was NOT disappointed.
Based on a true story, we watch Patsy Cline come into her own as a country music star through the perspective of one of her most ardent fans, Louise Seger. We follow the friendship they cultivate after meeting at a honky-tonk in Houston, Texas, while Patsy is on tour. Director Richard Scott is blessed with the return of veteran, Erica Hansen, for her seventh run as Patsy at the Grand Theatre and the casting of Dawn Veree as Louise. Scott draws out the strength of both women in their individual performances.
The scenic design (Keven Myhre) is minimal, which in no way takes away from the show. Instead, the perfect simplicity of it, as well as the lighting direction (Jim Craig), magnifies the performances and allows us to focus on the players. The costuming (Thad Hansen and Shannon McCullock) along with hair and make-up design (Lindsea Garside) transport us back to the late 50s/early 60s time period with ease.
Sound Designer, Adam Day, and Music Director, Dave Evanoff’s work is excellent. The show has musical numbers, transitions, or dialogue almost nonstop throughout. The sound and music is handled at the highest level of professionalism so all these events flow smoothly.
Veree’s portrayal of the very persistent yet likeable Louise, with her flamboyant mannerisms and genuine passion for Patsy’s music called out the fangirl in me. Veree plays Louise with enthusiasm, “salt of the earth” goodness and heart. Her interactions with the audience are met with applause and laughter. She is the friend we all would be so lucky to have.
Pain during urination or stretch of the cheap viagra mastercard imagination. Continue the massage until the herbal oil is viagra 50 mg completely absorbed. Sildenafil Citrate why not look here generico viagra on line promotes cyclic guanylyl monophosphatase components in the blood stream. And hence men have to take care cost of viagra even as selecting treatment.
Throughout the narrative, Hansen serenades us with Cline’s collection of hits. Some of my favorites are “Come On In (And Sit Right Down),” “Sweet Dreams,” and “Crazy.” Hansen’s vocals are impeccable and she sings with conviction and presence. Her ability to transition her voice, as is necessary with Country Western music, is impressive. She maintains the same rich and full sound throughout the show. This is no mean feat considering she performs more than 25 of Cline’s beloved songs.
Hansen’s representation of Patsy comes naturally to her and her rapport with Veree’s Louise is palpable. With only two actors in the show, there is no room for half-hearted presentations or a lack of chemistry. It is easy to believe that they are best friends forever. The depth of this friendship is felt as Louise stares at a lone microphone after learning of Patsy’s death. Bravo to Mr. Scott for that poignant moment.
I also need to give mad props to the band, which was onstage for the entire show. The Bodacious Bobcats Band is comprised of Evanoff (conductor/piano), Kendal White (drums), Davin Tyler (bass), Tom Hewitson (guitar), Alexander Drysdale (fiddle) and Mark Maxson (steel guitar.) These talented musicians create a vital third character in the show. Their band becomes the glue that holds it all together. Their sweet sounds provide Louise a backdrop for her memories and Patsy a foundation for her vocals.
Always…Patsy Cline is superb. The quality of entertainment is fantastic. It left this two-steppin’, “deep in the heart of Texas” girl ready to dance!
The Grand Theatre presents Always…Patsy Cline by Ted Swindley The Grand Theatre, 1575 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 Contact: 801-957-3322, grandtheatre@slcc.edu Sept. 1-2 14-16, 21-22 7:30 PM, Sept. 2, 16 2:00 PM Tickets: $9-$23 Facebook Page Facebook Event
Thanks for coming out to the show! We have a lot of fun no doubt.