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“Always…Patsy Cline” is a Sweet Dream of a Show
New Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
Perfect Setting For STAGES Opening Show
by Pat Lindsey
Even though country music star Patsy Cline died in 1963, STAGES is bringing her back to life again two hours at a time during its inaugural production of “Always…Patsy Cline.”
Diana DeGarmo, of Broadway and American Idol fame, is believably fantastic in the role of Patsy Cline. And local song and comedic talent, Zoe Vonder Haar, makes DeGarmo shine even more as she plays the star-struck Texan housewife, Louise Seger, who idolizes and befriends Patsy Cline. Together, they create a two-woman show that thrills the audience with 27 Patsy Cline hits, comic relief by Vonder Haar, and a trip down memory lane.
STAGES could not have chosen a better show to open the brand new Ross Family Theatre at The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center and raise the curtain on its 35th Anniversary Season.
The story opens in 1957 in Louise Seger’s Houston kitchen when Louise hears a new voice on the radio and instantly realizes that a star is born. Louise can’t get enough of Patsy Cline’s songs and pesters Hal the local DJ daily to play her requests. Those requests include such greats as “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Back in Baby’s Arms,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Crazy.”
Louise dances around her kitchen drinking a Schlitz beer and listening to the radio until one night she learns that Patsy Cline is going to be performing live at the big honky-tonk outside of town. Louise gathers a group of friends together and heads out there early to get a good seat. It is there that Louise has the good fortune of meeting Patsy and the friendship begins.
Two women and a band playing great music is all that is needed to fill the new theatre with pure joy and musical entertainment. DeGarmo’s explosive voice is a dead-ringer for Patsy Cline’s and Vonder Haar also has a few opportunities to harmonize with her idol and give the audience a sampling of her vocal talents. Vonder Haar keeps the audience engaged as she tells her story. This dynamic duo makes “Always…Patsy Cline” a sweet dream of a show.
“Always…Patsy Cline” runs now through Sept. 5 in The Ross Family Theatre at The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Season subscriptions and single tickets can be purchased by visiting StagesStLouis.org or by calling the STAGES box office at 314-821-240
