WOODLAND — Always Patsy Cline is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show, created in 1980 by Ted Swindley, is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star at a Texas honky-tonk in 1961.
Through letters and visits, the two share the homespun stories of laughter and heartache that brought together a housewife and a legendary country singer. Having first heard Cline on the “Arthur Godfrey Show” in 1957, Seger became an immediate and avid fan of Cline’s and she constantly hounded the local disc jockey to play Cline’s records on the radio.
In 1961 when Cline went to Houston for a show, Seger and her buddies arrived about an hour-and-a-half early and, by coincidence, met Cline who was traveling alone. The two women struck up a friendship that was to culminate in Cline spending the night at Seger’s house.
Over a pot of strong coffee, the two women chatted about their common concerns. When Cline finally left for Dallas, her next job, the two women had exchanged addresses and telephone numbers. Seger never expected to hear from Cline again, but soon after she left, Seger received the first of many letters and phone calls from Cline.
The relationship, which began as fan worship evolved into one of mutual respect. It is the kind of relationship that many fans would like to have with their heroes. A friendship that lasted until Cline’s untimely death in a plane crash in 1963.
The Love Street Playhouse show is directed by Tony Bump, and featuring The Bodacious Bobcat Band.
The stars of the show are Kristen Johnson as Patsy Cline and Jennifer Johnson as Louise Seger.
Dinner Theatre options and open no host bar will be available for all performances.
Other contributors include set design and technical direction by Lou and Melinda Pallotta, lighting design by Bobby Pallotta, costume, hair and wig design by Melinda Pallotta, and Rebekah Krohn as stage manager.
The show runs October 4, 5, 6, 18, 19 and 20 at the Lewis River Golf Course at 3209 Old Lewis River Rd, Woodland, WA. Reservations: www.lovestreetplayhouse.com. Also call (800) 966-8865.
Tickets are $25-$35 in advance when you choose your seats online by visiting the theatre’s website at www.lovestreetplayhouse.com or by calling (800) 966-8865. Dinners are also available for an additional $25. For information on advertising in their programs or to become a business sponsor please contact Melinda Pallotta at (360) 907-9996.
Local business sponsors and advertisers contributing to the Love Street Playhouse include America’s Family Diner, Port of Woodland, Columbia Bank, Child & Adolescent Clinic, Woodland Truck Line, Lou Pallotta of Chianti Club Productions, S & V Tax Service in Longview, Business Cents NW, Inc. in Vancouver, Holland America Flower Gardens, Benno and Klazina Dobbe, Columbia Carbonates, Erica Rodman with Woodland Real Estate, Lee and Tim Welch, New Phoenix and Last Frontier Casinos, and Lelooska Foundation.
