Louise puts the fanatic in fan.  She is a single mother of two working in an electronics manufacturing job in Houston.  From the first moment she first hears Patsy Cline singing on the Arthur Godfrey Show, she is totally enthralled.  She calls the local DJ every day begging him to play her favorite Patsy Cline songs.  During one of these calls Louise learns that Patsy is coming to Houston the next weekend. 

Dragging her boyfriend and boss along, she arrives hours early at the honky tonk venue to get a good seat.  The place is still empty, save for Louise’s party, when Cline arrives to check out the venue.  Louise works up the nerve to introduce herself.  Over the evening, the two develop what will become a life-long relationship. 

“Always...Patsy Cline” is written and originally directed by Ted Swindley based on a true story, the story of Louise and Patsy’s friendship.  Through Louise, the audience learns about what Cline was like as a person.  The story, though, is primarily a framework for performing 23 songs originally performed by Cline.  Some were massive hits.  Some are better know as performed by others.  All work well in this production.  

Cline’s story is fairly well-known.  She was raised by a single mother in small town in rural Virginia during the depression and went to work to help support the family. After her father left them, she began to appear on local radio talent shows.

Her powerful voice, beautiful styling and down-home charm led her to become a major Decca Records star and longtime hit on “The Grand Ole Opry.”  She died in a plane crash at age 30 in 1963 and is still wildly popular today.  

The music is the main feature of this production.  Songs open and close each act and are used to underscore what narrative there is, more than to move the action along.  

Dyan McBride shines as Cline.  She has a great voice and uses it effectively to sing with Cline’s style.  When playing the role of Cline on stage and singing, she embodies the singer’s look and style.  In the interactions with the character Louise, she portrays a more reserved but still warm and affectionate Cline.  

While Cline is the star here, Michele Hillen as Louise nearly steels the show. Hillen is effective in portraying Louise as a real character without becoming a caricature. The audience can see why Cline would bond with Louise and become friends for the rest of her short life.  Hillen is also adept at portraying the supporting characters, her ex, her boyfriend, boss, disc jockey and others.  

The band makes up the rest of the supporting characters.  Led by Music Director Erik Daniells on piano and conducting, they are Elaine Lord, drummer, Brian Rinehart, bass guitarist Zach Sapunor and Ben Wormeli on steel guitar.  They are capable musicians and realistically interact with the star. 

STC Producing Director Michael Laun’s direction gives a very fluid feel to the action.  The musical numbers flow in and out of the narrative in a smooth and natural way.  His staging makes good use of his actors’ talents. 

Jarrod Bodensteiner and Morgan McCarthy’s scenic design creates a wonderful mid-century country look.  I have been impressed this whole season at SCT by how great all the sets created by these two artists have been.  Given the tight budgets theater companies have had to deal with, Bodensteiner and McCarthy show how good imagination still can create great sets. 

Jessica Bertine’s lighting also moves the audience’s attention fluidly and naturally from one part of the set to another from scene to scene.

Costuming was an important element in Cline’s life.  She designed her own costumes.  Her mother was her seamstress and continued to be sought after for her work for many years after Patsy’s death. 

Arthur Godfrey insisted on her performing in a cocktail dress on his show, opening her to a wider audience than just country.  Jessica Minnihan’s costumes, from Cline’s knockout Cowgirl outfit in the opening number to tailored suits and sparkling cocktail dresses are perfect. In the first act, I thought “Oh my God, she is going to have a different costume for every number.”

Wigs by designer Nila Coats even have a role.  Well, this is country.  Louise is a “big-haired Texan,” and Cline used wigs to cover up damage from a near fatal automobile accident.  

Everything comes together in Sacramento Theatre Company’s production of “Always...Patsy Cline” to create a wonderful, enjoyable evening of music and theater.  For country music and Patsy Cline fans, this is a don’t-miss production.  For others, this is a production that shows why Cline became the first major female crossover artist from country to pop and even a little jazz.  She was very popular with both country and pop fans and amazingly still is today, nearly 50 years after her death.  

Always...Patsy Kline

Sacramento Theatre Company  Through May 23rd

Tickets $15-$38 (916)443-6722, or (888)4-STC-TIX, www.sactheatre.org

photos: 1. Patsy Cline  2. Dyan McBride as Patsy in Cowgirl outfit.  3. Michele Hillen as Luise and Dyan McBride as Patsy  4. Dyan McBride as Patsy in tailored suit  5.Dyan McBride and Michele Hillen as Patsy and Louise in Louise's kitchen  6. Dyan McBride as Patsy in cocktail dress

All STC photos courtesy of Maria Christie Photography, www.mariachristie.com