How Great Thou Art

Always… Patsy Cline – Firebrand Theatre

It’s hard to believe that this is the third season for Firebrand Theatre, the self-professed  “first musical theatre company committed to employing and empowering women, by expanding opportunities on and off the stage.” In this company’s admirable mission to reimagine the classics, while also  producing unknown or forgotten jewels of the theatre, Firebrand is also commissioning exciting, new works to premiere in Chicago.

Their latest sensational offering is a popular, tuneful musical revue, often produced around the country, particularly by summer stock companies. “Always…Patsy Cline” paints a loving portrait, both of country singer, Patsy Cline, and of her genuine friendship with Louise Seger, one of her most devoted fans. The sincere compassion and camaraderie expressed in this show, liberally peppered with a roster of hit songs that Ms. Cline made famous, feels real and profound. This may be one of Firebrand’s best shows, and it’s definitely a must-see.

Set in the intimate Bookspan Theatre venue of the Den Theatre, the audience is transported to one of those Southern, barn-like structures where country/western music reigns. The seating is rather tight and a bit cramped; theatergoers soon get to know their neighbors. But when the music begins, audiences melt into cozy, distant memories of a more innocent era. This gentle, kindhearted story, filled with both mirthful and melancholy songs from the late 50’s and early 60’s, is heartfelt and moving. It’s the musical version of comfort food or a big, warm hug.       

As a pioneer of the early Nashville Sound during the 1960’s, a young singer, christened Virginia Patterson Hensley, took Nashville, the recording world and the Grand Ole Opry by storm. Patsy Cline, as she became known professionally, provided an inspiration for other performers, helping to open the way for women to become headliners in country/western music. Cline’s rich, warm tone and bold, expressive contralto heated up the airwaves, the concert halls and people’s homes via her recordings. 

Despite ten years of recording and performing, Patsy Cline rose to fame after being “discovered” by media personality Arthur Godfrey on his CBS television program, “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.” On that program she sang her now-famous bluesy, “Walkin’ After Midnight,” and overwhelming audience response prompted Patsy to record the song. It immediately rose to the top of the charts and became her first crossover hit into pop music. Selling millions of records, Ms. Cline was remarkable for having perfect pitch, in spite of the fact that she was a self-taught artist who couldn’t read a lick of music. Unfortunately this popular, talented musical artist was killed in a plane crash in 1963. By that time she’d become the first female solo artist to headline her own show, the first to be billed above her fellow male performers, the first female country singer to perform at Carnegie Hall and the first female singer to be inducted (posthumously) into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Originally premiering in 1988, this musical, written by Ted Swindley, depicts the real-life story of Patsy Cline’s chance meeting in 1961 with one of her biggest fans, Louise Seger. Ms. Seger had arrived early for her favorite singer’s performance at Houston’s Esquire Ballroom, with both her boyfriend and boss in tow. The ladies chanced to meet before the show, shared personal stories and bonded like they’d always known each other. Patsy was even persuaded to spend a homey, comfortable night at Louise’s house instead of at a motel; the next morning, on their way to the airport, Louise talked Patsy into doing a local radio interview. Their deep friendship continued over the next two years, until the sad day when Louise heard the tragic news about her friend’s death on the radio.

The two actress/singers who perform in this two-person tribute to Patsy Cline are both equally sensational. Christina Hall creates a perfect Patsy Cline. That’s not to say that this talented actress merely “plays” this musical legend; she IS Patsy Cline. From her haunting physical resemblance to the singer, to the way Ms. Hall tenderly caresses every lyric and melody, this gifted performer grabs hold of her audience right from the start. Kicking off the evening with “Honky-Tonk Merry-Go-Round,” Ms. Hall sets the bar high and she never lets down, charming the crowd with 23 songs, including her final number, “Bill Bailey,” and concluding with two more encores. By the end of the show, you just want to bundle this lady up and take her home with you because she feels like your friend.

What Christina Hall brings to this show musically, Harmony France, as Louise Seger, provides overwhelmingly in humor and sincere admiration for her singing idol. The chemistry between these two actresses is real and undeniable. Luckily for audiences Ms. France, who is herself a musical star of the highest calibre, often joins Ms. Hall in several of the numbers. However, it’s the honesty and empathy Harmony France brings to her portrayal that makes this devoted, truly caring friend so special. Ms. France’s Louise Seger sees something in her favorite singer that speaks to her heart. Sure, Patsy Cline’s songs and her musicality are a big part of their relationship; but there’s a much deeper link that immediately connects these two women and, in the process, connects the audience, as well. But, as they say, there’s more. As a jaw-dropping side note, both Christina Hall and Harmony France will alternate in the two roles throughout the run of this show! So audiences are encouraged to attend more than once to enjoy both gifted artists playing each part.

Filled with dozens of wonderful songs, such as “Crazy,” “Walkin‘ After Midnight,” “Your Cheatin‘ Heart,” “You Belong to Me,” “True Love” and “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” this biographical musical revue overflows with memorable melodies and is absolutely irresistible. Played on Lauren Nichols’ sparse, immersive set that represents the Houston Ballroom, clothed in Steph Taylor’s colorful, authentic costumes, this concert of gorgeous music is guided by Andra Velis Simon’s soulful musical direction and accompanied by her talented four-member honky-tonk country band. 
But in the end, what makes this show work is Brigitte Ditmar’s direction and her trust in these two accomplished musical actresses to bring Patsy and Louise to life. Audiences will love the two hours they spend with this talented duo and might even plan a return visit, in order to experience the two actresses trading roles. “How Great Thou Art,” indeed! Especially during the holiday season, this is a warm, wonderful show to share with friends. For that is, after all, what this show is really all about: friendship.       
Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas    

Presented November 16-December 15 extended to February 23 by Firebrand Theatre at the Den Theatre’s Janet Bookspan Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the Den Theatre box office or by going to www.firebrandtheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.