Always, Patsy Cline
Reviewed by David Kashimba
Photo by Eric Chazankin

 When I was in Vietnam in 1968, the armed forces radio always played country music at the ungodly hour of 0500 (5 am). We didn’t get much rest in Vietnam especially during the Tet Offensive, so we slept when we could. But because of a young Texan in our unit, nobody could sleep at 0500. He’d turn on his radio full blast and shout, “eeee-haaa that’s country!” I wasn’t a big fan of country music at that time but the DJ played a lot of Patsy Cline songs like Back in Baby’s Arms, Lovesick Blues and I Fall to Pieces. Eventually I started humming and singing her songs and something about them helped to prevent me from falling to pieces.

Always, Patsy Cline, now playing at Santa Rosa’s 6th Street Playhouse gives us an opportunity to experience the subtle greatness of Cline’s music. Mary Gannon-Graham plays the part of Patsy Cline. Not only does she look like Cline, she has the same smooth depth and clarity when she sings and sing she does, belting out about 25 songs in this musical, which is more music than story.

But the story adds an element of humor that makes a fine night of entertainment. Liz Jahren plays Louise Seger, fan and friend of Cline. She’s a down to earth gal who, after her divorce, took a job as an electronics technician. “We can’t all be hairdressers,” Louise says. Louise provides a perfect bridge to introduce Patsy’s songs. After she and Patsy became friends, they’re sitting around the table smoking cigarettes and talking about life’s troubles and Louise comments that it was “just like a country song.” This provides a smooth transition to Patsy singing Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray.

Don’t miss this show full of humor, friendship and song. For tickets or more information call (707) 523-4185 or visit www.6thstreetplayhouse.com.

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