Saturday, August 1, 2015

Sierra Madre Playhouse Presents A Terrific Production of "Always... Patsy Cline"

Cori Cable Kidder wows  as legendary country star Patsy Cline


A Winning Duo... Nikki D'Amico & Cori Cable Kidder star in Always... Patsy Cline


Last nite I attended one of the best opening nites I have attended in years...  "Always... Patsy Cline" written by Ted Swindley and directed by Robert Marra opened to a packed house at the charming Sierra Madre Playhouse in the beautiful sleepy town just east of Pasadena.  One word can sum it up and that is "WOW"...   Statuesque Arkansas native Cori Cable Kidder is sensational as the ill fated hit making legendary country star with the golden soulful voice.  She sings and acts beautifully capturing the tone & essence of Patsy Cline perfectly while talented high energy Texan Nikki D'Amico is terrific and funny as her sidekick and biggest fan Louise.  Backing them up is a dynamite band led by musical director Sean Paxton.  "Always... Patsy Cline" is based on a true story that happened in Houston 1961.  Feisty young single mom Louise Seger is Patsy's biggest fan.  She discovers her magical voice while her kids are watching Arthur Godfrey's TV show and is instantly drawn to her and makes sure local DJ Hal Morris plays Patsy's songs... a lot.  Lucky Louise hears that Patsy will be appearing at the local honky tonk called Esquire Hall and the rest is history.  Louise drags her reluctant boyfriend and boss to the show where her and the beautiful down to earth Patsy becomes fast friends and she takes on the role of pseudo manager for the nite.   The two ladies maintained a loyal friendship corresponding often until Patsy's untimely death at age 30 in a plane crash en route to Tennessee in 1963.   The charming 2 act production features over 25 of songs associated with Patsy Cline including Back in Baby's Arms, Anytime, Walkin' After Midnight, I Fall to Pieces, Stupid Cupid, Sweet Dreams, She's Got You, Crazy, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Shake Rattle & Roll, If You've Got Leavin' On Your Mind and Bill Bailey.  I highly recommend this show playing til September 12th.  The early 60s are well created by the talented crew with special kudos to costume designer A. Jeffrey Schoenberg and wig designer Krys Fehervari.  For more information visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org - Enjoy!  HH


Cori Cable Kidder stars as Patsy Cline

Nikki D'Amico stars as Louise in Always... Patsy Cline