CenterREP’s “Always… Patsy Cline” Is a Musical Play that Simply Dazzles Audiences!

Center Repertory Company of Walnut Creek, CA, launches its 2022-23 season with the hit musical play “Always… Patsy Cline,” one of the most entertaining shows one could hope to experience.

Written and originally directed by Ted Swindley and locally directed by Karen Lund, “Always… Patsy Cline” is based on a true story about a friendship between Patsy Cline (Cayman Iiika) and superfan Louise Seger (Kate Jaeger), who met at a concert in Texas and remained friends until Cline’s untimely death.

As told by Louise, she first falls in love with Cline’s voice when she hears her on the TV show Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts and then proceed to call her local radio station every day to hear her favorite Patsy Cline songs. She soon learns that Patsy is going to have a concert in her town, grabs her boyfriend and boss, and heads over to the barn long before people show up. While waiting, Louise sees Patsy and strikes up a conversation with her, and they become friends before the concert even starts. Louise then gets to help out Patsy as her “manager” for the evening, leads the band, and takes care of her throughout the night. Then she convinces Patsy to come stay at her house and do an interview at the radio station the next morning before she flies off to her next concert. From then on, Patsy writes to Louise and ends her letters with “Always, Patsy Cline.”

Cayman Iiika sings 27 songs in just two hours, which is absolutely astounding. Kate Jaeger is equally amazing, telling her story and doing much of the talking, with much humor invoked throughout the entire show. Her impressions of her boss and boyfriend keep the audience in stitches.

Although it is a two-person musical, there are others that deserve accolades, including music supervisor Claire Marx, costume designer Brynne McKeen, and scenic & projection designer Mark Lund.

“Always… Patsy Cline” plays at the Lesher Center for the Arts (1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek) through September 25, 2022. For tickets or more information, please phone (925) 943-7469 or visit www.lesherartscenter.org.

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Photo caption: Cayman Ilika portrays legendary country superstar Patsy Cline in Center Repertory Company's "Always...Patsy Cline," currently performing through September 25 at Lesher Center for the Arts. (Photo Credit: Alessandra Mello)