Footlight Players go “Crazy” for Patsy Cline
The Footlight Players will be performing “Always…Patsy Cline” on March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 at 8 p.m. at the Triple Locks Theatre. Pictured here dressed in their western best is Maxine Metheney as Patsy, and Shelly Lillibridge as Patsy’s friend, Louise Segar.
COSHOCTON – The Footlight Players will pay tribute to bluesy, country singer, Patsy Cline in their latest production of “Always…Patsy Cline” which will run March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 at 8 p.m. at the Triple Locks Theatre in Roscoe Village.
“We’re dedicating this to the 50th anniversary of Patsy Cline’s plane crash and death,” said Susan Metz, director. “We thought it would be a great tribute to her.”
The show, featuring two female roles and 27 crew members, centers on Patsy’s life and her friendship with Louise Segar, whom she befriended in 1961. The two remained close friends until Patsy’s death on March 5, 1963.
“She became very popular very quickly,” said Metz. “I don’t think she ever lost touch with her fan base, and I think that’s her tribute. She had number one records but she never lost her roots.”
Patsy is portrayed by Maxine Metheney, who will perform 27 of Patsy’s hit songs, and her friend, Louise, is portrayed by Shelly Lillibridge. The understudy for Maxine is Kristen Amore, who will sing a musical tribute each night during intermission to the Women of Country Music Hall of Fame.
“She’s been so dedicated,” said Metz about Amore. “She’s been here every night, and we wanted to give her a chance to be on stage.”
Metheney has been singing all of her life, and grew up in a musical family. Her own unique voice echoes that of Patsy Cline’s perfectly, and she considers being able to portray the late singer an honor.
“I was raised on country bluegrass music,” Metheney said. “My family played music, and that’s what we played. I was raised on this music. It’s such an honor to pay tribute to such an icon in a field that I was raised.”
Lillibridge commented that she has learned a lot about Patsy Cline since being cast as Patsy’s friend. She also said she believes she brings gusto to her character Louise, and seeing Lillibridge perform during rehearsal, she definitely adds spunk and humor to the production.
“Louise is quite a character,” said Lillibridge. “She’s a storyteller, but in her own way.”
Metz believes that after 15 years of waiting, she has found the perfect pair to play Patsy and Louise.
“The first time I knew about this play was 15 years ago,” said Metz. “I thought the moment I saw it how much I wanted to do it here. I was concerned about getting the right Patsy, and these two came along and I knew it was time. It’s very exciting.”
The cast and crew have been rehearsing four nights a week for three hours preparing for this production since Jan. 7. They have been practicing with recorded music, but a live band, the “Bodacious Bobcats”, will be joining them for later practices and the performances. Each performance will also feature various local musicians who will perform prior to the performance. For those who reserve their ticket for opening night, there will be a reception from 7 – 8 p.m. featuring southern food.
Tickets for “Always…Patsy Cline” can be reserved by calling 622-2959 Monday through Thursday from 7 – 9 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m. on performance dates. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Reservations will begin Feb. 18 for Footlight Player members and Feb. 19 to the general public.
“We just hope everyone will come out,” said Metz. “Whether you’re a Patsy Cline fan or not, you will enjoy it. It’s just good music. People who aren’t familiar with the music are in for a treat.”
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this was a fantastic performance I went to see it twice.
It was awesome !
it was surely AWESOME wish I had gone earlier so I could have seen it twice