The newly named Fox Valley Repertory, formerly Noble Fool Theatricals, continues their inaugural season with the Off-Broadway musical Always Patsy Cline, a touching tribute to the late legendary country singer. Directed by John Gawlik and music directed by Kenneth Jones, performances are taking place at the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage.
Written and originally directed by Ted Swindley, this international hit musical had its world premiere in 1988. More than just a tribute to the late legendary country singer, this Off-Broadway musical recounts Cline’s true friendship with a fan from Houston, Louise Seger, whom she befriended at a Texas honky tonk and remained pen pals with until her untimely death. Based on a true story, this tribute stands as a tribute to the legendary country singer who died in a plane crash in 1963 at the young age of 30. The musical centers on Patsy’s friendship with Louise Seger, a Houston fan who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961. The title comes from the closing in all of Patsy’s letters to Louise – “Love always, Patsy Cline.” Complete with humor and true emotion, this 1960s tribute includes many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight.
Naperville resident and accomplished musician Daniela Bisenius plays fiddle in the show, just one of the four-piece band members known as “The Bodacious Bobcats” – a fantastic ensemble that anchors the legendary music.
“This is by far one of the most fun and exciting productions I have ever been part of,” says Bisenius. “Growing up back home in Bucharest, Romania, when I was just a teenager in 1982, my father brought home from Germany a record of Patsy Cline music. The first song that caught my attention was the bluesy Walking after Midnight. Her voice was perfection to me. Even though I knew nothing about her, or that she was no longer living, I felt the need to connect with her through her music. I picked up my violin and played along with the record. It was all I could do back then. Little did I know, that one day I would come to the U.S., and I would be part of a show about her life! But now I am here, and I feel honored to be part of such a great show.”
Biseunius has performed as an orchestra member with many professional orchestras including Naples Philharmonic, Phoenix Symphony, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Daniela has shared the stage with many great stars over the years such as Natalie Cole, Luther Vandross, Smokie Robinson, Kurt Elling, and many others.
Playing the role of Patsy Cline is Megan Long, named one of “Chicago’s Rising Stars” by Chicago Tribune. Long is returning to Fox Valley Rep after performing in the critically acclaimed and Fox Valley area favorite, Married Alive!, in 2009.
Always Patsy Cline is now running through Sunday, May 15, 2011. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $29 on Fridays (and limited Thursday performances), and at $39 on Saturdays and Sundays. Dinner show packages are available from $49. Group rates and overnight packages are also available.
The show is rated PG.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and is sponsored in part by the Daily Herald.
Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL. For tickets, call the Pheasant Run Box Office at 630-584-6342, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Additional performance information may be obtained at www.foxvalleyrep.org.
