The Sunday matinee for ‘Always… Patsy Cline’ at Florida Rep ArtStage Theatre was performed to a sold-out crowd.

The musical is based on a true story and follows the friendship between country music legend Patsy Cline and a Texas divorcee Louise Seger.
New York Actress Bethany Gwen Perkins debuts her vocals locally while belting out 28 of Cline’s best songs throughout the two-hour show. There are numerous and incredible costume changes revealing Cline’s evolution.  Perkins’ recreation of Patsy’s voice alone makes the show worth seeing, aside from her perfect performance.
For those who may not know much about Cline, let me make it clear, you will leave the show feeling as though you do know her after hearing some familiar tunes including “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “Stupid Cupid”, two crowd clapping pleasers. If you happen to be in the right seat like I was, you could get pulled onto the stage and dance in this very interactive show.

Actress Becky Barta helps move the show along with laughter and smiles as the sassy brash character, Louise.  She charmingly and endearingly tells the story of how she met Cline during a performance in Houston in 1961.  The two women strike up a real-life friendship nurtured through several years of letters that Cline signed with the phrase, ‘Always… Patsy Cline’ thus the title of the show before her untimely death at the age of 30.

A special mention should also include “The Bodacious Bobcats Band” which includes Alex Shields as “Joe Bob” on Piano, Roger Retig as “Jim Bob” on steel guitar, Alex Albanese as “Jay Bob” on bass guitar, Matthew Koler as “Bob Bob” on drums all of whom make us feel like we’re at the Grand ‘Ole Opry” in Fort Myers.

Certainly worth making time to see this one.

‘Always… Patsy Cline’ runs through November 24 at the Florida Rep in downtown Fort Myers.

Click here for more information about tickets and showtimes.