CHICAGO—With her unique emotional singing style, Patsy Cline stood out and became one of the most famous crossover vocalists of the 20th century. She was hailed for bridging the gap between country music and mainstream pop. She became a pioneer figure in the Nashville sound, headlining her own shows, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Patsy was loved in her lifetime, and her fame only grew after death. Of course, there had to be a way to celebrate her life and her songs, which “Always … Patsy Cline” does superbly. The show not only features wonderful music but also revolves around the story of an unusual friendship.
The musical opened in Houston in 1988, broke box-office records on Broadway, and is now in a delicious production for the 40th-season anniversary of the American Blues Theater in Chicago.
A Heartwarming Friendship
Written by Ted Swindley, the show depicts the friendship between Patsy Cline (1932–1963) and Louise Seger, a fan who listened to Patsy’s recordings on the radio. Louise was so fascinated by Patsy’s extraordinary voice that when she found out that the star was going to be performing in her city, she went out of her way to meet her.
Louise arrives early for Patsy’s performance in Houston. She’s surprised to see that the singer has already arrived and doesn’t have an agent or business associate with her. She sees Patsy sitting alone, and after becoming certain that no one else is going to join the singer, Louise introduces herself and invites Patsy to join her and her family at their table. That thoughtful introduction turns into a strong friendship.
Patsy Cline (Liz Chidester) sings her country songs, in “Always … Patsy Cline.” (Michael Brosilow)Louise goes out of her way to assist and help in every way she can. She learns that Patsy is supposed to sing for four straight hours without a break, and persuades the venue manager to let Patsy do only two shows. Louise continues to help as she obtains a slot on a local radio program in Houston to garner more publicity for Patsy. When her idol has to take a flight out of town, it’s Louise who drives her to the airport. Louise has become more than a fan, and even more than an agent. She has become a real friend.
“Always … Patsy Cline” unfolds in a series of Louise’s recollections interspersed with Patsy’s performances. Since the actress portraying Patsy has the incredible task of sounding like the smooth contralto, she has to be exceptional. Indeed, Chidester looks and sounds so much like Patsy that she appears to be channeling the real country singer.
Chidester is riveting when she begins with “Walkin’ After Midnight,” then continues with “I Fall to Pieces” “She’s Got You,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Back in Baby’s Arms,” and “Sweet Dreams.” When she gets to “Crazy,” the audience is so enthralled they break out in applause and are hard pressed to remain in their seats.
In addition, Molly Hernandez as Louise also delivers a compelling portrayal as the fun-loving, exuberant fan who recalls her friendship with Patsy.
There’s a nostalgic feel to the show as created by Tara M. Houston’s vintage set design of an intimate kitchen, a Texas Roadhouse, and an old-fashioned honky tonk music hall. Lily Walls’s satin-white pantsuit and rhinestone cowboy costume design for Patsy adds to the yesteryear nostalgia. The lighting by Michael Trudeau gives the American Blues stage the atmosphere of another era’s nightclub, and Michael Mahler’s music direction with band and vocal orchestrations by August Eriksmoen and Tony Migliore enhance the songbook.
Patsy Cline (Liz Chidester) performs to a dazzled audience, in “Always … Patsy Cline.” (Michael Brosilow)Thanks to Harmony France’s creative direction, this enchanting revival is a real crowd pleaser. “Always … Patsy Cline” isn’t just a delicious musical tribute to a legend but it’s a poignant example of the importance of friendship, of the way two people who just met share their lives, and of the simple joy of coffee and laughter at a kitchen table.
The two women remained friends until Patsy’s death on March 5, 1963. Patsy was on her way to Nashville when her plane crashed. She was only 30 years old, and her short moment in the limelight, singing songs of love and heartbreak, still has a moving and profound power.
If you love Patsy Cline, are a fan of great songs, or just appreciate a poignant real-life story of two humans giving each other emotional support, you’re sure to be captivated by “Always … Patsy Cline.”
“Always … Patsy Cline”
American Blues Theater
5627 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Tickets: 773-654-3103 or Americanbluestheater.com
Runs: 1 hour, 50 minutes (one intermission)
Closes: June 2, 2026
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