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Arts & EntertainmentTheater LoopTHEATER
REVIEW: 'Always ... Patsy Cline' by Theo Ubique
"Always ... Patsy Cline"
Christina Hall in "Always ... Patsy Cline" by Theo Ubique. (Adam Veness)
By Kerry Reid,
Chicago Tribune
'Always ... Patsy Cline' by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre: Bonds of friendship are for 'Always' at No Exit Cafe.
Many years ago I was visiting a friend in Wicker Park whose musician boyfriend was heading out to rehearsal. "What are you girls doing tonight?" he asked. "Just hanging out," we replied. He laughed and said "Yeah, I know what that means. You're going to drink beer, listen to Patsy Cline, and bitch about men." (He was of course correct.)
Patsy was made for female bonding, and that's the key to Ted Swindley's 1988 tribute show "Always … Patsy Cline," drawn from the memories of Cline friend and fan Louise Seger. It practically has "crowd-pleasing" stamped on its forehead, and with just two lead performers, a small band, and the built-in appeal of the Cline country classics, it's not hard to see why it pops up frequently. But as so often happens at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, intimacy carries the day more than crass commercial considerations. And for a show that is as much about the friendship of two working women as it is the indelible voice of Cline, that's a huge plus."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The Theo Ubique space (where, along with your tickets, you can pre-order a “themed” dinner of chicken-fried steak and Apple Brown Betty), is so intimate that the audience might well be sitting in Louise’s kitchen alongside Cline. And under Fred Anzevino’s deft direction, the two actresses bond in a wonderfully natural way, exchanging hints of their rough-and-tumble lives, and the loneliness that comes from men and their cheatin’ hearts."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...If you've a yen for tenuous theatrical logic (on several occasions Louise tells Cline what Cline did while Cline smiles and nods helplessly), and you're itching to hear two-dozen Patsy Cline tunes backed by an anemic quintet that only occasionally sounds like it understands country music, this Theo Ubique production is for you. As Cline, Christina Hall's got charm, charisma, and gorgeous pipes. But with five instruments for her to sing over, it's a shame director Fred Anzevino keeps putting her in front of vintage microphones that aren't plugged in."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre perfectly sets this splendid show in Adam Veness's miniature recreation of the Grand Old Opry stage and Louise's kitchenette. Aaron Benham's immaculately accurate musical direction of the "Bodacious Bobcats," a 5-man combo, almost improves on the originals. It's hard to imagine a more intimate revue, not just because of No Exit's concentrated dimensions but the good nature of a solid charmer. The final rouser, "Bill Bailey," may well stay in your sleep and mess with your dreams. That can happen here."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The show featured a five piece country band led by Aaron Benham. The show features the Cline songbook including 27 of her songs! This show is an early country music delight that found many of the audience humming or singing along with Hall. That was both a tribute to Patsy Cline’s popularity after 50 years and an irritant since this isn’t karaoke night. Danni Smiths honest, down-home style narration and her comic chops added a human touch to the Cline song fest. So go to see Always…Patsy Cline to hear the memorable songs and you’ll discover a heartfelt story that will lift your spirits. Patsy was country before country was cool and she led they way for all the great female country singers to come."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...TheoUbique, that sterling little Cabaret/Theater located in Rogers Park, has done it again. They have put together a sparkling production of "Always...Patsy Cline", a touching story of the relationship between a budding Country-Western star and one of her fans. This play opened during the week when I was having my eye surgery (cataract-left eye) and then due to the right eye, the following week and then my holiday duties in the red suit, I was sure that I had missed it. But, lo and behold, due to the tremendous response, Fred and his brood were able to extend the show through January 31st, allowing me to be able to see this warm-hearted story and report it back to you. Thank you, TheoUbiique!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Filled with so many wonderful songs, such as “Crazy,” “Walkin‘ After Midnight,” “Your Cheatin‘ Heart,” “You Belong to Me,” “True Love” and “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” this biographical musical revue overflows with memorable melodies and is simply irresistible. Played on Adam Veness‘ striking set that skillfully melds the Houston Ballroom with Louise’s kitchen, clothed in Bill Morey’s colorful, authentic costumes, this concert of beautiful songs is guided by Aaron Benham’s musical direction and accompanied by his personable and talented five-member honky-tonk country band. But in the end, what makes this show work is Fred Anzevino’s direction and his decision to allow these particular, accomplished musical actresses to bring Patsy and Louise to life. Audiences will rejoice in the two hours they spend with this talented duo and may even plan a return visit to share with their friends. For that is, after all, what this show is really all about: friendship."
NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...The cabaret style of the theater makes it harder for Hall and Smith to engage the audience in participation, as they often allude to. There simply isn’t much space to walk around in the theater, let alone dance. When the audience does clap along or sing bits of songs with Hall and/or Smith, the audience often drowns out the sound of both performers’ voices."
