Always...Patsy Cline Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Happily, though, American Blues Theater’s production of “Always … Patsy Cline,” Ted Swindley’s warhorse of a revue that premiered in 1988, largely won me over with the warmth of its two leading ladies — Liz Chidester and Molly Hernández — and its tender portrayal of their unexpected friendship."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Directed with warmth and humor by Firebrand Theatre cofounder Harmony France for American Blues Theater, the 1988 tuner is a boot-scooting, twangtacular delight defined by lush vocals and high-octane energy. Cline’s talent left an indelible mark, one that Always . . . Patsy Cline celebrates."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...“What good is a secret if you can’t share it with someone?” Such is the premise behind the cleverly inspired jukebox musical “Always…Patsy Cline”, created by Ted Swindley. This retrospective tells the story of this famed, multi-talented country-western singer, narrated from the perspective of her biggest fan, a woman named Louise Seger (Molly Hernández), a single mother from a small town who was busy raising two young children. Louise’s juiciest secret had to do with the fact that she finally got to meet her idol Patsy Cline (Liz Chidester) at a show at the Esquire Ballroom, in Houston, Texas, in 1961 and almost immediately they became the best of friends."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...But in the end, what makes this show work is Harmony France’s creative direction. Making her American Blues debut, this is actually Ms. France’s fourth production of the musical. The founder and artistic director of Firebrand Theatre, Harmony is herself a brilliant musical and dramatic actress. As demonstrated in this production, Ms. France fully understands how to make a musical work. She knows how to interpret the script, envision the story unfolding on the American Blues main stage and skillfully develop the proper pacing, style and tone of the production. In casting these two talented actresses to bring Patsy and Louise to life, every audience will rejoice in the two hours they get to spend “Back in Baby’s Arms Again.” Some theatergoers may even plan a return visit to share with their friends. Because, after all, that’s what this show is really all about: friendship."

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...Yes, if you go see Always…Patsy Cline simply for an overly generous and expertly played evening of deep cuts (I’d forgotten all about “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray,” but it was a highlight) and country classics (Chidester’s dreamy vocals carried me off as she harkened the Nile and “old Algiers”), you will get way more than your money’s worth."

Chicago On Stage - Recommended

"...Always…Patsy Cline invites audiences into its honky tonk setting overflowing with the memories, music, and larger-than-life personality of its titular figure. Less a musical and more a journey through her greatest hits, the two-hour revue—playing now at American Blues Theater with direction by Harmony France—features the character of Louise Seger as our narrator and navigator through the true story of her friendship with arguably the most influential American female vocalist of the twentieth century."

People and Places - Highly Recommended

"...American Blues Theater’s production of “Always…Patsy Cline”, created by Ted Swindley and directed by Harmony France, is an homage to the music performed by the country legend (exceptionally played by Liz Chidester) and her real-life friendship with fan-atic Louise Seger (jubilantly portrayed by Molly Hernandez), a single mother with two children."

NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Liz Chidester gives a terrific star turn as the country music legend, but the American Blues Theater production of this warhorse jukebox musical keeps us at arm’s length from Patsy as a person."