By Doug Iden
The iconic voice of a country-western singer is featured in the musical Always….Patsy Cline now through August 2, 2026 at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater.
The Story of Patsy Cline
Based upon actual events, Always relates the ongoing friendship of superfan Louise Seger (Emily Borst) and Patsy Cline (played by Jenny Herndon in this performance*) through face-to-face meetings and ongoing correspondence. The play is part concert and part drama with a clever interaction between the two elements. Louise carries the narrative speaking directly with the audience. Half of Cline’s appearance is simulated concert singing and half is direct interaction with Louise.
Louise first hears Cline on an Arthur Godfrey television show which her children are watching. Enthralled by Cline’s voice, Louise calls the DJ at her local radio station and requests that he play some of her songs. This becomes a habit as she continually calls to request Cline’s songs.
One day, the DJ tells Louise that Cline will be appearing locally. Louise and a small entourage including her boyfriend (voiced by onstage Music Director and keyboardist George Drewyor) arrive way too early at the concert venue but Louise notices a young woman playing the jukebox. Louise introduces herself and discovers that the woman is Patsy Cline who seems to be confused about when and for how long she is to sing. Immediately befriending her, Louise becomes her self-appointed agent by negotiating the concert deal with the club owner (voiced by a member of the audience). The women immediately bond.
After the concert, Louise invites Patsy to her home where they share stories about their fraught marital relationships and love of their respective children. After an impromptu interview at the local radio station, Louise drives Patsy to the airport and Patsy promises to write and stay in touch. Two weeks later, Louise receives the first of many letters which Patsy writes over six years, ending with the signature: Always….Patsy Cline (hence the title).
Themes
The predominant theme is the unlikely friendship, trust and respect between two strong but lonely women. Other themes include the difficulty and loneliness of concert touring, love of children despite difficult marital relationships and the role of music in their lives.
Humor
There is a lot of humor, most of which is situational emanating from the outrageous personality of Louise. Borst (as Louise) is a natural comedian and commands the stage. An ongoing schtick is Louise’s continuous calls to the DJ during which Borst plays both sides of the conversation by switching hands on the phone. There is also some ongoing banter with members of the onstage band.
Music
There are 25 songs in the show including some of Cline’s most popular. Herndon channels Cline well, simulating the phrasing and power with a near-impression of Cline’s voice. Songs include “Walking after Midnight”, “Your Cheatin’ Heart”, “Sweet Dreams”, “San Antonio Rose”, “Lovesick Blues” and her signature song “Crazy”. She sings duets with Borst for “Come on In and Make Yourself at Home,” “Seven Lonely Days” and “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” The show fittingly ends with Cole Porter’s “True Love”.
The onstage band led by Drewyor performs well and, thankfully, does not drown out the singers. There is some interaction with bandmembers plus a running gag as drummer Hayden Floro provides “traveling” rhythm at Louise’s request.
Production
Director Stacy Searl masterfully designed the show to move along at a great pace, and Stage Manager Jasmine Cosma ensure that it does. The set by Brett Bowling is sparse but effective. The band sits in the center towards the back with a small kitchenette on the side representing Louise’s worn but comfortable house with a table and some appliances. Initially, there is a standing microphone showing the Grand Ole Opry. Five large covered squares are suspended from the ceiling which function, at times, as screens with displays of some letters Patsy wrote plus pictures of the singer. Herndon designed costumes including for Patsy which include cowgirl and other dresses for concert performances. The performers are wigged. With the exception of one green cowgirl shirt, Louise wears a rather plain pants and sweater outfit. The band members all wear cowboy shirts and jeans.
*The role of Patsy Cline is double cast. Please note that there are alternating actresses playing Cline so you may see Zoe Zoller instead of Jenny Herndon.
Overall
This is a good production with Borst leading the way as Louise and Herndon adding a credible Cline. Both actresses have a genuine chemistry and are believable as friends. If you like Cline’s music and her voice, you will like this show. Even if you are not a country-western aficionado, this is a funny, moving true story of two different but charismatic friends.
So, you’d be “Crazy” not to see Always….Patsy Cline at the Incline Theater running through August 2, 2026, at 801 Matson Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45204. Purchase tickets at the box office, online HERE, or by calling 513-241-6550.
