Always, Patsy Cline Celebrates Two Fine Singers
It's been about a decade since I've seen Always, Patsy Cline and I was astonished by how much I remembered after enjoying an encore performance at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday night (April 15). Two of my all-time favorite singers are Patsy Cline, of course, and Mandy Barnett, who originated the title role. Barnett and actress Tere Myers, who plays Cline's fan and friend Louise Seeger, barreled right through the script like they've never missed a weekend. With all the sashaying and corny jokes it's no wonder this production has gone on to glory in the crowd-pleasing world of community theater.
Nevertheless, you pretty much get every Cline classic - "He's Got You," "Sweet Dreams," "Faded Love," "Crazy," "Walkin' After Midnight," etc. Barnett's a phenomenal interpreter (but I wouldn't say impersonator), and Myers' broad acting works pretty well in this context, too. As a brassy Texas gal who loves country music, she's a hoot. Stick around for the encore to hear "If You've Got Leavin' on Your Mind," where Barnett's bold, dynamic voice really shines. The Ryman show runs through May 23. I hope I don't have to wait 10 more years to see it again.
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Sharkbait says:
I saw this show about 10 years ago too, I will never forget it. Its a must see to see another side of a legend. The music and performace songs were spot on.
peppersprout says:
What I wouldn’t give to see this production! … I had hoped to attend the first time around 10 years ago but that didn’t work out … chances are, it won’t this time either but a gal can still dream, huh? … I’m so glad there are those in Nashville who recognize AND utilize the amazin’ vocal skills of Mandy Barnett in such a significant way … what a powerhouse of a singer!
Roger Clery says:
I saw the Saturday, April 18th daytime daytime show in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium. Great Show! Great Sound! Great performance!
J.R. Journey says:
I’ve been a big fan of Mandy Barnett’s singing for a long time now.
Ken K. says:
Mandy’s performance in Always Patsy Cline was just awesome.
the big wigs in New York should snab her and Tere Meyers for a Broadway run. dead’!!
Ken Kostyra
D says:
Mandy is SEVERELY underrated as a performer, she has a great voice and she knows how to control it without all this yelling and screaching others do and call singing. Just look at Mandy. In my mind she IS the modern day Patsy Cline
tnkufan says:
It’s not often that you go to be entertained by the retelling of the life of a legend and walk away a fan of the artist who portrayed her. Mandy won me over with the first note she sang. I’ve been a fan ever since. I’d love to come to Nashville to see this again.
Clinefan says:
I saw the show when it was first produced at the Ryman and again this past Saturday evening (18th) - FANTASTIC is the word. Mandy and Terre are wonderful performers. Glad that Ted Swindley made the changes he did, more songs, etc. The original was great but this one is even better. It’s worth a trip to Nashville to see Mandy Barnett - what a talented performer!
Jimmy W. says:
The changes Ted Swindley made are great. I saw the show last week at the premiere and again Saturday evening with 18 fellow Patsy/Mandy fans. We loved it.
Ron Doxsee says:
Tere,
I just wanted to say that my wife Carolyn and I enjoyed the “Always Patsy Cline” performane at the Ryman on Wednesday April 22nd. I was the the guy in the cowboy hat that you danced with. We fully intended to stick around and talk with you and Mandy but my wife Carolyn became ill and we had to leave. I just wanted to say thanks for dancing with me it made my day and I can now say I was applauded at the Ryman. My wife Carolyn has played Louise at three different venues for a total of 10 times and I have personnally seen this production 20 times and next to my wife your are the best Louise. Sorry to have missed talking with you. But thanks for the memories!
Ron
Emily says:
My husband and I saw Always…last Saturday, May 16. I had seen it back in 1993 (twice)and loved it both times. The new production is even better. Mandy looked beautiful and Tere….what a hoot! If you ever get the chance to see this show, GO, GO, GO. Makes be proud to be call “music city” home.
R Fletcher says:
Caught the final performance at the Ryman. Had never seen the play before,and actually thought it might have been over-hyped. Far from it. In all aspects, from production to cast, it was of the same calibre of Broadway plays I’ve seen, in fact, it’s quality far exceeded many Broadway plays.
Mandy Barnett is in no way overrated. Amazingly talented, with spot on delivery and timing. She seems to inhabit the character of Patsy Cline so much so that the audience’s disbelief is suspended. I forgot I was watching Mandy Barnett perform, and that’s the highest copmliment I know to pay her.
I am truly afraid though, that Tere Meyers, who portrayed Louise, will be overlooked. Louise is over the top, loud and boisterous. She’s also very real. I’ve worked in radio for almost 20 years, and have gotten to know several Louises. Tere Meyers resisted the opportunity to play Louise only for laughs, (though there are plenty of those) instead, we get a gilmpse of the loneliness and heartbreak and love in Louise’s life. Most actresses would leave Louise in the two dimensional pages of the script, Tere Meyers gives her flesh and bone and soul. Without a realistic Louise, the story would be a comedy tribite to Patsy Cline, enjoyable and newsworthy, but a vehicle that proves how talented Cline was and Barnett is. With Tere Meyers in the role of Louise, the play becomes what I think it was meant to be: a story of two women whose lives were filled with love, heartbreak, tragedy and joy - and the refuge they find in each other. I expect to see Mandy Barnett on the Nashville, or even national scene for many years to come-that’s a given. I only hope Louise’s comedic lines and spandex don’t overshadow Tere Meyers. She is a talent that is sorely in need of recogintion.