Published: June 21, 2008 10:32 pm            

Actresses hold their own in ‘Patsy Cline’

In Town and Gown’s production of “Always ... Patsy Cline,” Louise Seger (played by Linda Thrasher) introduces her fascination with Patsy Cline by saying that Cline sang the way she wished she could sing — the way everyone wishes they could sing.

Tanya “Ty” Reitan, who plays Patsy Cline in the production, doesn’t have to wish. She can do it.

It’s not an exact match, but Reitan comes pretty close to Cline’s sound, particularly when she launches into the song that caught Louise’s attention, “I Fall to Pieces.” Close your eyes, and you can listen along with Seger to Cline singing on the television in 1961.

Reitan’s voice held up quite well through the two-act musical during Tuesday evening’s dress rehearsal and sneak preview performance for Town and Gown supporters. The program lists 27 songs, and Reitan sang them all perfectly.

Thrasher’s role is just as difficult, even though it doesn’t involve much singing (she does join Reitan on a few songs). Almost all of the dialogue belongs to Thrasher, who has a number of long monologues. If she forgot any of her lines, she didn’t show it.

The musical tells the story of the friendship between Seger and Cline, beginning when they meet at a club in Houston and continuing until Cline’s death in a plane crash in 1963.

Despite the sadness the audience knows is coming — and Thrasher will bring a lump to your throat — the formation of the friendship is a joy to watch. Thrasher and Reitan play off each other well, and both provide plenty of laughs. They’re just funny.

The band, consisting of Gloria Short, Ron Field, Tony Wright, Bruce Hartley and Kevin Worley, is excellent and occasionally members offer their thoughts on the action. If you’re a Patsy Cline fan — or just classic country — this is one musical you don’t want to miss.

It continues at Town and Gown Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at 372-9122.

        

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