More fun than bull riding!

City Circle - At the Iowa Children's Museum beginning tonight, you can experience a show about the life of country singer Patsy Cline. We had a chance to talk with the director of Ted Swindley's Always Patsy Cline, Cary Beatty.

Cary, can you give us a quick synopsis of the show?

Cary: In 1959, Louise Segar met her idol, Patsy Cline (Marcia Hughes), at a Houston honky-tonk where Cline was appearing. That meeting spawned a friendship that lasted until Cline's tragic and premature death in a plane crash a few years later. Using that magical evening as a framework, twenty eight of Patsy Cline's most beloved songs are presented with narration of the events by Segar (Patty McTaggart). The show is staged cabaret style with much of the action taking place within a few feet of the audience. A six piece country band provides the music under the direction of Lyle Juracek. The show is a wonderful time trip back to the early 60's and spiced with the irreverent wit Segar's character provides. It's a show that always has the audience clappin' hands and humming the tunes on the way out the door.

When you were casting the title role - what were you looking for in terms of similarity to the real Patsy Cline? Was a physical appearance important or were you looking for other aspects?

Cary: First and foremost, we looked for a singer who could accurately represent Cline's vocal quality and passion. Marcia Hughes truly captures the nuance and style of Cline's recordings and performances. Happily, she also bears a close resemblance to the singer and has studied film and video clips to enhance the resemblance.

Can you talk about the rehearsal process a little bit? Any challenges or fun moments you can share?

We were faced with the loss of City Circle's usual rehearsal space, but Dave Tigges, a local businessman who lives in North Coralville, volunteered to let us use the well appointed "party barn" on the grounds of his residence. Here we have been able to completely assemble our set and turn the party barn into the Texas Honky Tonk which is the main setting of the show. One night, Patsy had just finished a song when we looked toward the open door to find 3 deer standing watching the show. They seemed to enjoy it!

This show has been a staple of the Old Creamery's line up for a number of years. What will make your show stand apart?

Cary: There's a physical and theatrical barrier between the audience and the performers at Old Creamery. Our show treats the audience as customers at the Texas Honky Tonk and puts the performers in a much more intimate and engaging setting.

I understand there were more refreshments than usual with this show. "Almost dinner theatre" was how the email described it. What's the story behind that?

Cary: It's a Texas roadhouse and we will have roadhouse food: barbecue, snacks, beverages which can be enjoyed during the show and at intermission.

Can you talk a little bit about your approach to directing a show with just two cast members who play real people?

Cary: Two singer/actresses, six on-stage band members, and a hundred "customers" make this a big, big show. One of the main concepts is to bring the viewer into the show rather than expect them to sit remotely apart as observers: that's television. We want our guests to feel like this is a great big party in a Texas saloon. It's more fun that riding the bull at Gilley's!

Thanks for telling us about the show!

Always...Patsy Cline runs October 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm; the Sunday performance is at 2 pm. All shows are at the Iowa Children's Museum, Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville.