Despite a brief career before her death on March 5^th, 1963 in a plane crash, Patsy Cline’s influence is felt in music even today. Songs like Crazy and I Fall to Pieces are instantly recognizable. A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline has been performed around the world since Vancouver’s Dean Reagan debuted his creation in 1991. Stage West brings Cline’s story to the stage until September1^st.

Part musical revue, part sketch comedy, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline features Sarah Horsman as Cline. While not a dead-on impression, Horsman is clearly passionate about the songs and delivers a stellar performance. Jeremy LaPalme plays DJ Little Big Man, a DJ who is paying a tribute to Cline on the night of her death. He shares small anecdotes about songs and performances throughout Cline’s career, which Horsman then comes out to perform. Interspersed are amusing sketch bits, such as live "radio commercials" that were reminiscent of the era for products like Mr. Clean and Ajax. A commercial for tobacco had the audience groaning, recognizing the irony of tobacco promotion 60 years ago. These bits are some much appreciated, energetic comedic relief.

Horsman and LaPalme are backed up by April Cook and Luke Opdahl, who harmonize on Cline’s songs, kick up their boots, and bring the jingles to life. As always, the Stage West band, lead by musical director Konrad Pluta do a fantastic job of the instrumental side of the musical.

Cline sung frequently of sorrow and heartbreak, and her own comes through clearly in her voice on recordings, however the reason for her heartbreak isn’t touched on. Cline’s second husband Charlie Dick was an abusive alcoholic, even as much as they loved each other. The songs and story would have been that much more compelling if we actually knew the stories behind them, as opposed to "I remember when Patsy played this song in Nashville."

As always, Stage West presents a quality buffet alongside their shows. Some unique offerings like seafood shepherds pie and chicken wellington matched with staples like sushi, Caesar salad, and roast beef ensures you’ll be satisfied before the lights go down.

A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline is going to mostly appeal to the singer’s fans. Even as someone who isn’t, enough of her songs are familiar to find the show enjoyable. But if you are, you simply must see this show as Sarah Horsman really captures her essence, making for a live Patsy Cline experience!

Related Articles

Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Stagewest | Theatre |