ActLiveNow to perform Patsy Cline musical at Portuguese Hall

SAN DIEGO – You don’t have to be a fan of the iconic country-pop singer to appreciate “Always…Patsy Cline,” a musical being performed in August by ActLiveNow.
ActLiveNow, which comprises world-class directors, performers, and industry professionals, helps students hone their creative skills and take them to the next level.
“Always …Patsy Cline” pays homage to the trailblazing American singer whose smooth contralto voice helped bridge the gap between country and pop music in the 1950s and 1960s.
Based on the true story of Patsy Cline’s friendship with fan Louise Seger, the musical play will be performed during a limited engagement on back-to-back weekends, Aug. 9-10 and Aug. 16-17. Performances will be at Portuguese Hall San Diego, 2818 Avenida de Portugal in Point Loma. Show times are Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Tickets and seats are available for purchase at ActLiveNow.com. Cost for cabaret-style seating is $30 each for general admission. Group tickets of eight at reserved tables cost $216, $27 per person.
This is a two-woman show that includes many of Cline’s hit songs like “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” and “Sweet Dreams.” It’s the third time around doing the play for Dena Mattox, who is playing Cline’s “bestie” Louise Segar.
She is also taking on another key role.
“I was co-director the second time I did the show, and yes, I am taking on the role of director for this third time,” Mattox said. “Most would agree that performing and directing is a crazy task. But honestly, everything falls into place quite easily with talented people and musicians. Having the experience is extremely helpful. What can I say? ‘As a team, we got this.’”
Mattox described Louise Segar, whom she plays as a “real character” and a “huge fan” of Patsy.
“They met at one of her concerts, became friends during a break, and they became very close, just bonded,” noted Mattox, adding that Louise, the play’s comic relief, “is so funny.”
Of performing at S.E.S. Portuguese Hall, Mattox noted, “It’s a perfect venue. Patsy would have performed in a place just like this, a beautiful historic building that has amazing acoustics.”
Mattox characterized the play as “serious,” but was quick to add that it’s “a lot of fun.”
Asked why this play is so special, Mattox said it’s because of Patsy’s mystique.
“She was a tough woman and a trailblazer,” Mattox said. “She just came in and made a name for herself: People just loved her.”
You don’t have to be a big Patsy fan to enjoy this play, pointed out Mattox.
“When I first saw this play about 15 years ago, I didn’t know about Patsy either,” she said. “I just had heard a couple of her songs. It (play) just spoke to me. People who come to see this play – even if they’re not familiar with Patsy – will leave with an appreciation of her and her music, even if they’re not country fans.”
Of her relationship with her co-star, Catherine DeBrule, who plays Patsy Cline, Mattox noted: “We play off each other so well. It is just very organic. I think the audience can feel that. They’re singing along and clapping. We love the audience participation. There are times when we go out into the audience and try to get their reactions. We’ve always gotten great feedback. People love the show.”
Patsy Cline
Born Virginia Patterson Hensley on Sept. 8, 1932, Cline was one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. She started out performing duets with her mother at church social events. One of the first country music artists to successfully crossover into pop music, Cline had several major hits during her eight-year recording career, including two number-ones. Her biggest pop hit was “Crazy,” released as a single in October 1961.
Cline’s short-but-productive life was also tragic. On June 14, 1961, she and her brother Sam Hensley Jr. were struck head-on in a car crash. The impact threw her into the car windshield, causing extensive facial injuries, which were life-threatening. She was not expected to live but underwent surgery and survived.
Cline resumed her career six weeks after her car accident. However, her return was short-lived. Cline died, at age 30, after her plane crashed in heavy weather on the evening of March 5, 1963, about 90 miles from its Nashville destination. Forensic examination concluded everyone aboard had been killed instantly.
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