Charlotte Campbell Brings Down The House Singing, “I Fall to Pieces”
Reviewed by Tom Jones
September 20, 2024
Patsy Cline was at the height of her fame at 30 when she died in an airplane crash. Her death put the American Country Music World into mourning. Cline had already immortalized such songs as “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “If I Could See the World Thru The Eyes of a Child” — moving her to the top of music charts.
Her worldwide fans felt as if they had lost someone very special. One of those who felt the great loss was a Houston housewife, Louise Seger, who had become a Cline fan and dear friend just a few years earlier.
Cline and Seger are united this season as Charlotte Campbell and Jalyn Courtenay Webb portray the two in “Always, Patsy Cline” on the Johnstown stage. Louise Seger was a somewhat hassled wife and mother whose life was made pleasant listening to music on the radio and television. She was especially interested in a young woman who was a favorite on Arthur Godfrey’s TV show, and who was just beginning to release records. Seger began to hassle the local radio DJ, virtually demanding that he play Patsy Cline music over and over and over.
She dragged her boss and friends from work to a concert in Houston where Cline was to appear in person. Seger demanded they arrive “way early” to be certain to get a good place to park, etc. They arrived “way” early — so much so that they were virtually the only car in the lot.
Before the show started, she spotted Cline in the theater and immediately sided up to her just to say, “Hello.” The “hello” turned into Seger inviting Cline to her home after the concert, taking her to meet the local DJ the next morning, and began a friendship that became a series of exchanged letters and telephone calls.
This friendship comes to life in ”Always, Patsy Cline” as Charlotte Campbell beguiles the audience with her charm and vocal skills, while Jalyn Courtenay Webb busies herself encouraging everyone to adore the Cline persona. She takes back seat to ensure that the Cline impersonation remains the show’s spotlight. Unfortunately, we do not hear the wonderful Webb voice nearly enough – just a snippet here and there. One of the men at our table noted at intermission, “ “I had no idea that Jalyn Webb has such great acting skills!” She is truly a wonder – evoking a crazy humor one minute, deep-felt sorrow the next.
In 2018, Webb was honored by the Colorado Theater Guild who gave her the Guild’s Henry Award as Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical that year for her portrayal of the Houston housewife. While Campbell looks regal and majestic, Courtenay amazes the audience with hair piled high (upon hair piled high), her disheveled costuming and her busy-body/take charge attitude.
The production was written by Ted Swindley and has found enthusiastic audiences throughout the United States. Much of the excitement of the Candlelight production is provided by the excellent orchestra. Conducted by Paul Falk, the group includes Nel Dunfee, Alex Ward, Ryan Millard, Cody Stadelmaier, Thom Wade, and Christina Smith. Lighting and set are also excellent.
Much of the audience at opening night were already Patsy Cline fans, giving the show a standing ovation, complete with couples from the audience dancing in the area near the stage.
This is a highly interesting show – one showing great warmth and compassion, while providing the audience with first-rate performances. First rate performances are commonplace now on the Candlelight stage.
“Always, Patsy Cline”
Through November 10, 2024
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown,, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: coloradocandlelight.com