Sara Mackie and Charlotte Campbell Photo by Mikki Schaffner

Always...Patsy Cline tells the real-life story of the singer's friendship with Louise Seger, a devoted fan who befriended her following a performance in a Houston honky-tonk venue early in her career. Played with humor, animation and physical humor by Sara Mackie, Louise is the show's devoted narrator and only other performer. We learn how she first began to follow Cline during her national TV debut in 1957 on "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts," a television show in 1957. When Cline had a tour stop in Houston, Louise met her and took to her home following the performance. The pair began a fast friendship reflected in letters that the singer signed "Always...Patsy Cline," and that Louise shares with the audience. Playwright Ted Swindley crafted this show from their six-year correspondence. Cline died in a plane crash in 1963.

Always...Patsy Cline opens with Campbell, dressed in a bright red and white fringed cowgirl get-up, at a stand-up microphone and singing three songs: "Honky Tonk Merry Go Round," "Back in Baby's Arms" and "Anytime." It was a low-energy start on opening night, perhaps reflecting Cline's early performance style, but it soon picked up momentum when Mackie launched into her spirited commentary. Cline's soulful "Walkin' After Midnight" and "I Fall to Pieces" were delivered with more emotion. Campbell's contralto voice reflects Cline's own and renders her hits with ease.

Mackie gives the show a big helping of corny humor and humorous storytelling, especially about her back-and-forth with a doubting Houston disk jockey. She also enlivens Louise's unenthusiastic boyfriend and her slow-talking boss whom she drags along to Cline's local debut. She has a lot of back-and-forth with the spirited band and interacts with the audience, including stepping off The Carnegie's stage while Campbell sings "San Antonio Rose" for some Texas two-step with an audience member. (She found such an ardent dance partner on opening night that she sought him out again during the show's finale.)

As the show's trajectory of songs follows Cline's rise to stardom, Campbell's costumes for the singer become more sophisticated, including a sparkling blue cocktail dress that she wore during performances in Las Vegas. But Campbell wears the full range of Cline's attire, from a bathrobe and slacks with an apron to eye-catching gowns.

Campbell's quick changes are covered by Louise's down-home recollections, as well as musical support from a sextet of authentic country musicians led by conductor and pianist Steve Goers. Keith Humphries adds authentic sound on the pedal steel guitar; more support comes from Brad Myers on guitar, Linsey Rogers on fiddle, Matt Wiles on bass, and drummer William Mullen, who also provides some laugh-inducing riffs for Mackie's spirited storytelling as Louise.

The production, taking about two hours with a 20-minute intermission, is swift and entertaining. Audiences have a chance to meet the singer in Campbell's very personal and authentic way, and Mackie keeps everyone chuckling with good-natured, heartfelt fandom. It's a fine offering for The Carnegie's summer season which winds up later in August with a production of Grease.

Always...Patsy Cline runs through August 3, 2025, at The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington KY. For tickets and information, please visit thecarnegie.com or call 859-957-1940.