Back in Baby’s Arms

Always…Patsy Cline

She steps onto the stage and the magic begins. Now you and I both know that we aren’t about to enjoy the real Patsy Cline in this heartfelt musical, but you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Dressed in one of the country/western singer’s signature cowgirl costumes, lovingly hand-sewn by her mama, Patsy is radiant, all in red. A warm welcome, like a tsunami of applause and cheering, emanates from the audience. It floods the stage as the beautiful, mega talented Chicago actress, Liz Chidester captures our hearts. Patsy Cline sings and welcomes everyone, intoning “Come On In (And Make Yourself at Home).” And for a cool two hours of pure joy and entertainment, we’re back in the late 1950’s-early 60’s, snuggling comfortably and “Back in Baby’s Arms” once more.

As the music begins, the audience melts into cozy, distant memories of a bygone era. This gentle, kindhearted story is filled with mirthful and melancholy songs from a more innocent time. The show is heartfelt and sincerely moving. It’s the musical version of a big, warm hug. But this isn’t simply a concert of Patsy Cline hit tunes. There’s a true, heartwarming true story of friendship that holds these songs together.

Originally premiering in 1988, this delightful, biographical musical depicts the real-life story of Patsy Cline’s chance meeting in 1961 with one of her biggest fans, Louise Singer. Ms. Singer, played with sass and spirit by lovely and multitalented Molly Hernandez, had arrived early for the singer’s performance at Houston’s Esquire Ballroom. She had both her boyfriend and her boss in tow. The ladies met before the show, shared drinks and personal stories and bonded as if they’d always known each other. Patsy was even persuaded to spend a homey, comfortable night at Louise’s house, instead of at a cheap motel. The next morning, on their way to the airport, Louise even talked Patsy into doing a local radio interview. Their friendship continued over the next two years, until the tragic day when Louise heard the sad news about her friend’s death on the radio.

As a pioneer of the early Nashville Sound during the mid-twentieth century, a young singer, christened Virginia Patterson Hensley, took Nashville, the recording world and the Grand Ole Opry by storm. Patsy Cline, as she became known professionally, provided an inspiration for other performers, helping to open the way for women to become headliners in country/western music. Ms. Cline’s rich, warm tones and bold, expressive contralto heated up the airwaves, the concert halls and people’s homes with her recordings.

Despite ten years of recording and performing, Patsy Cline rose to fame only after being “discovered” by television and radio personality, Arthur Godfrey, on his CBS TV program, “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.” On that program she sang her now-famous bluesy, “Walkin‘ After Midnight,” and the overwhelming audience response prompted Patsy to record the song. It immediately rose to the top of the charts and became her first crossover hit into pop music. Selling millions of records, Ms. Cline was remarkable for having perfect pitch and being a self-taught artist who couldn’t read a lick of music. Unfortunately this popular, talented little lady from Virginia was killed in a plane crash in 1963. By that time she’d become the first female solo artist to headline her own show, the first to be billed above her fellow male performers and the first female country singer to both perform at Carnegie Hall and to be inducted (posthumously) into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The pair of talented actors/singers in this two-person tribute to Patsy Cline are equally sensational. Liz Chidester (BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY; LIZZIE; QUEEN OF THE MIST) perfectly portrays Patsy Cline. That’s not to say that this talented actress simply impersonates the musical legend; she convincingly IS Patsy Cline. From Liz’s haunting physical resemblance to the singer, to how Ms. Chidester caresses every lyric and melody, this gifted performer grabs hold of her audience right from the start. Kicking off the show with “Honky Tonk Merry-Go-Round,” Liz Chidester sets the bar high and never lets us down. She continually charms the crowd with an unbelievable 23 songs, later bringing down the house with her finale, “Bill Bailey.” By the end of the show, you just want to bundle this lady up and take her home with you because she feels like a friend.

Speaking of friends, What Liz Chidester brings to this show musically, Molly Hernandez (BERLIN; THE LITTLE MERMAID; AMERICAN MARIACHI) as Louise Singer, overwhelmingly supplies in love, humor and sincere admiration for her singing idol. The chemistry between these two actresses is real and visible. Luckily for the audience, Ms. Hernandez, who is herself a musical star of the highest calibre, gets to join Ms. Chidester in several of the numbers. However, it’s the sincere joy, honesty and empathy that Molly brings to Louise that makes this devoted friend so special. Molly’s Texan character spots something special in her favorite singer that speaks to her heart. Sure, Patsy Cline’s songs and her musicality are a big part of their relationship; but there’s a much deeper link that immediately connects these two women and, in the process, joins the audience, as well.

Filled with so many wonderful songs, such as “Crazy,” “Walkin‘ After Midnight,” “Your Cheatin‘ Heart,” “You Belong to Me,” “True Love” and “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” this biographical musical revue is simply irresistible. Performed on  Tara A. Houston’s stunning scenic design that skillfully melds the Houston Ballroom with Louise’s kitchen, theatergoers will feel as they’ve traveled to Texas. Attired in Lily Walls’ colorful, authentic-looking costumes, the concert is guided by ensemble member Michael Mahler’s expert musical direction. The show is accompanied by a talented five-member honky-tonk country band and conducted by multitalented ensemble member, Ian Paul Custer on piano. 

But in the end, what makes this show work is Harmony France’s creative direction. Making her American Blues debut, this is actually Ms. France’s fourth production of the musical. The founder and artistic director of Firebrand Theatre, Harmony is herself a brilliant musical and dramatic actress. As demonstrated in this production, Ms. France fully understands how to make a musical work. She knows how to interpret the script, envision the story unfolding on the American Blues main stage and skillfully develop the proper pacing, style and tone of the production. In casting these two talented actresses to bring Patsy and Louise to life, every audience will rejoice in the two hours they get to spend “Back in Baby’s Arms Again.” Some theatergoers may even plan a return visit to share with their friends. Because, after all, that’s what this show is really all about: friendship.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented May 1-June 21 by American Blues Theater, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-654-3103 or go to www.boxoffice@AmericanBluesTheater.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.

Photos by Michael Brosilow