Barter Theatre’s Production of “Always… Patsy Cline”
ABINGDON, Va.—Barter Theatre is excited to share information on its upcoming production of the musical play “Always… Patsy Cline.” The show will run from June 18th-July 10th for a total of fourteen performances. The night of classic, country music will take place at the Moonlite Drive In Theatre, and tickets are currently available for purchase.
“Always… Patsy Cline” incorporates the iconic singer’s music to tell the story of her life, while also focusing on the relationship between Cline and her fan-turned-friend Louise Seger, who communicated through letters throughout Cline’s career, and until her death. The show includes some of Cline’s most legendary songs, such as “I Fall to Pieces” and “Crazy.”
The story is one that resonates deeply with residents of the Southwest Virginia region in particular, given the area’s history as the birthplace of country music and that Patsy Cline herself was born in Winchester, VA. This connection is something that Barter has had insight into firsthand, as the theatre has produced the show three times in the past, in 1994, 1998, and 2010.
In fact, the first iteration of the show was so popular that its run at Barter was extended by a week within its first week of shows in 1994, something that, at the time, was noted as “unprecedented in the history of Barter Theatre.”
The role of Patsy Cline has been portrayed by Rusty Rae, Becky Barta, and Jessica Welch in the past, and joining their ranks in this production is Barter Theatre’s Kim Morgan Dean. Additionally, Tricia Matthews will co star alongside her as Louise Seger.
Dean and Matthews are both a part of Barter Theatre’s resident, equity acting company, and loyal audience members will certainly recognize them from their past productions at Barter. This is their first return to an in-person performance since the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, as well as their first production at Barter’s Moonlite Drive In venue.
Patrons can purchase tickets for the classic show and find out more information by visiting Barter’s website: www.bartertheatre.com
About Barter Theatre
Barter Theatre, the nation’s longest running professional theatre, is located in Abingdon, Virginia. The theatre opened in 1933 during the Great Depression. Founder Robert Porterfield offered patrons admission to the theatre by bartering food and livestock. Barter Theatre was designated as the State Theatre of Virginia in 1946. It exists today as one of the last year-round professional resident repertory theaters remaining in the United States. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.
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