Always … Patsy Cline – Musical – Review – Taproot Theatre – Shows I've Seen

@showsiveseen Happy closing show last weekend to the "Always … Patsy Cline" #concert #country jukebox #musical production at @TaprootTheatre. Featuring the charming effortlessly-polished vocals of @Cayman Ilika with sidekick narration by @Jaegerlicious. Elegant nostalgic costumes by Brynne Johnson-McKeen. Magical ballads. #Review: showsiveseen.com/13017 Photos: Robert Wade Director: Karen Lund Stage Mgr: Cassie Fitzgerald Conductor: @Evan Barrett #HonkyTonk #countryMusic #PatsyCline @Patsy Cline #theatre #musicalTheatre #showsiveseen ♬ Gotta Lot of Rhythm in My Soul – Patsy Cline

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Happy closing show last weekend to the Always … Patsy Cline concert country jukebox musical production at Taproot Theatre. Featuring the charming effortlessly-polished vocals of Cayman Ilika with sidekick narration by Kate Jaeger. Elegant nostalgic costumes by Brynne Johnson-McKeen. Magical ballads. #HonkyTonk #countryMusic

Recommendation:
See if you enjoy either 1) Patsy Cline’s music, 2) honkytonk music similar to The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, 3) concert style musicals with less of a story like Six 4) or shows with 1 or 2 actors.

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Probably not, but it was good.

Mainstream Appeal: Low to medium

If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Probably

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Inspired by true events, this heartfelt tale follows a devoted Patsy Cline fan whose unexpected chance encounter with the country music legend blossoms into an unlikely friendship.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Journey through the joy and heartbreak of Patsy Cline’s groundbreaking career through her unlikely friendship with her biggest fan. With unforgettable songs including “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” and “Crazy,” you’ll experience the power of love, longing, and friendship. It’s time to kick off your boots and dance!

Type: Concert-style Jukebox Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Static

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: Obviously, you’ll appreciate this show more if you’re familiar Patsy Cline’s discography. I personally only knew the songs that Norah Jones covered, but I still enjoyed the musical.

Defined Plot/Storyline: While there was a story, it wasn’t very substantial. It was more of a framework to showcase Patsy Cline songs.

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Union Actors: 2

Total Actors: 2

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1.75 hours

Other Rave(s)

Cayman Ilika: Cayman Ilika’s bluesy voice was unquestionably the highlight of the production. Her sound is distinct and deeply resonant, with a rounded, almost operatic pronunciation that feels both effortless and assured. There’s a confident steadiness to her polished delivery infused with a charming, old-time elegance reminiscent of the transatlantic accent. It brought to mind her memorable performances in White Christmas and Kiss Me, Kate at The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Ballads: There were magical moments during the ballads, especially “You Belong to Me” when Cayman Ilika (as Patsy Cline), dressed in a shimmering black gown, took the stage at the Esquire Ballroom with heartfelt elegance. These moments would have been perfect in a lounge venue like Triple Door (where the venue could have earned a pretty penny on drink service during the show) instead of a theatre.
Costume Design: Costume designer Brynne McKeen dressed Patsy Cline in elegantly vintage ensembles that perfectly captured the charm of the era. The pieces were both stylish and nostalgic.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Small Cast: Although the production featured two performers, it frequently felt like a one-person show.
Relatability: As a (relatively) young(-ish) person of color, I found it difficult to connect with the script, music, and story. A meaningful way to modernize the piece might be to intentionally cast at least one of the roles with an actor from a more diverse racial background. Doing so could help open the narrative to a wider audience without compromising its core.

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage at Taproot Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 204 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Dates: 5/14/25 to 6/21/25

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

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Pictures: See production pictures below by Robert Wade.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.