Always … Patsy Cline – Musical – Review – Taproot Theatre

@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.

L to R: Cayman Ilika and Kate Jaeger in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Cayman Ilika in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
L to R: Kate Jaeger and Cayman Ilika in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Kate Jaeger in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Kate Jaeger in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
L to R: Cayman Ilika and Kate Jaeger in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Cayman Ilika in Always… Patsy Cline at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Credits from the Encore printed program.
Credits from the Encore printed program.

Preview Post – Bye Bye Birdie – Musical – The 5th Avenue Theatre

Happy opening night to The 5th Avenue Theatre production of the Bye Bye Birdie musical. Congrats to the 4 (or 5?) high school seniors who missed their graduation to perform this opening night. Good personal decision y’all. Rockin’ till the 6/29/25. This ain’t the last kiss … my full review is just around the corner!

Tickets: https://www.5thavenue.org/shows/2024-25/bye-bye-birdie/

Final Full Review: https://www.showsiveseen.com/bye-bye-birdie-musical-review-the-5th-avenue-theatre/

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Preview Post – The Color Purple – Musical – Village Theatre

The Color Purple musical at Village Theatre. At Issaquah till 6/29/25 and Everett till 7/27/25. Stay tuned for my full review! #gospelmusic #thecolorpurple #colorpurple #intersectionality

Tickets: https://villagetheatre.org/see-a-show/purple/

Final Full Review: https://www.showsiveseen.com/the-color-purple-musical-review-village-theatre/

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Jersey Boys – Musical – Review – Village Theatre

@showsiveseen "Jersey Boys" #musical closing weekend at Village Theatre. Starring @Lorenzo Pugliese as #FrankieValli from the #FourSeasons. Great voices! #Review: showsiveseen.com/12868 Production Video: Nyhuis Creative Director/Choreo: Michael Berresse Stage Mgr: Laurel Nichols Music Director: RJ Tancioco #TheFourSeasons #JerseyBoys #Jersey #newJersey #musicaltheatre #theatre #showsiveseen #4Seasons ♬ December, 1963 (Oh What a Night!) – The Four Seasons

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Jersey Boys musical at Village Theatre. The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Great voices. Get your tickets before it closes this weekend!

Recommendation:
See it.


Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? No, I’ve seen the national tour twice.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Three times already might be enough for me!

Mainstream Appeal: Medium to high

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

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Based on a true story, this jukebox musical charts the rise of Frankie Valli and Tommy DeVito as they navigate ambition, loyalty, and fame to create the legendary sound of The Four Seasons band.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: They were just four guys from Jersey until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story — a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. Go behind the music and inside the world of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony Award-winning true-life musical phenomenon, Jersey Boys.This scintillating new production is full of electrifying performances of chart-topping hits including: “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn,” “My Eyes Adore You,” and so many more!

Type: Jukebox Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Mostly dynamic

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: Obviously, you’ll appreciate this show more if you’re remotely familiar with the music from The Four Seasons.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Union Actors: 11

Total Actors: 13

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.75 hours

Other Rave(s)

  • Voices: In a jukebox musical centered around a legendary vocal group, stellar singing is essential. Thankfully, the cast more than delivered. Special shoutouts go to Robbie Serrano (whose voice was crisp and clear), Ethan Carpenter (a familiar face on Seattle stages whom I rarely get the pleasure of hearing sing), and Ben Dow. Lorenzo Pugliese (portraying Frankie Valli) was a standout. His performance of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” earned him an extended ovation with some audience members standing up with enthusiasm. Finding someone who can not only hit those iconic high notes but also channel Valli’s distinctive look and presence is no small feat. Pugliese nailed it.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Real Life Foreshadowing: The line “Frankie, you’ll be on the road ’til you’re 90” felt painfully prophetic. It’s even become a trend on TikTok to point out how eerily lifeless Frankie Valli now appears on stage with the obvious lip-syncing support. What kind of mob deal is forcing him on stage?
  • Bromance: This production leaned into the bromance between Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio. I didn’t notice this in the national tour performances.
  • Orchestra Placement: It was weird to only see the drummer visible on stage without the rest of the band. Showcasing the full orchestra would have added to the visual experience. Curiously, the musicians weren’t in the orchestra pit, but were instead hidden behind the curtain. Perhaps this decision was driven by space constraints.
  • Visual Vibe: For a jukebox musical, the scenic design was oddly dark and almost brutalist, with concrete-style backdrops and faded billboard advertisements evoking a has-been urban atmosphere. The production truly came alive during the American Bandstand scenes when the four leads, sharply suited up and lit under individual spotlights, delivered “choralography” and smooth harmonies to vintage microphones. Those moments captured the script’s energy and charm.
  • Energy: The performance lacked the pep I felt from the national tour. It might have been the curse of post–opening performance lull or the unusually dim visual aesthetic. Afternoon matinees also often struggle with energy. Additionally, the audience skewed older than usual and didn’t help with the vibe either. Then again, having seen this show three times now, it’s possible that some of the freshness has naturally worn off for me.

Theatre Company: Village Theatre

Venue: Village Theatre

Venue Physical Address:

  • Village Theatre’s Francis J. Gaudette Theatre: 303 Front Street North, Issaquah, WA 98027
  • Everett Performing Arts Center: 2710 Wetmore Avenue, Everett, WA 98201

Ticket Affordability Options: See the theatre’s official page about discounts and pay-what-you-can performances

Dates:

  • Issaquah: 3/18/25 to 4/27/25
  • Everett: 5/3/25 to 5/25/25

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking:

  • Issaquah: Free street parking and certain free parking lots. Lot parking availability is very difficult to find though. I’ve basically given up on that. I usually end up parking on Rainier Boulevard North. As a last resort, you can always find parking at the library but it’s a little far. Remember, there’s a bottom floor parking lot under the library’s main parking lot that mostly only locals know about.
  • Everett: Free street parking and some paid parking lots/garages.

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Pictures: See production pictures below by Auston James.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Ben Dow, Matthew Posner, Lorenzo Pugliese, and Robbie Serrano in Jersey Boys at Village Theatre. Photo by Auston James (2025).
Ben Dow, Matthew Posner, Lorenzo Pugliese, and Robbie Serrano in Jersey Boys at Village Theatre. Photo by Auston James (2025).
Ben Dow, Matthew Posner, Lorenzo Pugliese, and Robbie Serrano in Jersey Boys at Village Theatre. Photo by Auston James (2025).
Lorenzo Pugliese and Robbie Serrano in Jersey Boys at Village Theatre. Photo by Auston James (2025).
Credits from printed Encore program.
Credits from printed Encore program.
Credits from printed Encore program.
Credits from printed Encore program.

Preview Post – House of Joy – Play – Prathidhwani & Seattle Public Theater

Congrats to Prathidhwani and Seattle Public Theater on the opening weekend of their House of Joy play. Performing till 6/8/25. Watch for my full review! #india #indian #southAsian #lesbian #LGBT #dance

Tickets: https://www.seattlepublictheater.org/houseofjoy

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