One could argue about the precise distinction between a generic stage musical and a jukebox musical, but in its most specific sense, the latter is a production that celebrates a form or era of music (“Forever Plaid”), a performer (“The Cher Show”), or composers (“Smokey Joe’s Café”) with a limited and often contrived plot line.  “Always…Patsy Cline” stands as one of the more enduring and endearing of its kind, particularly embraced by community theaters drawn to its manageability with a cast of two and a band of four to six.  Hillbarn Theatre’s current production captures all of the musicality, humor, nostalgia, and emotion of this little gem to provide an evening of sparkling entertainment.

“Always…Patsy Cline” distinguishes itself in numerous ways.  To begin with, it retells a real and unlikely incident that occurred in one night in 1961 and footnotes the powerful pen pal friendship that ensued.  Louise Seger had become a fanatic fan of the early recordings of Patsy’s, and when Patsy is scheduled to perform at the Esquire Ballroom in Houston, Louise and her male friends are the first to arrive at the venue.

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“Always…Patsy Cline” is created by Ted Swindley, produced by Hillbarn Theatre, and plays on its stage at 1285 East Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City, CA through September 15, 2024.  For tickets and information, please visit http://www.hillbarntheatre.org.