Is there anyone who does not recognize the song "Crazy" immediately upon hearing it?
"And I'm crazy for trying... and crazy for crying... and crazy for loving you..."
'Crazy' became Patsy Cline's most famous song, next to other favorite love songs like "I Fall to Pieces" and "She's Got You." Cline's ability to capture both the country music lovers' attention as well as the pop listener's turned her into a lasting star even though her life was cut short early.
Born Virginia Patterson Hensley, she was born September 8, 1932 and killed just 30 years later in an airplane crash on March 5, 1963. She did, however, in the last eight years of her life, become a proliferous artist recording songs in the country, pop, rockabilly, honky tonk, and a few other genres.
She was admired for the uniqueness of her contralto tone and the way she raised to stardom at a time when females didn't make it often. She became the first female solo artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Honoring this outstanding artist, the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater in Claremont, CA is currently presenting the country musical entitled "Always... Patsy Cline." The musical is based on the true story of Cline's friendship with Louise Seger and on details obtained from letters still existing from the pen-pal relationship that developed between the two women.
On stage Seger (played by Beth Mendoza) recalls her interactions with Cline, while the latter (played by Lisa Layne) comes in and out of stage singing one after another of Cline's hits. The singer is supported by a live band. The show combines humor, sadness and lots of music that will doubtless be a treat for any Patsy Cline fan.
The experience at the Candlelight Pavilion, however, goes beyond the music. As a “fine dining and musical theater” the ticket price (ranging, based on location, from $48 to $60) includes a dinner entrée along with the performance. This is a waiter-served dinner in a 299-seat house that offers cozy tables for two as well as large tables of eight, booths, even private balcony rooms. Drinks, appetizers, and desserts are available at an additional price. Dinner is served prior to the musical’s first act. Dessert is served during the intermission, before the second act.
"Always... Patsy Cline" will run at the Candlelight Pavilion until February 7, 2010. Tickets can be purchased by calling 909.626.3296 ext 1 or visiting http://www.candlelightpavilion.com The Ben D. Bollinger's Candlelight Pavilion is located at 455 West Foothill Blvd, Claremont CA 91711.
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