Friday night’s Gala performance of A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline was a resounding success. The audience was filled with many “Repeat Offenders”, the term Gail Bliss uses to describe those who attend her shows over and over. Numerous senior citizens, many of whom were fans of Patsy Cline when she was at the pinnacle of her career, could be seen throughout the crowd enjoying the 20+ musical numbers performed.
The Gala began with champagne and hors d'oeuvres in the library and lobby areas. Before going through the buffet line, guests had a choice of soup or salad, both of which were accompanied by cornbread served in individual iron skillets. These were such a hit that managing partner Craig Smith joked about there being metal detectors at all the doors for those who wanted to take these home with them. The finishing touch to the dinner (or supper, as this was a southern meal) was house made banana pudding served in Mason jars.
The show itself was a wonderful tribute to Patsy Cline, with Gail Bliss faultlessly singing all Pasty’s greatest hits. Favorites, such as Crazy and Walkin’ After Midnight brought rounds of applause. At the end of the show, after Bliss talked personably with the audience, she gave an encore of Just a Closer Walk With Thee.
A delightful segment of the show was performed by Dan Embree, who played the parts of Little Big Man, Opry Comic and Vegas Comic. His slapstick comedian routines were priceless and brought out belly laughs throughout the room. The band, hailing mostly from Kansas City and Nashville, was superb. The “commercial breaks” they sang were reminiscent of the 60’s and sparked a lot of memories in listeners. The fiddling by Paul Kramer, who has played with Travis Tritt, Leon Russell and Willie Nelson, resonated with the crowd.
After the show, all the cast members greeted the guests in the lobby while everyone enjoyed some late evening desserts by Chef Dejuan Roy. Ms. Bliss has recorded several CDs, including her gospel CD, Where Love Lives, which were on sale for her fans.
Bliss, an Oregon native, has been performing this show for years and this run at the Alhambra will be her last. Says Craig Smith, “I am sorry to say that this is the last time for Gail as Patsy Cline. It's a role that she has truly made her own over the years.” Although five shows are already sold out, there are still tickets available. Click here to order your tickets.
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