‘Always ... Patsy Cline'
When: 8 p.m. June 23-24, 2:30 p.m. matinee June 26
Where: Georgia Mountains Center theater, 301 Main St., Gainesville
Tickets: $16 for adults, $12 students, seniors and children; call 770-534-8420.
The Georgia Mountain Players are bringing the popular theatrical and musical performance "Always ... Patsy Cline" back to Gainesville for one more stand at the Georgia Mountains Center theater.
"Always ... Patsy Cline" tells the story of the country music legend's career, life and untimely death through the eyes of an adoring fan.
"Even if you're not a fan of country music, or of Patsy Cline, it's just a show not to be missed. It is wonderful music and a wonderful story," said Mike Martin, director of the performance.
The story is told through the eyes of Louise Seger, a Patsy Cline fan who has a chance meeting with her idol while Cline is in Houston for a performance.
Georgia Mountain Players member and Gainesville State College professor Peggy Strickland portrays Louise, who begins a friendship with Cline after their meeting.
Michelle Martin, playing Patsy Cline, has been portraying the singer to the approval of fans for several years.
"She did it for the very first time in 1998 in Florida. I was blown away by how good she did, and how much she sounded like Patsy," Mike Martin, director and Michelle's father, said.
"I always knew Michelle could sing, and that she was good at imitations, but I was just blown away."
In addition to "Always ... Patsy Cline," Michelle Martin has performed her Patsy Cline impersonations all over the country, playing Cline in another theatrical performance called "Just a Closer Walk With Patsy."
For that role, Michelle Martin was chosen and approved by Patsy Cline's husband to play the role of his wife.
This will be the last time Michelle Martin performs this show. According to Mike Martin, there are about two hours of singing, which would be a quite a strain on anyone.
She will be accompanied by the "Bodacious Bobcats," a local group playing guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass and drums, according to Martin.
The performances are set for 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with a 2:30 matinee Saturday. A limited number of tickets are still available, and can be purchased by phone at 770-534-8420. Prices are $16 for adults, and $12 for students, seniors and children.