The present: “A Nearer Stroll with Patsy Cline”
Written by: Dean Regan
Offered by: Artwork Lab and School Mild Opera Firm via Saturday at CLOC’s West Falmouth campus (however exhibits are bought out)
What it’s about: The present tells the story of the darling of the Grand Ole Opry from the late Nineteen Fifties and early ‘60s via her music (as you’d hope), with an ample measure of comedy and simply the correct amount of Cline historical past woven in for stability. The 21 numbers embrace megahits like “All the time,” “Your Cheatin’ Coronary heart,” “I Fall to Items,” and “Loopy” plus lesser-known songs like “Lovesick Blues” and “Pale Love.”
See it or not: Remaining performances in West Falmouth are bought out, however there’s phrase {that a} regional tour is deliberate so there might be different probabilities. Director Meg Fofonoff, government director of Artwork Lab, offers the devoted all they might have hoped for … and extra. This present has every thing that makes theater such an uplifting expertise: nice music, well-delivered comedy bits, gorgeous costumes and an artistically designed set.
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Highlights: Diana DeGarmo fills every quantity with emotion so harking back to Cline, changing into fun-loving nation lady, then heartbroken torch singer after which, in “Only a Nearer Stroll with Thee,” she paints a vocal portrait of Cline’s mild, non secular facet. Between musical numbers, Ace Younger is there with comedy bits starting from take-offs of previous commercials for Ajax and Mr. Clear, to collections of vaudeville-style one-liners, and a hilarious section with a puppet. One minute he’s a DJ at a Virginia radio station, and the following the emcee at a Vegas nightspot.
Enjoyable reality: DeGarmo and Younger, who’re married, are each alums from TV’s “American Idol,” songwriters and Broadway performers.
Value noting: The set, designed by Charlie Jodoin, is environment friendly and engaging, and Nancy Leary’s costumes are a visible feast. DeGarmo, put centerstage, is a shimmery Dale Evans in some numbers, a gown-clad Vegas performer in others, and a sedate younger matron in others. The set additionally has an old school radio station the place Younger resides when in DJ mode, with a banjo and washboard hanging behind.
Extra concerning the present:‘American Idol,’ Broadway stars Diana DeGarmo, Ace Younger to inform Patsy Cline story
Another factor: After taking the stage in full cowboy regalia, a quintet led by music director Sean Mayes (affiliate music director of Broadway’s “Hadestown”) fills the stage with foot-stomping music that’s a lot greater than accompaniment.