Take A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline

Jessica Wagner

With a clever set design by Robert E. Wolin, Take a Closer Walk With Patsy Cline will be appearing at the Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe Street, through October 16.  Jessica Wagner, who performed the title role in Always, Patsy Cline, reprises her role to an enthusiastic audience. Take A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline begins as a radio broadcast with announcer Danny Vaccaro paying tribute to the singer and narrating her beginnings and accomplishments.   “Patsy” (Jessica Wagner) is usually accompanied on stage by a quartet of very talented young men  - Jared Calhoun, Nate Golden, Christopher J. Perugini and Sean C. White who also appear by themselves at the radio station to do singing commercials.  During the commercials, “Patsy” disappears off stage for a rapid costume change. There are many such changes throughout the program, not only for Patsy but for the quartet as well.  Kudos to Linda B. Stockton for designing the numerous costumes.  Director Susan D. Atkinson must be admired for her outstanding work in moving the characters on and off the stage seamlessly in order to facilitate a costume change. Patsy Cline’s maturity is denoted in her move from saddle shoes, to cowboy boots to high heels.  The tenor of her voice also changes as she "ages"; songs with a higher pitch are chosen for the beginning of the production and Patsy’s voice deepens as she gets older.  From WINC 1400 to The Grand Ol Opry to Carnegie Hall, Patsy Cline loved performing before an audience and with Ms. Wagner’s recreation, this is evident. This marvelous show will have you clapping your hands and singing along to more than 20 of Patsy Cline’s favorite hits. If you liked Always, Patsy Cline, you’ll love Take A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline.  If you didn't see it, don’t miss Jessica Wagner's rendition of Patsy Cline this time.  Tickets are available by calling 215-785-0100 or by visiting online at brtstage.org.