“Crazy…I’m crazy for feeling so lonely…I’m crazy…crazy for feeling so blue…”
Most fans of country music can easily recall those lyrics sung by the legendary Patsy Cline in her signature hit Crazy, written by Willie Nelson and released in October 1961.
Cline’s unique vocal talent shot her to the top of the country and pop charts on numerous other occasions with her memorable hits including Walking after Midnight, I Fall to Pieces, She’s Got You, and Sweet Dreams of You before her tragic death in a plane crash on March 5, 1963.
Most of all, music fans will always remember Cline’s amazing voice, which even today, remains the voice by which all female country singers must measure themselves.
On Nov. 6 at 8pm, the music and life of Patsy Cline will be celebrated at the Harriston Town Hall Theatre in a new touring show entitled Patsy Cline: The Legend, produced by veteran Canadian performer Bill Culp, who specializes in music from the 1950s and 1960s. Culp is excited about the caliber of talent he has assembled in the Cline cast, especially the leading lady herself.
“Patsy Cline will be played by Marie Bottrell, a true Canadian country music legend. She’s had numerous number 1 hits on country radio, is a two-time Canadian Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year, a seven time Juno nominee, and was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Edmonton on Sept, 10, only eight weeks before the show in Harriston”
Culp’s enthusiasm is shared by Bottrell, who noted, “Not only is it an honour to portray Patsy Cline, who is one of my musical heroes, it’s exciting to be working at such a beautiful and intimate venue like the Harriston Town Hall Theatre. I’ve heard so many great comments from people regarding the audiences there, I am truly thrilled to be a part of this.” The cast also includes some notable Canadian musicians who will be quite familiar to area theatre patrons including Dave Tufford on lead guitar.
Tufford is highly regarded for his work with Good Rockin’ Tonight: The Sun Records Story, the official touring show of the famed Memphis record label which has sold-out theatres across Canada and is headed to Australia in 2011.
Culp said what audiences can expect from Patsy Cline: The Legend is, “This is a family oriented show that is similar to Jersey Boys as it mixes great music with a fascinating but true story. It’s a fully interactive show that will have the audience laughing, crying, and clapping along, and I’m truly proud to be associated with such a talented cast and historically authentic show.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the theatre box office, at 68 Elora Street, Harriston, or charge by phone at 519-338-2778. For more information on the show visit www.BillCulp.ca.
