Patsy Cline plays to full theater

Always...Patsy Cline was presented to an enthusiastic sell-out audience on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 18 to complete not only a four-show run in the Aztec Theater this summer, but also a 74 performance run over the last 13 years.

“We started in 2005, and I think this was our last performance,” said Randall Palmore, who played steel guitar/guitar in the Bodacious Bobcat Band.  

Lorna Ayers was Patsy Cline and Pam Davis portrayed Louise Seger. 

John Caldwell playing guitar, George Harvick on the bass, pianist Sandy Abel, drummer Larry Braddy, and fiddler Lori Sims rounded out the band.

Aztec board director Tisha Wilkins reported that ticket sales were excellent for all four performances.

“We came close to a sell-out on the second Friday night, and the other three performances all sold out,” Wilkins said. “We won’t know how much we raised for the Aztec until after all of the bills come in, but it looks very encouraging.”

The show is based on a true story, and the local troupe has performed the musical across the Lone Star State for 13 years.

“We did most of our traveling in the first eight or nine years, not as much since then,” said Davis. “We stayed within the ‘continental boundaries of Texas and have performed in some places more than once.”

The recent performances in Albany were intended to provide local live entertainment and to raise funds for the Aztec.

“Lots of hard work and hours by the board members organizing and promoting the show, and rehearsing by the cast went into the performances, and the audience seemed to really enjoy it,” said Palmore. “I love seeing lots of cars in downtown Albany.”

In spite of the play’s success, cast members said that they do not plan to do the show again.

“This was the last time,” said Davis. “We would rather do one show too few than to do one too many and regret not stopping in time. We hit all our marks and finished with full hearts.”

Davis said that the audiences were very receptive to the play, and Ayers agreed.

“People have been very kind,” Ayers said. “Patsy Cline was an amazing talent and brought so much joy to so many people. People would tell me how listening to the show would bring back so many memories and that is why they enjoyed the experience so much.”

Ayers said that it has been an honor to portray the famous singer.

“Playing Patsy Cline will forever be my favorite role,” she said.