Houston Press- 7/19/07

Always...Patsy Cline

Ted Swindley, former founding director of Houston's Stages Repertory Theatre, created this ultimate country-fried jukebox musical in 1988 as a tribute to the late, great Patsy Cline. Even with its meager story line pegged to Louise (Lyndsay Sweeney), a Cline groupie who meets her favorite star for one night, the show's been Angus prime beef ever since, drawing in appreciative audiences who revel in the 27 Cline classics, like "Back in Baby's Arms," "I Fall to Pieces," "Crazy" and "Sweet Dreams." This singularly unimaginative premise — it's really a staged concert — wouldn't work at all without a singer who's able to channel Cline's star power, girl-next-door persona, pipes of platinum and unmistakable vocal mannerisms. As the old movie advertisements used to proclaim, Julia Kay Laskowski is Patsy Cline. She has the voice, the styling and the very moves of this most distinctive, beloved country/pop singer. Her uncanny impersonation goes way beyond mere mimicry: This is acting of the highest order. Even though she barely says more than a few lines of dialogue — unfortunately, Louise never shuts up — Laskowski is splendidly phenomenal. If you love the songs and sound of Patsy Cline, this mega-concert must not be missed. Through July 29. Texas Repertory Theatre, 14243 Stuebner Airline, 281-583-7573. — DLG