Welch reprises role of late singer

In many respects, Patsy Cline was the Billie Holiday of country music, arguably the most distinctive, influential and best loved voice of her time, or perhaps any time.

Both died much too young, Cline in an airplane crash in 1963 at the age of 30. Both have been immortalized in books and biographical films, and millions of their albums have sold posthumously.

Like the smoky intimacy of Holiday's voice, Cline's rich, emotional contralto endures in some of the most successful popular songs ever written. Even those not enamored of country music are moved by such songs as "I Fall to Pieces" and "Crazy."

"Patsy definitely was one of those iconic artists who everyone knows who she is," says Lindsay Welch, who stars as the inimitable songstress in "Always ... Patsy Cline," running Friday through April 18 at the Charleston Ballet Theatre's Black Box.

"The one thing that stands out for me, especially when I watch video of her, is that she made it look so effortless," Welch says. "She could produce something so beautiful with such seeming ease. She had a very deep, soulful voice that spoke to a lot of people. They loved her then, and they still do."

This latest reprise of the Midtown/Sheri Grace Productions event, first performed here in 1992, co-stars Susie Hallatt as Houston housewife Louise Seger, with whom Cline forged a friendship.

Welch's vocal stylings will be girded by a six-piece band composed of music director Justin Wham (piano), Charlie Thompson (pedal steel), David Cooper (bass), Calley Moore (fiddle), Gary Brown (guitar) and Jim Chleborad (drums).

"Always" melds Cline's quick-witted humor with pathos. And it's a role Welch, a preschool teacher at Ashley River Baptist Church's Child Development Center, embodies with practiced elan. She has been playing Cline since a 2004 gig for Piccolo Spoleto, appearing at such venues as the Footlight Players Theatre, Charleston Music Hall and Village Playhouse, all under the direction (and coaching) of Sheri Wenger.

"I've always been drawn to country music," says Welch, who repeatedly listens to and practices with Cline's CDs. "And I keep coming back and doing this show because people like it. If I can make someone happy by bringing memories back to them, I love doing that. There aren't that many real country music artists around today. Not like her. She has the real country sound, but was very versatile.

"Before the first performance we did, Sheri and I broke down every song in the show and tried to re-create Patsy's voice again. We also studied the character as thoroughly as possible, not only in terms of how she sang but how she behaved on stage, how she talked to people in the audience. Sheri also does the makeup for the show, and the makeup really helps create the character."

As Seger, Hallatt handles most of the narration of the show, which is based on a true story, but she and Welch do interact on stage.

"Every time Susie and I have worked together, it has been on this show," Welch adds. "She's an amazing actress and a wonder to work with."

Performances are slated for 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and April 15-17 and 3 p.m. April 18.

Tickets are $29.50 for adults, $27.40 for seniors and students. Call 1-800-514-3849 or go online at www.midtownproductions.org or www.etix.com.

Reach Bill Thompson at bthompson@postandcourier.com or 937-5707.