country music

Rapid Fire 20Q with international Dolly Parton tribute artist Kelly O’Brien as she brings ‘The Dolly Show’ to City Winery Nashville Sunday, May 18

May 17, 2025 by Jonathan

Having been named the UK’s Best Dolly Parton Tribute Act four years in a row by the Agent’s Association of Great Britain, Kelly O’Brien has been thrilling audiences across the pond since creating and touring THE DOLLY SHOW. Being a huge Dolly fan myself, I became aware of O’Brien’s uncanny ability to not only resemble the Queen of Country Music but to also speak and sing live as the beloved Tennessee treasure when I started following her on social media a couple years ago. So naturally, when I learned that O’Brien was embarking on her first-ever stateside tour, including a performance right here in Music City at City Winery Nashville on May 18, I knew I had to chat with her for the latest installment in my recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire 20Q. What follow is that conversation.

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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH THE DOLLY SHOW TRIBUTE ARTIST, KELLY OBRIEN

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your upcoming May 18 show at City Winery Nashville marks your Music City debut. How excited are you to be performing as Dolly Parton in the town that claims her as our own?

KELLY O’BRIEN: I am beyond thrilled. It’s a real ‘pinch me’ moment in my career. And I’ve heard some of her family members may be there, so it’s a huge honor to be bringing my show to Nashville

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Before we chat about your Dolly Parton tribute show, THE DOLLY SHOW, I wanna ask you about your life ‘before Dolly’ if you will. You frequently credit your parents for your initial, albeit unintentional introduction to Dolly, remembering them playing her vinyl records when you were growing up in relatively rural McLaren Vale, Australia as you drifted off to sleep. So let’s start there…besides Dolly, what are your earliest musical memories?

KELLY O’BRIEN: Singing in the truck with my dad. I was about 4 years old and my parents had a bakery run. During the holidays we would get up at 4am to drive into Adelaide and load up the trucks with pies, pasties and donuts. All I had to keep me company in those days was the radio, so I was always singing.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re also quoted as deciding on a career in entertainment as young as eight thanks to seeing Kylie Minogue (another personal favorite of mine) and her sister Dannii on tv. What was it about the two of them that struck you as a viable career choice at such a young age?

KELLY O’BRIEN: I think I just loved attention, haha. Dannii was on a show called Young Talent Time (where Kyle also sang with her.) It was on TV every Saturday night. A group of 10 young kids singing, dancing and dressed in amazing costumes. I was hooked.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: By age 14 you were competing in country music singing competitions. What was your first win? AND what song did you win with?

KELLY O’BRIEN: I sang When Will I Be Loved by Linda Rondstadt. I think I won a trophy and a meat tray.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: To hone your craft, you attended University of Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music. What’s your favorite memory of that time in your life?

KELLY O’BRIEN: It was a jazz course. I wanted to learn the skill of improvisation, and playing piano whilst singing… It helped me immensely.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: You also began enjoying a career in musical theatre around that time, if research serves me, landing roles in Starlight Express, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and more, even traveling to Germany with a national touring company. Talk about life on the road! Was that your first taste of tour life?

KELLY O’BRIEN: My first big lead role was in Starlight Express, Germany. I’d never been to Europe before that. Deep down, I know I would end up living on the other side of the world. There were just more opportunitys there. And I was right.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: OK, now for some Dolly-centered questions…I’ve met Dolly several times through the years, so when I say sound like Dolly, I mean it!…you not only sing live like her but also speak live as her during your act. You’ve got what I affectionately refer to as her ‘hiccup giggle’ down pat! When did you first discover you could sound like Dolly?

KELLY O’BRIEN: Well, this part was difficult. Dolly is a soprano and I am an alto, so it took a huge amount of practice. Her voice is very forward in the mouth, it’s a skill. It took a LONG time to perfect.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Then there’s Dolly’s look. You’ve been performing as Dolly in one form or another for about two decades, and from photos and clips I’ve seen, you just keep getting better. Do you find yourself studying Dolly still, in an effort to keep up the look and sound?

KELLY O’BRIEN: Absolutely. I am never complacent. There is so much to learn about Dolly. The instruments she plays, the Dolly-isms and stories she tells. I am always learning something new.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I mentioned Kylie earlier. You’ve performed as Kylie in the past, Brittney Spears and Judy Garland too, right? So what is it about Dolly that prompted you to build an entire show around her and not the other artists you’ve paid homage to in tribute?

KELLY O’BRIEN: For starters, I am only 5 ft tall, so that helped. haha Then I guess it was the fact I started singing country music so young. And the fact I was in musical theatre meant I knew how to create the ‘look’ needed to be a fabulous representation of Dolly.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: I remember the first time I met Dolly, and every time since then, so I gotta ask. What was it like when you met her in 2011?

KELLY O’BRIEN: It’s quite surreal meeting your idol. There are so many things you want to say… I told her how I was an impersonator and she loved that. She was very complimentary.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In doing a little online sleuthing in preparation of our chat, I discovered not only is Dolly a 1° of separation for us, but so was the late great prolific tv producer, Nigel Lythgoe; you having secured a Top 12 spot on Popstars Australia and I having worked on the first two season of American Idol! What do you remember most about your experience with that particular brand of reality television?

KELLY O’BRIEN: Oh dear! That was tough. I was in my twenties then. Not as confident back then. People tell you to ‘jump’ and you do it. If I were spoken to like that now, I’d tell THEM to go jump! haha

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your Nashville debut is midway through your first-ever THE DOLLY SHOW tour in the U.S.. In fact, as we conduct this interview you’re boarding your flight to the U.S. What are you looking forward to most in sharing this show with your stateside audience?

KELLY O’BRIEN: I wonder if they will laugh at my jokes. I mean, they are Dolly gags, but I incorporate my own flair. I also involve the audience quite a bit. It’s an interative show. I hope it translates well…

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In the show you present several Dolly ‘looks’ representing her career from the earlier years to a more modern Dolly. Do you have a personal favorite of your Dolly looks?

KELLY O’BRIEN: Oooooh, I love the 70’s. Dolly’s hair was BIG! I love that look.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Ok, I gotta know…how much luggage do you travel with? How many wigs and costumes are among your gear?

KELLY O’BRIEN: Three suitcases, 7 costumes, 6 wigs. It’s a lot.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: For you personally, when, during your transformation into Dolly, do you feel the illusion is complete? Is it the wig, the wardrobe or the moment you walk onto the stage and greet your eager audience?

KELLY O’BRIEN: I always take a moment before the show to get into character. It’s usually once my wig is glued on and the transformation is complete.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Dolly isn’t just a fabulous singer, she’s a ridiculously prolific songwriter, so not only is the vocal skill important, the music is also key. To that end, I understand current Nashvillian, guitarist Danny Werner is part of your backing back. How did you meet Danny and who else have you got joining you in for your U.S. dates as part of THE DOLLY SHOW band?

KELLY O’BRIEN: Oh wow, you know Danny? How brilliant. I also have John Hagewood, Jon Ross and Jason Sullivan. They will be traveling from Nashville to do my shows in three different states. I will meet them on the first day of rehearsals. I hear they’re great musicians.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Like Dolly, being a singer is only part of who you are. You’re also a Wife and Mom. Have you brought the family along for the U.S. tour? OR are FaceTime and video chats what keep you connected during life on the road?

KELLY O’BRIEN: Not this time. My daughter performs at a very high level and is representing England at this years ‘Dance World Cup.’ She has to stay home and rehearse. And my husband Ben needs to drive her around. They will be traveling back with my in October for round two.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Wait a minute! Did I just get an exclusive? Round two in October, huh? That’s awesome! If you could only play one Dolly Parton album the rest of your life, what would it be and what song in particular means the most to you?

KELLY O’BRIEN: Little Sparrow, I just love that Bluegrass sound. I love Mountain Angel. It’s a seriously beautiful and haunting song.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: YES! Little Sparrow is my favorite Dolly album as well. I just love The Grass is Blue. Alright, we’re almost to the 20th questions, so…What’s next for you?

KELLY O’BRIEN: A rest! haha

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences take with them long after seeing your tribute to Dolly in THE DOLLY SHOW?

KELLY O’BRIEN: I hope they feel they’ve spent the night with Dolly. I hope they have fun, leave feeling a little lighter and full of love. Dolly brings people together like that.

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With that, my chat with Kelly O’Brien came to an end, but that’s not all for me, as you better believe I purchased tickets to THE DOLLY SHOW’s May 18 performance at City Winery Nashville. Doors open at 6pm for the Sunday, May 18 7:30pm show. Tickets range in price from $20 to $35. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. Not in Nashville? You still have another chance to see Kelly O’Brien as Dolly stateside during this phase of the tour when she brings THE DOLLY SHOW to Roxy’s Cabaret in Minneapolis on May 23, and don’t forget the upcoming above-mentioned round two of US dates coming in October. Of course if you’re reading this interview and you happen to be in the UK, as soon as Kelly wraps her US dates she’s headed back for more dates in the UK with shows at Festival Theatre at Hever Castle’s Two Sisters Theatre in Kent on May 31, Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on June 6&7, Bush Hall in London on June 20, The Glasshouse in Gateshead on June 28 and more. CLICK HERE for Kelly’s full tour schedule. You can also follow her on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. Heck, you can even book a personal Cameo message! In the meantime, check out Kelly O’Brien’s THE DOLLY SHOW promo video below!

As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music and movie offerings, find us at JHPEntertainment on Facebook, JHPEntertainment on Instagram and JHPEntertainment on Twitter.

Got an event or show we should know about, drop us a line at the Contact tab. Till then, #GoSeeTheShow!

Rapid Fire 20Q with ‘Variety on Main’ co-hosts Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey; monthly showcase of seasoned performers and newcomers continues at Franklin Theatre Monday, March 18

March 17, 2024 by Jonathan

Variety on Main, a new concert event happening on the third Monday of each month at The Franklin Theatre (419 Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064) showcases seasoned performers as well as rising talent. Co-hosted and co-created by Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey, two truly gifted vocalists, as the event title suggests, Variety on Main showcases and celebrates a variety of not only music genres, but a wide-range of talent. The upcoming March 18 Variety on Main at The Franklin Theatre continues that concept by including performances by Carlene Carter, Becky Isaacs Bowman, The Rakish Paddys, Gretchen Peters, Blue Mother Tupelo and featuring Pat Coil and the Mainstays, as well as the show’s hosts, Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey. Having attended their inaugural Variety on Main back in January, and witnessing first-hand the wide array of talent these two have brought together, I knew I wanted to chat with Mandy and Monica for the latest installment of my recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire 20 Q.

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RAPID FIRE 20 Q WITH VARIETY ON MAIN CO-HOSTS and CO-CREATORS MANDY BARNETT AND MONICA RAMEY

RAPID FIRE WITH VARIETY ON MAIN’s MANDY BARNETT

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How would you describe Variety on Main?

MANDY BARNETT: It is a multi-genre show at the historic Franklin Theatre, there are two sets, a house band made up of incredible musicians, the artists range from seasoned pros to up and coming talent, the common thread, is quality.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Before we get into Variety on Main, let’s give my readers a little refresher…Early in your career, you performed at Dollywood, what’s your favorite memory of those early days as a young performer?

MANDY BARNETT: Some of my earlier days I performed at various variety shows, from the WNOX Tennessee Barndance, Archie Campbell’s Hee Haw Village and Dollywood. They were all located in East Tennessee. Some of my favorite memories of Dollywood are connected to Dolly’s family, they all performed there. I met so many nice people and it was a great experience to get to perform some shows with Dolly and with her family.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Of course most folks know that you garnered critical acclaim and a huge fanbase when you starred as Patsy Cline in the debut production of Always…Patsy Cline, at the iconic Ryman Auditorium. What do you see as the most gratifying aspect of your time with that show?

MANDY BARNETT: This year marks my 30th anniversary since I started doing Always…Patsy Cline, which was among the first jukebox musicals – a truly life changing endeavor. Having Patsy’s family and peers play a significant role in my life has been incredibly special. It’s astonishing how someone i never knew or met could so profoundly influence the direction of my life in countless positive ways. Patsy Cline is iconic and to portray her at the Ryman Auditorium, where she herself performed, was an experience full of meaning. This role and the connections it fostered have been the most gratifying aspects of my time with the show.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Industry insiders and fans agree, you are frequently referred to as one of the most gifted vocalist around. When you hear such praise, what goes through your mind?

MANDY BARNETT: This recognition means everything to me, especially considering the internal struggles I faced early in my career. I often agonized over whether to pursue the path of becoming a commercial commodity or to focus solely on honing my craft and collaborating with my heroes. Ultimately i chose the latter aiming to reach a point in my life where i could look back with satisfaction and no regrets, regardless of the outcome. This affirmation validates that decision, and for that, I am truly thankful.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: How did Variety on Main come about?

MANDY BARNETT: The concept of Variety On Main emerged from discussions with both Monica Ramey and the Franklin Theatre about some upcoming performances for my concerts which I had already been doing for quite some time. During our brainstorming sessions we toyed with the idea of creating a versatile Monday night show that could feature a broad spectrum of musical talent from an exceptional jazz trumpeter to a high energy bluegrass band. The driving force behind this idea was my personal desire for diversity in music. I find myself quickly losing interest when the music is too monotonous. We wanted to craft an energetic and dynamic experience that would keep the audience engaged and open to discovering music genres they previously might not have explored. The goal was to create a space where every performance offers a new color and a fresh perspective ensuring an exciting, varied musical performance for our audience.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having attended the first Variety On Main myself, I was impressed with the true variety of the talent. I love that the lineups for Variety on Main truly live up to the idea of ‘variety’, not only representing different genres, but also a true variety of talents. How important was that to you in planning these productions?

MANDY BARNETT: My aim was to create a platform that highlights the incredible range and depth of talent across different musical landscapes. It’s about creating moments where every performance is a discovery, an opportunity to be moved, inspired and surprised.

I deeply understand the significance of providing opportunities to talent who might not otherwise have the chance to shine on stage. Looking back at my own journey as a singer, I recognize the immense impact that working with professionals had on my development. It’s about creating a platform where both established artists and emerging talents, including children with exceptional abilities, can come together and showcase their skills. This inclusive approach not only makes for a a better show but also provides invaluable, potentially life-changing experiences for someone who is developing their sound.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: If anyone knows of someone who might want the chance to be part of an upcoming Variety On Main, how can they contact you and Monica for consideration?

MANDY BARNETT: There is a talent submission form on our site.

Photo by Cyndi Hornsby (Courtesy Variety on Main)

JHPENTERTAINMENT: As co-host and co-creator of Variety on Main, you share the stage with Monica Ramey.

MANDY BARNETT: We have a long history, similar goals and we have different strengths that make us a really great team. Monica is a seasoned performer, she brings elegance and polish to every performance.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Speaking of collaborating with Monica…any chance audiences might get a chance to hear the two of you duetting onstage, or on record?

MANDY BARNETT: We have definitely talked about it. I’m sure as we hit our stride things will happen organically.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to your monthly Variety on Main shows and frequent performances at The Grand Ole Opry, on April 22, you’re among a stellar group of performers honoring Patsy Cline as part of Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline at the historic Ryman Auditorium. What can you tell me about that event?

MANDY BARNETT: I’m really excited about this show, they have put together some amazing and diverse artists. At this point that’s all I know, other than I think it’s going to be a very special night!

RAPID FIRE WITH VARIETY ON MAIN’s MONICA RAMEY

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Collaborating with Mandy Barnett as co-host and co-creator of Variety on Main seems to be the perfect partnership. Not only are you both gifted vocalist, but beyond that, you grew up in Francesville, a small town in Indiana, while she grew up in equally rural Crossville, TN. Continuing the parallels, you both began performing at an early age. What was the first time you performed for a sizable audiences and do you remember much about it?

MONICA RAMEY: I remember singing for about 3000 people at a Farm Bureau convention in Indianapolis when I was around 4 years old. The details are foggy, but I remember getting to go to my favorite ice cream shop afterwards. That was better than money for me at that age!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Have you always been drawn to jazz music? AND…who were some of your earliest jazz influences?

MONICA RAMEY: I was always drawn to the Great American Songbook. I listened to a lot of broadway, popular recordings and jazz standards as a kid. My earliest musical influences were Barbra Streisand, Lena Horne and Rosemary Clooney.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: From what I understand, after studying music performances at Indiana State University, you eventually moved to Los Angeles where you interned for NARAS Foundation. What can you tell me about that period in your life.

MONICA RAMEY: Interning for NARAS was a great learning and cultural experience for me. It was just a few months during college but the people who worked there invited me to everything! I heard so much great music and met people for whom I deeply respected.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: From LA to Nashville nearly twenty-five years ago. What prompted the move to Music City?

MONICA RAMEY: I was supposed to have moved to LA after college, but I actually was encouraged to give Nashville a try. I love LA and I learned a lot – but I’m glad I made the decision to move to Nashville for sure.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: When folks talk about Mandy, inevitably Patsy Cline makes her way into the conversation. When folks talk about you, the late, great jazz pianist Beegie Adair is frequently mentioned. How did your association with Beegie come to be and what’s among your most cherished memories of collaborating with her?

MONICA RAMEY: Beegie was family. We both wore a lot of hats for each other and she was, without question, the most influential and supportive person I’ve ever known. I remember right before we were supposed to go on stage for a show in NYC, she turned around to me and said “this is just the beginning for you” and then walked out on the stage. She was full of kindness and grace and those moments stick with me like glue. She always had a lot of faith in me and I miss her terribly.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: On the subject of collaborating, when did you and Mandy first toy with the idea of collaborating to create and co-host Variety on Main?

MONICA RAMEY: I was working with the Franklin Theatre to develop a couple of other projects and telling Mandy about them one day. She asked “how about a variety show?” As daunting as that sounded, I loved the idea. And, she was forward thinking enough to envision how creative and successful it could be. She was right!

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Having attended the first Variety on Main, I was immediately struck by how perfect the venue is. Was it a no-brainer that that’s where these shows would take place?

MONICA RAMEY: It sure was. The Franklin Theatre is a beautiful, historic theatre and the crew we work with there is amazing. I’m proud to work with them and to support them.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: Aside from the monthly Variety on Main shows, you’re a frequent guest artist at Rudy’s Jazz Room. I have to tell you, the last time I saw you there, I had the best time. When’s your next gig there and are there any surprises you can share with me about what to expect?

MONICA RAMEY: Oh, thank you! That means a lot to me. I’ll be back there on March 29th at 5:30pm. I sing the Great American Songbook and jazz standards and the only surprises will be guests who might possibly be invited to join us on stage for a song or two.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to you and Mandy co-hosting each Variety on Main event, you both also perform a number or two. To that end, the ‘house band’ for Variety on Main is Pat Coil and the Mainstays. How much fun are you having not only performing alongside them, but also listening to them from the wings while they back many of the guests artists?

MONICA RAMEY: Oh my gosh – I’m discovering a lot of new talent just like the audience, so my jaw is on the floor most of the show. Working with Pat Coil, Sam Hunter, Brian Allen and Larry Aberman is an honor. The energy and joy around the show is very real.

JHPENTERTAINMENT: What do you hope audiences come away remembering after having attended a Variety on Main event?

MONICA RAMEY: I hope the audience not only leaves gratefully discovering new talent, but also the joy of being entertained and forgetting about the outside world for a couple of hours on a Monday night. It means a lot to see folks already committing to attending the shows regularly.

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As mentioned earlier, the Monday, March 18 Variety on Main features performances by Carlene Carter, Becky Isaacs Bowman, The Rakish Paddys, Gretchen Peters, Blue Mother Tupelo, Pat Coil and the Mainstays and of course the show’s hosts and creators, Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey. Door open one hour before the 7:30p.m. start time. Tickets for Variety on Main are as follows: Cabaret seating (cocktail tables at the front of the stage) are $75/each, Premium Classic (Rows A-D) are $70/each, Classic and Balcony are $65/each. At the time this interview went live, there were only a handful of seats available at each price level. CLICK HERE for tickets.

Can’t make Monday’s show? On Monday, April 15, Mandy Barnett and Monica Ramey and Variety on Main’s house band, Pat Coil and the Mainstays welcome Malpass Brothers, Gail Davies, Grey Delise and Bennett Hall Band. CLICK HERE for tickets. You can also follow Variety on Main online or on their Facebook, Instagram and Threads socials for the latest information, updates on upcoming shows and lineups and more.

If you’ve enjoyed this latest Rapid Fire 20 Q, be sure and CLICK HERE to check out previous conversations. if you are interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor, simply click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Till then, #GoSeeTheShow!

Theatre Review: Studio Tenn’s ‘Always…Patsy Cline a Honky Tonk Merry Go Round of music, fun and friendship; final performances this weekend

February 23, 2019 by Jonathan

Megan Murphy Chambers and Melodie Madden-Adams star as Patsy Cline and Louise Seger in Studio Tenn’s ‘Always…Patsy Cline” (Photos by Anthony Matula/MA2LA/courtesy Studio Tenn)

Studio Tenn‘s Always…Patsy Cline finishes it’s third and final week of performances at Jamison Theatre inside the Factory at Franklin with three remaining shows this weekend, thru Sunday, February 24. As I mentioned when I chatted with Megan Murphy Chambers and Melodie Madden-Adams a few weeks ago for my Always…Patsy Cline Rapid Fire 20 Q, mounting Ted Swindley’s jukebox musical celebrating the brief, but poignant friendship between the country music legend and a Texas fan right, here in Music City is indeed a bold choice for Studio Tenn, but if anyone could pull it off they could…and they have.

While many in the Nashville area (myself among them) associate the iconic singer and the nearly-equally beloved musical with local mega-talent Mandy Barnett, who’s many performances in the role are as near to seeing Cline herself as anyone can get, director Benji Kern and star Chambers make wise choices in the way Chambers presents Cline. While Barnett mystifyingly embodies the icon, so much so, you might begin to believe in reincarnation, Chambers makes her turn as Cline her own, and in doing so, putting the emphasis on both jukebox and musical, offering audiences something between a tribute show and a modern take on the esteemed theatrical piece and the woman for whom the show is named.

Chambers, a consummate performer, as anyone who witnessed her recent one-woman show, Fun can attest, doesn’t steal the spotlight, she powers it. Her mega-watt smile and twinkling eyes matched only by her ballsy delivery and magnificent voice. Think Toy Story’s Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl mixed with a modern day Mae West with the vocal skills of Jill Scott and you’ve just about got Chambers’ Patsy Cline.

Madden-Adams’ Louise Seger, upon who’s chance meeting at a Patsy Cline concert and resulting continuing correspondences with the star the show is based, is equally divine. Having seen my share of productions of the show over the years, Seger is often played a bit like the character of Florence Jean Castleberry, from 80s TV’s Alice. While Madden-Adams’ Louise does indeed have the sass of Flo, she also presents her Louise with an inherent sadness and longing for connectivity with others. That longing, coupled with the scripts quick quips and one-liners, elevate Madden-Adams’ Louise from narrator to a universally relatable character. After all, who are we without our connection to others?

Then there’s the show’s wardrobe, courtesy Blake Danford, the show’s costume designer. Much like the stars’ portrayals of Cline and Seger, Danford also pays homage to the oft recognizable wardrobe pieces, while putting his own spin on them. Among my favorites, the blue denim dress and of course Cline’s red and white cowgirl ensemble, nearly as synonymous to Cline as the music itself.

Scenic designer Mitch White puts another jewel in the Studio Crown with his seemly simplistic, but ultimately effective set. From obvious nods to the hallowed stage of The Grand Ole Opry to smaller details seen within Seger’s fabulously mid-century kitschy kitchenette, White’s set is a minimalist’s dream.

While the stars find a beautiful middle-ground in presenting their versions of the two women at the crux of the story, the technical crew bring it all home to the idealized Cline from the look and feel of the show, to the work’s incredible music. Thanks to conductor, Jason Tucker and the in-house band comprised of Michael McElravy, Lindsey Miller, Luke Easterling, Ben Andrews and Cassie Shudak, and a soundtrack packed with more than two-dozen songs from Cline’s brief but memorable songbook, there’s never a lull in the musical action of the show. All the songs are there, and I mean all of them…from must-haves like Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Walking After Midnight and Sweet Dreams to Stupid Cupid, Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray and Seven Lonely Days…plus so many more, and they’re all done to perfection thanks to Chambers, Madden-Adams and the band.

Director Kern seizes every opportunity, not only to showcase Chambers’ vocal skills, but to build upon the chemistry of his leading ladies, for you see, Chambers and Madden-Adams are longtime friends off the stage, as well as on, having first met several years ago while appearing in a show together. Their chemistry and genuine friendship move the story along in a gorgeous way.

While much of the show volleys between Louise addressing the audience was she remembers her encounter with Patsy and Patsy’s song breaks, there are several instances when the two ladies interact, and thanks to some fun choice from he director, a couple of audience participation scenes that help to bring the viewer into the story even more.

With only three more chances to see Studio Tenn’s Always…Patsy Cline, Saturday, February 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and a final Sunday matinee, February 24 at 2 p.m., I would encourage…in the words or Patsy Cline herself, to “Come on in and sit right down and make yourself at home” at Jamison Hall at the Factory at Franklin before the show’s nothing more than a Faded Love. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

With hardly a break between productions, Studio Tenn follows Always…Patsy Cline with The Sinatra Legacy: A Tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, the latest in their ongoing Legacy series. The Sinatra Legacy will take to the stage of the Historic Franklin Theatre in Downtown Franklin for five performances only from Thursday, March 14-Sunday, March 17. CLICK HERE for tickets or for more information.

In the meantime, be sure to check out Studio Tenn online at StudioTenn.com or on social media at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook.