Take A Closer Look At This ‘Patsy’

Patsy Cline is no longer available to reprise her many jukebox hits. She died in a 1963 plane crash.

Most people already know that, but not everyone. Some people in the audiences of “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline” are expecting the real thing.

“I’ve had people think I was her,” said Kayce Glasse. “It’s strange.”

Glasse, a Houston singer and actress, plays Cline on stage in this touring show, which arrives for one show on Sunday at The Met. She uses all of the art at her command to convince the audience that she is the real thing.

“My voice is in her range - our ranges are almost identical,” said Glasse, by phone from Seattle. “And my forebears are from Virginia, like hers. And I do voices real well.”

That’s apparently an understatement. Cline had one of the most distinctive voices in pop music, and according to a Seattle Times review, “Glasse captures the Cline sound, right down to the blade-sharp intonation and cushy dynamics.”

Not only that, but Glasse looks like her. Her looks are what first got her into this gig.

“I was an unemployed Equity actress in Houston,” said Glasse. “Someone said, ‘You know, you look like Patsy Cline, Kayce. And you have a low voice, and I’ll bet you could sing like her.”’

Soon afterward, Glasse originated the role of Cline in a show called “Always Patsy Cline,” which was a huge hit in Texas, and went on to run all over the United States. From then on, Glasse has been doing Cline in various shows, revues and cabarets.

Two years ago, the Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland asked her to come out to star in another Patsy Cline vehicle, “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline,” written by Canadian entertainer Dean Regan with production advice from Charlie Dick, Patsy’s husband.

It was one of the biggest hits ever for the Oregon Cabaret Theatre, which decided to tour it throughout the Northwest.

The show is structured as if it were a DJ’s tribute to the career of Cline. The DJ (played by Brad Whitmore, the only other cast member) takes us through scenes from Cline’s life. We see her in the radio studio, at the Grand Ole Opry and in Las Vegas. Dialogue links the musical numbers.

The songs are, of course, the show’s main attraction. Audiences will hear all of Cline’s hits, such as “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Crazy,” “Always and “Sweet Dreams (Of You).”

The show also includes a number of songs that were important parts of her act, if not as well-remembered. For instance, Glasse sings “Come On In,” which was Cline’s trademark song. The show has 22 songs in all.

A four-piece band, “all costumed and tricked out,” will be on stage providing the accompaniment. The musical director is Rob Jones. Sharp-eyed fans might recognize David Keenan on guitar, formerly of Ranch Romance.

Glasse said she is still amazed by the audience response.

“People looove Patsy Cline,” she said. “It’s so heartwarming to see the love and the memories it brings back to people. I feel that across the footlights.”

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline,” Sunday, 7 p.m., The Met, tickets $19.95 and $24.95, reserved, available through all G&B Select-a-Seat outlets, or by calling 325-SEAT or 1-800-325-SEAT.