'A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline' Opens 2/8 in Jacksonville

Seven times Gail Bliss and her show about Patsy Cline's story, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, has sold out the Alhambra. Starting February 8, as a command performance, the show will return for the eighth time -- and the final time for Gail Bliss. Chosen from over 600 hopefuls in 1994 to originate the role of Patsy in the initial touring production of "A Closer Walk," singer-songwriter Gail Bliss has made a name for herself all over North America for her work in this role. "A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline" is estate approved - one of only two select productions to be sanctioned by the Patsy Cline Estate managed by Charlie Dick, Patsy Cline's husband. Dick said of Patsy, "she's the best I've ever seen."

"Gail is certainly the best I've ever seen," said Alhambra owner Craig Smith. "This is one of those shows that I can't see enough. The music is incredible – the band is absolutely world class. It's been an Alhambra favorite every time it plays here. It's not just a country music show. Patsy was the epitome of the American Dream and her story is amazing."

About the Show
"A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline" traces the late star's footsteps from her early honky-tonk days and radio fame through her rise at the Grand Ole Opry followed by her triumphs at Carnegie Hall and in Las Vegas. Written and conceived by Dean Regan in 1991, the musical reveals the emotional depth and range of a singer who defined the term "crossover hit" by dominating country, blues, pop and gospel charts simultaneously in the 1950s and early 60s. In the early 1960's Patsy's life began settling down -- just as her career began to pick up. Two children, a dream home, and a stack of hit records were finally hers, but she would not be able to enjoy thEm Long. Patsy Cline died in an airplane crash March 5, 1963, while hurrying back to her family after a benefit concert in Kansas City.

Patsy's enduring musical legacy is witnessed by the fact that she is the number one jukebox play in the world. Her Greatest Hits album has sold over 9 million copies, and has been in first place for over 200 weeks of her 700 weeks on Billboard's "Top Country Catalog Albums".

A show that appeals to all ages, A Closer Walk provides a wonderful blend of theatre and music into a magical evening. Twenty of Patsy's best-known songs, played by a live band, make this show a treat for the young and old alike. The songs are performed in their entirety with arrangements, back-up vocals and a band structure all providing an accurate re-creation of the Patsy Cline sound. A full band accompanies Bliss, including Dan Embree, Rory Hoffman (keyboards), Paul Kramer (Fiddle and tic-tac bass), Eric Lewis (guitar and vocals), Tony Mac (drums), Dave Martin (bass) and Scott Wakefield. All accomplished musicians in their own right, members of the Closer Walk band has played with recording artists such as Leon Russell, Willie Nelson and Travis Tritt and have won several music industry awards.

Inspired by the show's southern, country music heritage, the menu for A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline will have a down-home feel. The buffet style meal will include, Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter, a choice of Soup or Salad including White Bean, Ham and Kale Soup or
Bibb Lettuce Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, Tarragon and Parsley. The main course will feature
Aunt Mae's Fried Chicken, Smothered Pork Cutlets with Vidalia Onions, Broiled Haddock with Tomato, Garlic and Basil; Crowder Peas, Coconut Scented Rice and Braised SeasonAl Greens. The dessert will include House-made Banana Pudding served in mason jars and Chef DeJuan's Chocolate Mousse Pie.

"A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline" runs February 8 through 26. Times are 8:00 PM for evening shows Tuesday through Sunday. Doors open at 6:00 PM and dinner starts at 6:30 PM. Matinees on Saturday are at 1:15 PM. Doors open at 11:00 AM and the buffet starts at 11:15 AM. Sunday matinee is at 2:00. Doors open at noon and the buffet starts at 12:15 PM. Group sales are available. Tickets start at $42 for adults and $35 for children. Ticket price includes dinner, show and parking. Call the box office at 904.641.1212 or at www.alhambrajax.com.

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