A strange thing greeted me when I woke today -- sun shining brightly through the kitchen window. The clouds thickened up a bit more by afternoon, but there were still bits of blue sky. On my walk this evening, I even saw the crescent moon. So, two celestial bodies spotted on one day -- clearer skies just don't happen often, it seems. My walk was to the local theatre to see a stage presentation that I first saw last July. I loved it so much that when it came through for two more nights, I had to go back. This was the story of two people (Laura Teasdale and Ralph Steiner) who played Patsy Cline and Hank Williams, Sr. in separate tribute shows. The woman, who grew up in town, wrote a play called Honky Tonk Blue that told a fictional story of the two artists meeting and singing together. The two were a couple for many years before they separated. Happily for all concerned, they love to sing the songs together. Their respect for each other as singers and actors is clear. Even on the second viewing, the presentation of this story affected me deeply. Judging by the reactions of the sold out theatre, I was not alone. Just stellar.
I was struck again by the authenticity and vulnerability of telling one's own story on stage in front of strangers -- no small feat. Yet, doing this in front of a home town crowd requires a different level of bravery. The process does allow them to tell the story, instead of gossip and media, as is so often the case now. The one short scene that showed an argument was brief so not all dirty laundry was aired in public. They also described one gig where they sang old bluegrass tunes and even played countrified rock songs. Believe me, hearing AC/DC sung this way brought a laugh. The main story line of this biographical play showed that it is possible to learn and grow from adversity and to move forward without regret or animosity.
Two songs that were sung on stage tonight are shared here. The first is a Hank Williams song that was included near the end of the play. Imagine this song with harmony. Now, imagine that harmony coming from Patsy Cline. Just wow. The second song requires power to pull off. Patsy Cline did that as did the woman who channels Patsy's spirit so well. Enjoy!
Hey, Good Lookin' -- Hank Williams, Sr.
Sweet Dreams -- Patsy Cline
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