Ogunuit Playhouse Kicks Off 2012 Season with ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE, 5/24

The 80th Anniversary Season at the Ogunquit Playhouse kicks off with Always, Patsy Cline, on stage from May 23 through June 16. This show is told through the letters of star-struck fan Louise Seger, portrayed by Emmy Award winning actress, Sally Struthers. This popular musical, which has enjoyed great success both off-Broadway and across the nation, is based on the true story of Cline's friendship with Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961 and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. Featuring the unforgettable hits of the Country Music mega-star, this funny and touching tribute celebrates the career and life of the singer who died tragically in a plane crash in 1963. "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," "Sweet Dreams" and "Walking After Midnight" are just a few of the 27 featured songs.

Sally Struthers returns for her 10th Anniversary of performing at the Ogunquit Playhouse in the role that started it all - as Louise Seger in Always, Patsy Cline, a role she performed in 2003 and 2004, and many times since around the U.S. Sally is best known for her comedic roles and is a highly acclaimed actress of stage, television and screen, winning two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for her performances in television's groundbreaking series All in the Family. She starred in the Fox television series 9 to 5, her own CBS series Gloria and had recurring roles in the CBScomedy Still Standing and the CW's highly acclaimEd Gilmore Girls. Sally has performed many roles at Ogunquit Playhouse including, Mama Morton in Chicago, Dolly in Hello Dolly, Paulette the hairdresser in Legally Blonde, and the Mayor in All Shook Up.

Starring as Patsy Cline is Broadway's Carter Calvert, who is best known for originating her role in the Tony nominated It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues. Her voice has been touted by the New York Times as "smoldering… and …positively dangerous!"Calvert's extensive credits include a European tour of Smokey Joe's Cafe and the lead role of Grizabella in the Broadway national tour of Cats. She appeared in the World Premiere of Forbidden Vegas, in a role she originated, and as the title role in Always, Patsy Cline. Ms. Calvert has been in theaters all around the country in Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway. She was last seen as the title role in the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's production of Always, Patsy Cline.

Always, Patsy Cline will be directed by David Galligan, who most recently directed Rita Moreno's one person show, My Life Without Makeup at Berkeley Rep and Fruit Fly, written by and starring Leslie Jordan at the Celebration Theatre. He also directed the off-Broadway and London productions of My Trip Down the Pink Carpet, also written by and starring Leslie Jordon. Other credits include Songs, Tyne Daly's rave reviewed nightclub debut at Feinstein's in New York City, as well as The 2nd Time Around, which kicked off Feinstein's 10th Anniversary Season. Past works include Always Patsy Cline with Sally Struthers.

Musical Direction will be under Ken Clifton who returns to Ogunquit after last season's sensational production of Miss Saigon. Ken has been the Musical Director for many Ogunquit Playhouse productions including 2011's The Music Man and Avenue Q and in 2010 for Sunset Blvd. and Chicago. Ken is the resident music director for the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida, and in addition also works as a vocal coach and composer/lyricist.

Guarantee the best seats for the lowest price by buying a season subscription today. Subscriptions start at only $228 and individual ticket prices range from $39-$74 per show. Purchase tickets, subscriptions and gift certificates online at www.ogunquitplayhouse.org, or through the Box Office at 207-646-5511.

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