'Always' brings duo back together again
The dynamic duo of Kelly Benner and Davlin Donn Smith return for a reprisal of “Always … Patsy Cline” for the Musical Theatre Guild.
The show opens Oct. 12 at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.
Fourteen years ago, the pair lit up the stage telling the real life story of Patsy Cline and one of her biggest fans and pen pal Louise.
Benner, a learning support teacher from McCandless Township, will repeat her role as Patsy Cline.
While she said she is enjoying the process immensely, it is not coming easy.
“The biggest challenge was getting the singing voice back in shape. I haven't been very active in singing roles and because of that, my voice wasn't as agile as it once was. Voice lessons helped tremendously — thanks David Dougherty — and I'm ready to go,” she said.
Benner is delighted to have the opportunity to do the show a second time.
“It was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding shows I've ever been a part of. Davlin and I said for years that we would love to do it again. Lucky us,” said Benner.
Her co-star said she is equally thrilled to have a second chance at the show.
Smith, of Winfield Township, is the center coordinator for the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania at Succop Nature Park by day, but country crooner at night.
“I have been wanting to play Louise again for years and finally got the chance to do it again,” said Smith.
“Louise is a super fan of Patsy Cline's and she gets to meet her at a concert. They start a friendship that lasts as pen pals until Patsy's tragic death. Louise is the narrator of the musical with both funny and poignant stories about their time together,” Smith said.
Louise, with Patsy either in the action or in the background, sings Cline's songs along with a band.
Louise was the role of a lifetime for Smith, and she couldn't get enough.
“I want to be Louise when I grow up. She is very confident, smart and funny. She doesn't take herself too seriously and she gets to dance a lot,” said Smith.
Louise is a fun role, but she has a lot of lines.
“Memorizing all of the lines is a challenge. She does have the majority of lines in this show. It is easy for me to act her but not always remember the lines,” she said.
One of Smith's favorite songs in the show isn't even one she sings. “My favorite show tune is 'Stupid Cupid' that Patsy sings. I don't know why, but it's a fun song,” she said.
Smith makes the role even more believable because she is from the south.
“I am from Georgia so I already have a little southern accent, so practicing a broader Texas accent is fun but I tend to continually use it in everyday life,” Smith said.
Accompanying the ladies is a two-man band featuring Wayne Hetzler and Seth McCall.
McCall of Center Township teaches mathematics at Shaler High School and plays the violin, fiddle and guitar in this production.
“I enjoy performing in musicals and especially getting the chance to play in a band with other great musicians,” McCall said “Over the last few years, most of my professional work as a violinist has been solo, so this has been a nice change.”
He last took the stage playing violin for Karns City High School's production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
He played in the “Patsy Cline” show last time as well. “I can't believe it's been 14 years since we performed the show. It's one of my favorite shows I've ever been involved with,” he said.
WHO: Musical Theatre GuildWHAT: “Always … Patsy Cline”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 and Oct. 13 and 3 p.m. Oct. 14WHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $17, available at www.mtgbutler.org
