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Lifelong singer Ginny Pugh-Spillman will bring Patsy Cline to life as “Sweet Dreams”: A Tribute to Patsy Cline returns to WILLow LeaVes of Hope, located at 326 Jackson St. in downtown Hope, for a two-week run beginning Friday evening at 7 p.m.

“She’s an icon,” Pugh-Spillman says. “Everybody loves Patsy Cline – if they’ve ever heard her sing, they love her.”

Offered by Actor’s Studio on Stage in collaboration with WILLow LeaVes of Hope and written, directed and produced by Naomi Fleetwood-Pyle, this comical tribute to Cline tells the story of an unlikely friendship between the icon and Louise, a Texas housewife, who’s starry-eyed admiration ultimately leads to the blossoming of a lifelong friendship.

Pugh-Spillman says the relationship she has with Fleetwood-Pyle in life very much resembles that between Louise and Cline.

“The first time we met it was instant love for one another,” Pugh-Spillman says. “We live miles apart, but when we are together it is like we haven’t missed a step – that kind of relationship. We just pick up where we left off and go from there.”

Much like Louise and Cline, the pair say rehearsals leading up to Friday’s opening night have been work but tempered with loads of laughter and much fun.

“My hope is I don’t forget my lines,” Pugh-Spillman says. “That’s always my biggest fear. When I’m singing I’ve no problem, but when I have to rely on total memory of lines that is a whole other issue.”

Helping to quell those pre-show jitters, Pugh-Spillman keeps her mind occupied elsewhere. Even after decades of singing in front of crowds small and large, there is something about that initial step onto the stage opening night, she adds.

“When I take the stage I don’t become Patsy, so to speak, but I try to emulate her as much as possible,” Pugh-Spillman says. “When I’m onstage, I feel like I am giving them Patsy.”

Sharing the stage with Fleetwood-Pyle and Pugh-Spillman is Dawn Mayes, who will be performing classics from Loretta Lynn – one of Cline’s good friends in real life – as well as Tammy Wynette.

Mayes, a Columbus resident, likewise does battle with nerves ahead of opening night, she says. However, once she steps onstage the nerves dissipate and excitement takes over.

“I love being in shows with Ginny and Naomi,” Mayes says. “They are both seasoned performers, and I've definitely learned a few things from them. This is my fourth show with Naomi and second show with Ginny.”

The ladies say audiences can look forward to hearing some great music with a healthy dose of comedy sprinkled throughout that will be sure to make them laugh.

“It brings a good balance to the show,” Mayes says. “Let’s also not forget the amazing food that WILLow LeaVes provides, too.”

Fleetwood-Pyle says this version of the Patsy Cline Tribute includes new material, new songs and a whole new attitude that is fitting of the iconic ladies being showcased. It is the storytelling that makes it interesting, she adds.

“It always amazes me, Patsy Cline had a six-year career before she died in a plane crash at 30 years old,” Fleetwood-Pyle says. “She was a bit of a spitfire. She was a nuts and bolts, rough and tumble kinda gal who made headway during a time where it was difficult for women to do so. She and Loretta truly forged their way in country music.”

As is true with all Fleetwood-Pyle productions, what the audience takes away from the performance is just as important as the performance itself – if not more.

“I want people to walk out of there with a full belly, a warm fuzzy feeling, loving America,” Fleetwood-Pyle says. “And feeling good.”

Breakout:
What: “Sweet Dreams”: A Tribute to Patsy Cline presented by Actor’s Studio on Stage and WILLow LeaVes of Hope.
When: 7 p.m. August 16, 17, 23 and 24 (Doors open 5:30 p.m.; Dinner 6 p.m.; Show at 7 p.m.); 2 p.m. August 18, 25 (Doors open at 12:30 p.m.; Dinner at 1 p.m.; Show at 2 p.m.)
Where: WILLow LeaVes of Hope, 326 Jackson St. in downtown Hope.
Cost: $35 per person (includes dinner, dessert and show).
For reservations, call 812-341-7251 or 812-546-0640.

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