VALDOSTA — The cast of Peach State Summer Theatre’s “Always … Patsy Cline” had the perfect opportunity to bond, said the show’s director.

With only two cast members — Ashley Rose as legendary country singer Patsy Cline and Rebekah Matheson as her friend, Louise Seger, chemistry is important between the two women on stage.

Show director Barbara Hartwig said “Always’” two performers have had excellent opportunities to forge this bond off-stage. Neither Rose nor Matheson are performing in either of PSST!’s other two shows: the already-running “Les Miserables” and the upcoming Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” opening in July.

Also, Hartwig said Rose is an Actors’ Equity Association member from New Jersey, new to the area and without a car, while Matheson lives in Valdosta and works as a Lowndes County Schools teacher. Matheson has shown Rose around town, the director said.

Developing a friendship is important. Past all of the talents of singing Patsy Cline songs and the honing of stagecraft, Rose and Matheson are the only performers throughout the show. A believable relationship is a must.

“Always … Patsy Cline’ is based on an early 1960s meeting between Louise Seger, a fan who arrives early for a concert, and Patsy Cline. They strike an immediate rapport. Cline even stays overnight with Seger who opens her home to the country star; they talk the night away. The women became pen pals, and the musical is based heavily on these letters, which the singer signed with the line, “Always … Patsy Cline.”

The musical features Cline’s hits such as “Crazy,” “Walking After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams,” and more songs which some fans will remember and others will discover, Hartwig said. Nearly 30 songs are featured in the show.

All PSST! shows feature a live orchestra, usually playing behind the scenes. With “Always,” the orchestra is visible on stage as a country band.

Hartwig said the show provides a glimpse into the woman who led the charge of women headliners in country music.

THE CAST: Ashley Rose*, Rebekah Matheson.

* The actor appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

THE BAND: Matthew Mainella, conductor; Jessica Holmes, keyboards II; Trent Harper, bass; Dr. David Morris, percussion; Jonathan Lacey, guitar; Vicorie Brown, piano.

DIRECTION, PRODUCTION: Barbara Hartwig, director, choreographer; Ruth A. Brandvik, scenic & projection designer; Genny Wynn, lighting designer; Rebecca Britton, costume designer; Ree Seminole, technical director; Allison Stephenson, sound designer; Matthew C. Mainella, musical director; DeAnna Keys, stage manager; Michael Hadary, vocal director; Caroline Hatchett, wig & hair design; Zack Vandever, associate technical director.

SHOWTIME

Peach State Summer Theatre presents “Always … Patsy Cline.”

When: The show opens 7:30 p.m. today, again the same time the following Wednesday, then in regular rotation on various dates starting July 1.

Where: Sawyer Theatre, Valdosta State University Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.

Reservations, more information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/psst

The Valdosta Daily Times is PSST!’s corporate sponsor.