Alhambra’s A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline

One of the Alhambra’s all time favorite shows is back in town, starring Gail Bliss in A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, on stage from February 8 to February 26.

Webster’s dictionary defines “bliss” as supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment.” Indeed Ms. Bliss’s performances over the past twelve years has garnered a legion of loyal fans who return again and again because of the supreme happiness and joy they receive from her total commitment to bringing the songs of Patsy Cline to life once again.

When it was announced by the Alhambra that this would be the last presentation by Bliss of A Closer Walk, since she will be retiring to open a bed and breakfast with her husband in Little River, South Carolina, the reservation phones at the Alhambra began ringing nonstop. The result is that most of the entire three weeks has been sold out, although some seats are still available on some of the dates. If you want to be a part of the enthusiastic Jacksonville farewell to this lovely lady, than by all means immediately call 641-1212.

When the Dual Critics write reviews one of the things we strive to do is to inform our readers about what to expect when they see a performance. With this tribute to Patsy Cline, the audience will hear 22 of Ms. Cline’s songs including all her really great and beloved ones like “Crazy,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Walkin’ after Midnight” and the list goes on and on. We get a thumbnail sketch of her life, narrated by Dan Embree who plays the disc jockey who gave Pasty her first radio appearance at age fourteen. Embree is a superb comedian and has the audience in stitches as a Grand Ole Opry, Las Vegas, and Carnegie Hall pre-show comic. The excellent band was led by Russ Wever, also playing Steel Guitar. Musicians Paul Kramer (Fiddle), John Wirt (Guitar), Ray Von Rotz (Drums), Rory Hoffman (Piano) and Bobby Durham (Bass) were also backup vocalists for Ms. Bliss.