By Staff
Special to The Star
The question "Who will be Patsy Cline?" in an upcoming Meridian Little Theatre production has finally been answered.
MLT newcomer Angela White will portray the famous country music singer in the May production of the musical "Always … Patsy Cline." Co-starring with White will be local personality and businesswoman Sidney Covington in the role of Louise.
Written by Ted Swindley, the award-winning two-character musical tells of a friendship that developed between Cline, who has been called "country music's greatest female singer," and a Texas housewife named Louise Seger. In 1961, Seger had a chance meeting with Cline after a Houston concert and the two became fast friends. It was a friendship that lasted until Clines' untimely death in a 1963 plane crash.
Chosen over 17 other singers and actresses, White will perform 22 songs made famous by Cline during her career, including "Crazy," "Walking After Midnight" and "I Fall to Pieces."
Although new to the MLT stage, White is no stranger to performing. She has sang at Jacks and Martinis at the Grand Ramada in Branson, Mo., and will make a return appearance to the area in June. When the former Junior Miss is not singing, she works for the Quitman School District as an interpreter for the deaf.
As Louise, Covington will bring a touch of comedy to the production.
Well-known to local theater audiences, Covington has starred in numerous MLT productions, including "Noises Off," "Nunsense II," "Once Upon a Mattress," "The Odd Couple," "Showboat," "Becket" and "The Man of La Mancha."
A graduate of Mississippi State University with a master's degree in guidance and counseling, Covington serves as pianist for Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, is a partner in Covington Development and co-owner of Good Vibrations.
Non-members who purchase new season memberships will receive a ticket for "Always … Patsy Cline" at a special rate of $5. Single tickets will go on sale at a later date.
The MLT Box Office, located on Highway 39 North, is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 482-6371.