When “Always … Patsy Cline” was first produced at the Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre two years ago, it starred a local (Amanda Myers) and an import (Juliana Olinka) from Los Angeles. Fans went “Crazy” for the show, which is based on a segment of the legendary country singer’s life. Back by popular demand for a limited run Oct. 14-16, this encore version stars a long-time second homeowner as Patsy Cline. This time, however, that same LA import is back, but as a full-time Mammoth Lakes resident.

“I’m thrilled to have Gail Matthius in this production,” advised Shira Dubrovner, the show’s director and Artistic Director of the Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre based at the Edison Theatre. “Gail portrays Patsy, and has tremendous credits including a season on Saturday Night Live and recent run in Los Angeles in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, where she displayed her talents in both comedy and opera. The experience she brings to this show and her love for Mammoth where she has a second home, made her an ideal candidate for the role.”

Matthius’ credits include a stint across the pond in Assaulted Nuts, a British/American co-venture, followed by Laugh Trax. She then wrote, produced and starred in a 2-woman show, Beside Ourselves. Roles in national TV commercials, radio spots, the film comedy Airplane II and other big screen parts, as well as guest star TV roles also round out her resume.

Nominated for an “Annie” Award, she gave life to the Norsk-accented mom, Martha Generic, on Bobby’s World for 8 seasons. She starred in several cartoon series including Tiny Toons & Animaniacs, as well as the part of Molly Coddle on Bump in the Nite, guest-starring roles in Ren and Stimpy, CatDog, Snorks and The Tick.

A member of the Spolin Players, a premier improv troupe based in L.A. for 25 years, the troupe returns to Mammoth in November for two nights.

Juliana Olinka plays the fan who befriends Patsy, and whose story of their relationship provides the humor and pathos that writer Ted Swindley used to great effect. Olinka recently completed a run in Mammoth as Flo in Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple (female version) at the Edison Theatre. She moved to Mammoth on a full-time basis in July after having spent time here sporadically over the last four years.

“This is a wonderful story of two women who met and had an instant connection that lasted until Patsy’s death. It effectively weaves together their story and Patsy’s music ranging from ballads to pop tunes that only make us realize what an icon Cline was during her lifetime and really ever since,” commented Dubrovner. “And the way the playwright sets the story up will have audiences laughing as much as they tap their toes.”

“Always … Patsy Cline” runs three performances only, Friday and Saturday, October 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. This is a limited engagement, Tickets are $20, seniors and students $18; group rates are available. The Edison Theatre is located at 100 College Parkway just off Meridian Blvd. Tix & reservations: call 760.934.6592. -Press Release