C. J. Newsom, star of "The Music of Patsy Cline Remembered."

BRANSON, MO, March 19, 2013 — It’s not often this writer writes about a show he has not seen. However, a chance encounter with C.J. Newsom, the star of one of the new show, The Music of Patsy Cline Remembered, inspired this piece. We were waiting in the lobby of the IMAX to be seated in McFarlain’s Restaurant when Newsom, dressed in a manner reminiscent of Patsy Cline performing, came up and introduced herself and her show. Just talking with her and feeling her enthusiasm for her show and Patsy Cline was so entertaining and interesting that it gave me pause to reflect.

In covering the Branson entertainment scene for over a quarter of a century, I have learned that entertainment is a relative thing and it is not at all dependent on big named “national stars.” If its entertainment a person wants they will find it in just about every Branson show whether or not its stars are “nationally known.” Go see a Branson show like SIX, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Clay Cooper Country Music Express, Haygoods, Todd Oliver and Friends, The Duttons, George Dyer, Hamner and Barber Variety Show, it,  Grand Jubilee, Pierce Arrow, Acrobats of China and dozens of others. You will have an entertainment experience that rivals or exceeds that provided by some big named “national stars.”

What do I know about the Patsy Cline show? Not much, only that it stars C. J. Newsom and the “Re-Cliners Band” performing the music Patsy Cline made famous such as “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Sweet Dream,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “She’s Got You” and many more. Newsom told us that her show is debuting during the 50th Anniversary year of the tragic death of Cline in a plane crash on March 5, 1963. She said the show is about Cline’s life including not only her music, but “her life beyond the music.” The “rack card” describes the show as a “Journey through not only Patsy’s experiences, but those who influenced her and were influenced by her like Judy Garland, Loretta Lynn, and Reba McEntire. The Music of Patsy Cline Remembered is an engaging and entertaining show that brings the audience up close and personal with the life of a musical” legend.

But what I do know is that Newsom’s enthusiasm about her show and for performing Cline’s music, knowledge about Cline, drive and personality made a positive impression on this writer, his wife and the two friends who were with us. If the show is just half as impressive, it should be a great entertainment experience, especially for Patsy Cline fans.

For additional information or tickets for The Music of Patsy Cline Remembered show, or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.