American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, concludes its 40th anniversary season with the hit jukebox musical Always…Patsy Cline created by Ted Swindley, with band and vocal orchestrations by August Eriksmoen and Tony Migliore. The production is directed by Harmony France, with music direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler. Always…Patsy Cline runs May 1 – June 7, 2026, at American Blues Theater at 5627 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago. The press opening is scheduled for May 8, 2026 at 7:00pm.
This musical play, complete with down home country humor and big-hearted emotion, includes hits “Crazy”, “I Fall to Pieces”, “Sweet Dreams”, “Walkin’ After Midnight” and more! Starring Ensemble member and award winner Liz Chidester as Patsy Cline and featuring guest artist Molly Hernández as Louise.
Tickets, priced $34.50-$64.50, are on sale now the American Blues Theater box office, online at www.americanbluestheater.com, or by phone at (773) 654-3103.
FACT SHEET / Always…Patsy Cline
Title: Always…Patsy Cline
Created by: Ted Swindley
Band & Vocal Orchestrations by: August Eriksmoen & Tony Migliore
Directed by: Harmony France
Music Direction by: nsemble Member Michael Mahler
Featuring: American Blues Theater Ensemble member Liz Chidester as Patsy Cline and Molly Hernández as Louise.
Dates: May 1 – June 7, 2026
Press Opening: May 8, 2026 at 7:30pm
Schedule:
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Wednesdays: 2:00 PM (except May 6); 7:30 PM (May 6 only)
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Thursdays: 7:30 PM
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Fridays: 7:30 PM (except May 8 @ 7:00 PM)
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Saturdays: 3:00 PM (May 16 & May 30 only); 7:30 PM (May 2, 9 & 23, June 6)
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Sundays: 2:30 PM
Location: American Blues Theater, 5627 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Ticket prices: $34.50 - $64.50 (no hidden fees)
Box office: Buy online at www.americanbluestheater.com or by calling (773) 654-3103.
Special Access Events
Tickets: $34.50 – call theater for special rate
Touch Tour: Sunday, May 31 at 1:30 PM
Audio Described Performance: Sunday, May 31 at 2:30 PM
American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance: Friday, May 22 at 7:30 PM
American Blues Theater is excited to offer audiences even more ways to engage with artists, neighbors and the larger community through its two programs The Commons and @Home Accessibility Series.
The Commons features readings, live concerts, open mics, game nights, town halls and more at American Blues. The @Home Accessibility Series features readings, live concerts, and town halls from the comfort of home via Zoom. For the most up-to-date programming schedule or to purchase tickets, visit www.americanbluestheater.com. Additional programming will be announced throughout the season.
About American Blues Theater
Winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Award from American Theatre Wing (Tony Awards). American Blues Theater is an Ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic diverse stories that ask the question: “What does it mean to be American?”
The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2025, the theater and artists received 246 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 44 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.