Butler native takes the lead
The post-college performance career of Butler native Marlana Dunn has gotten off to a fast start.
She graduated from Point Park University just this spring and is already performing the title role in "Always...Patsy Cline" being staged six times a week at the Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave. The show opened May 3.
Originally cast as the "swing," the understudy for both characters in the show, Dunn was asked to play the part of Cline two weeks before the opening. "It was intense but great, because this is what I want to do. It's great!"
Once a day Wednesdays through Sundays and twice on Saturdays, the 22-year-old channels her inner country singer for the Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret show.
"I was fortunate going to school in a city where the arts are such a big deal," Dunn said.
Also fortunately, Dunn grew up with Cline's music. "If it wasn't on in the kitchen or the living room, my mom was singing it," Dunn said. "Patsy Cline has been with me since before I can remember."
She said people her age might know Cline's song "Crazy," yet there are 27 songs in the show. "Only two of them I had never heard of; there are several others that aren't in the show," she said.
The production runs for two hours, a little longer than the average cabaret, she said.
"It's a very well-balanced show. I sing most of the time, and I have a little monologue," Dunn said.
The show is based on the true story of Cline's friendship with Houston housewife and avid fan Louise Seger. After a chance meeting in 1961, the two women became fast friends and pen pals, continuing a friendship that lasted until Cline's untimely death at age 30.
The letters, each one signed "Love Always, Patsy Cline," became the inspiration for this tribute, which features Cline's greatest hits, including "I Fall To Pieces," "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Walkin' After Midnight" and "Crazy."
The run of the show is open-ended, Dunn said, though she still goes out to auditions. She likes to get to New York regularly. "There's always the next job," she said. "Nothing lasts forever."
When Dunn was still performing in Butler, she was involved with the Butler Summer Dramatics Program. She played the role of Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz" in 2003 and served as musical director of the Summer Dramatics production of "Peter Pan" in 2004.
Gordon Cavalero's longtime involvement with the Summer Dramatics program has allowed him to see Dunn's work ethic in action.
"She's been a wonderful actress and a joy to work with," Cavalero said. "She was always prepared, that type of kid.
"You never had to worry about her knowing her lines or her blocking. I think she has a bright future. We're all pulling for her."
The creative team for the show includes Ted Swindley, author and director; Deana Muro, musical director; Andrew Ostrowski, lighting designer; Brandon McWilliams, costume designer; and Andrea Shockling, set designer.
Tickets range from $34.50 to $39.50. Call 412-456-6666 or visit the Web site, CLOCabaret.com.
Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, with a few matinees on Thursdays at 1 p.m.
<B>WHAT: </B>Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret's "Always ... Patsy Cline"<B>WHEN: </B>7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. There are also matinees planned at 1 p.m. on select Thurdays, with a buffet optional.<B>WHERE: </B>Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave.<B>TICKETS: </B>$34.50 to $39.50<B>INFORMATION: </B>412-456-6666 or on the Web site, www.CLOCabaret.com
