Patsy Cline, born Virginia Hensley, was a strong and determined woman who strove relentlessly toward stardom. She was a born entertainer, and worked tirelessly to be the star she knew she would be. Patsy's life was filled with heartache and distraction; her father abandoned the family when she was 15, forcing her to drop out of high school to work as a soda jerk. She survived two car accidents, not to mention a few bad marriages. The obstacles she faced in her life are what make her accomplishments even more extraordinary. She never let herself be distracted though. Through it all she was committed to what she could control. Her voice. She always sang. Her voice was what captured the hearts of America.

I have enjoyed discovering an extraordinary woman in Patsy Cline. As I read about her life and music, I was consistently struck by her voracity for singing, her generosity of spirit and her tenacity in life. She was the first woman to have a number one hit on the pop and country charts at the same time, the first female vocalist to be inaugurated into the Country Music Hall of Fame (1973), and has sold over 10 million copies of her greatest hits. All while being a loving daughter, wife and mother; a caretaker in the truest sense of the word. I have tried to treat her story with all the care and attention it deserves. It has been a treat working with such a talented cast and design team. Enjoy the show.

Biography

Shane is happy to be back on the Island directing his first show for Chemainus Theatre Festival. He spent much of his early career in Victoria, where he graduated from the Canadian Centre of Performing Arts. He is a founding member of Gotta Getta Gimmick in Victoria where he directed 6 shows for the Butchart Gardens, Little Shop of Horrors and Songs for a New World. He also spent 6 seasons up in Dawson City, Yukon where he produced and directed Diamond Tooth Gertie's Can-Can Show.

Most recently, in Vancouver, Shane has directed and choreographed productions of Edges, The World Goes 'Round (Jessie nomination for Best Director), and Songs for a New World. As an actor Shane has performed at the Arts Club (White Christmas, The Producers, Gypsy, Beauty and the Beast), The Vancouver Playhouse (Hello, Dolly!), Patrick Street (Full Monty) and Boca Del Lupo (Quasimodo). Shane is the 2009 recipient of the Ray Michal award for Outstanding Work by an Emerging Director.