'American Idol' alum Crystal Bowersox to be Patsy Cline on Broadway

Mar 27, 2013 | 7:23 AM

Jessica Lange played singer Patsy Cline in the 1985 movie "Sweet Dreams" and received an Academy Award nomination. Starting in July, "American Idol" finalist Crystal Bowersox will incarnate the country singer in the Broadway-bound musical "Always… Patsy Cline."

Bowersox appeared on "American Idol" during the Fox singing competition show's 2010 season. She was a finalist and ultimately lost to Lee DeWyze.

"Always... Patsy Cline," written by Ted Swindley, is a jukebox musical that features the singer's greatest hits. The show has been performed off-Broadway and at regional theaters. The Broadway production will co-star Annette O'Toole and will be directed by John Rando.

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The two-character show tells Cline's story through the eyes of a fan, Louise Seger (O'Toole). The musical is expected to open some time in August, with preview performances set for July. Producers pointed out that Cline herself was discovered on a TV talent show, which helped to launch her career as a country singer. She died 50 years ago this month at the age of 30 in a 1963 plane crash.

Bowersox isn't the first "American Idol" alum to star in a Broadway show. Constantine Maroulis received a Tony Award nomination for "Rock of Ages" and will be back soon in "Jekyll and Hyde." Other notable "Idol" crossovers include Justin Guarini and Fantasia Barrino.

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