Leisa Way, starring in Sweet Dreams: A Tribute To Patsy Cline, is a powerhouse of a singer and entertainer. Although a tiny person, Way dominates the stage at Upper Canada Playhouse, filling every corner of the theatre with her rich, vibrant voice. And if ever an actor could be said to be "channelling" the late, much loved Patsy Cline, then that actor is unquestionably Way.
Backed by a four man band of outstanding musicians, artists in their own right, Leisa Way delivered classic Cline numbers like Crazy, The Tennessee Waltz and Walkin' After Midnight that had Saturday's capacity crowd cheering.

Leisa Way performs over 25 of Patsy Cline's hits in the course of her Tribute. She also shares stories and anecdotes about the artist which constantly remind one that Cline's death, in 1963, in a plane crash, was not just a tragic loss to her fans but to the entire music world. Cline, as Way makes clear, cut across musical barriers. She was at home with songs once describes as "hillbilly music" and equally at home in a number like Shake, Rattle and Roll which became a 60's rock and roll standard. However, one of the most touching moments in the Tribute came when Way, standing in a soft spotlight, sang the gospel song, Life's Railway, Cline's farewell to her wayward father.

Sweet Dreams: A Tribute to Patsy Cline is a beautifully staged expertly lit production. The sound is excellent. However, it was the diminutive Leisa Way who gave Saturday's show it's soul. Completely at ease with her back-up musicians, able to charm the audience as much with her personality as her extraordinary voice, Way brought the spirit and the music of Patsy Cline to life for all of us.

I think Patsy Cline would have loved this particular tribute to her songs and her memory. Like she once said, "I don't want to live rich in life. I just want to live good".

I was recently treated to a wonderful evening of nostalgia and fabulous music when Sweet Dreams: A Tribute to Patsy Cline, played a limited and sold out engagement at the Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg. Including a live four-piece band back the talented and versatile performer, Leisa Way, Sweet Dreams is more like a concert than a play, featuring 30 signature numbers - but with elements of characterization, costumes and theatrics. What a pleasure it was to revisit such timeless classics as I fall to pieces, Crazy and of course, Sweet Dreams.

Lovely Leisa Channelled country music legend Patsy Cline - whose short but poignant foray would prove enduring to the history of the genre, with the same kind of charm and talent the original was hailed for. I particularly liked that Miss Way didn't attempt to impersonate, but to pay tribute to Cline using subtle similar vocal styling and physical mannerisms, all the while referring to the legend in the third person. Way's patter between the songs told the story of the highs and lows of a full life - lived in only 30 years -- which ended tragically when, while returning home after a tour, Patsy Cline was killed in a plane crash. The stuff legends are made of. Leisa Way, certainly did her justice.

I'm sure Miss Way would agree that you're "nobody" without your band, but I'm sure that she would also agree that she really has nothing to worry about. Her band, The Wayward Wind, kicked ass, with spot on musicianship, and backing vocals that put me in mind of the heavenly Jordinaires, country music's premiere back-up vocal group who added a distinctive, rich sound to any of the headliners they supported, including Elvis. Should we be so lucky as to have this production make it's way through the area again, do yourself a favour and see it. Meanwhile check out Leisa Way online.