Always…Patsy Cline Cast

Megan Orwig Reynolds portrays Patsy Cline. Megan lives in Hibbing with her husband, Jefferson, and their two daughters, Addie and Jane. She graduated from Carleton College with a degree in theatre arts and has studied physical acting and devised theatre. She formed an old-time band in Charlottesville, Virginia, and currently plays and sings in Sugar on the Roof with her husband, Jefferson, and fiddler Clancy Ward. Megan directs Hibbing High School’s winter one act play and its spring musical. When asked how performing as a cast of two is different than other shows she has been involved with, Megan said, “Both the pressure of performance and the bond formed between actors is concentrated in a piece with a cast of two. Amy and I rely on one another exclusively as an available, responsive scene partner, so our ability to listen and trust one another has developed more quickly and deeply than in a larger cast.” Beyond theatre and singing, she loves to cook irresistible Mediterranean food, lift heavy weights, hike with her husband, and watch Sandra Bullock movies with her daughters. Megan’s message to family and friends is, “I have received so much encouragement in my creative endeavors from my beloved family and loyal friends. But so often they don't realize: I could not do what I do without all of them. Thank you to my mom Cindy and my mom-in-law Lynn, for loving me and my girls and helping me take care of them. Thank you to the other creative artists in Hibbing and at HHS: Hibbing City Band, Crescendo Youth Orchestra, HHS Band & Choir Programs, & Dustin Davidson. I'm blessed to have such excellent company as an artist on the Range. Thank you to Clancy Ward, my band mate and brother-from-another-mother, for appreciating and believing in my ability, and reminding me that I DO know what the heck I'm doing. Thank you to my children, Addie and Jane, for being such fun, funny, independent and loving kids who are willing to share their momma with the public. And thank you to my husband, Jefferson, who is literally the reason I am able to play Patsy Cline. Without his partnership, love, and bottomless support, I wouldn't be here. And of course: thank you to Patsy. It is a daunting thought to try to live up the promises of your virtuosic voice, genre-bending musicianship, and indomitable and generous spirit. The best I can hope to do is to honor you with my performance, and to give to you, as you give to me.”

Amy Leigh Koivisto portrays Louise Seger. She lives in Hibbing with her three rescues, Tiger Lily, Sailor, and Koivu. Koivisto, a freelancer and volunteer at local arts organizations, made her stage debut with Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre and has most recently acted and sung with the Grand Rapids Players and the Duluth Playhouse. She has participated in touring theatre groups and occasionally sings with a trio called the Garage Sale Band. When asked how performing as a cast of two is different than other shows she has been involved with, Amy said, “I love big ensemble shows, but shows with small casts are kind of my favorite because you often have more time to delve deeper into character work and discussions about the show. I think it's also easier to form bonds with your castmates and director when there are fewer people. You get to know each other better and hopefully those relationships are reflected in the finished product. In this case, it is especially important because Megan and I are portraying an actual friendship formed between two real-life characters, and I hope that camaraderie shines through for our audiences.” When she is not singing or acting, Amy enjoys being outside, kayaking, exploring bodies of water, and hiking, especially when she is accompanied by Koivu! Amy’s message to family and friends is, “Thank you to my mom Robin and stepdad Pat for all of your help with my critters and for all of the other random tasks I asked of you to help streamline this production process. I love you both. To Lindsay, my fantastic friend and talented makeup and hair stylist--you transform me into these characters I play with such skill that people don't even recognize me! Without you, this would not be possible, and I am ever grateful. And to Susan and Megan--what a joy this journey has been. I am so honored to be a part of this show with you and our wonderful band. Thank you all, and I hope you enjoy our show!”