The balance between two actors on stage can tilt with a slight upstaging gesture, too much movement or volume by one, an undeniable force of personality, or a thankfully rare disregard for a fellow actor. The current Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) production of “Always...Patsy Cline” consists of two female roles requiring yin and yang performances between opposite personalities. I am happy to report that a perfect balance defines this wonderful production.

The job of maintaining equilibrium falls mainly to MSMT favorite Charis Leos, who plays the earthy, laugh-out-loud, slightly crude Louise Seger, a fan girl whose admiration for singer Patsy Cline knows no bounds. Leos is an experienced actress who knows how to both own and yield her place on the stage. Prancing around in a black cowboy shirt, red tights, and black cowgirl boots, Leos as Louise is full of wise-cracking, survivalist wisdom, the kind of gal you'd love to hang out with just to see what could happen. But Leos mutes Louise’s actions when Patsy steps up to the microphone.

One evening, Louise travels to a club where Cline is performing and in an unlikely but factual twist, they become friends. The play, originally created and directed by Ted Swindley, centers around that friendship. Most folks of a certain age remember what happened to Cline, and I won't relate it here. But the fact of it does hover over the production. Thankfully, the play celebrates the comfort and joy of friendship, not only face-to-face, but through the many letters Patsy sent to Louise, signed, ‘Always.’

If Leos is all movement and kinetic energy, Christine Mild as Patsy Cline is a study in how to stand still, keep calm, and capture an audience with just the sound of a fabulous voice. This production marks the ninth time she has played the singer, so she's honed the part well. But if the way she sang Cline's numbers in her MSMT performance is any indication, she has far from tired from the role. What a rich, lovely voice! And her range, and sheer stamina! In Act One, she sings 12 numbers, including Cline's giant hits, 'Walkin' After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” and her classic version of Hank Williams's “Your Cheatin' Heart.” In Act Two, she belts out 13 songs including the timeless Willie Nelson tune, “Crazy.” She never falters, and the audience is with her all the way.

Her costumes are stunning. While Louise wears one iconic outfit, Patsy is clothed in several sparkling, shape-molding dresses, one more beautiful than the next. Costume Designer Brittany Leffler has captured Cline in all her star-burst glory, set apart by her singularity and talent. Cline may have walked normal pathways with everyday people, but she was a star, and a gracious one at that.

Scenic Designer William James Mohney’s set is both folksy and flashy, with wings that slide in to represent Louise's kitchen and living room, complete with vintage furniture and family photos, as well as a glamorous staging area where Cline performs. The set also holds a country band with six fabulous musicians and their instruments. Cline time was twang time, and that pedal steel guitar, played by Dean Clemmer, and the fiddle, played by Stephanie McCullough, help serve up the musical goods.

Lighting by Matthew Demascolo is gorgeous, memorably so during a point in the performance when shafts of green and yellow lights completely envelope Mild during a tune. A spinning, sparkly disco ball made me a bit dizzy and I had to look away, and the brightness of a bank of lights toward the end of the show was almost overpowering. But it was more than likely the intention. Cline's star dazzled and it has never dimmed.

Directors Marc Robin and Curt Dale Clark have given their audience a wonderful play with artful performances, a great set and lights, memorable musicians and a touching story. MSMT's opening night for both the play and the season was a hit. I highly recommend it. If you don't see it, you might fall to pieces.

“Always...Patsy Cline” runs through June 24 at the Pickard Theater on the Bowdoin College Campus in Brunswick. For tickets, call the box office at (207) 725-8769. For more information, go to https://msmt.org/