Oklahoman's musical on living legend Patti Page will play off-Broadway

By Rick Rogers | Published: November 4, 2012

Jenny Rottmayer, Lindsie VanWinkle and Kassie Carroll star in "Flipside: The Patti Page Story."

Photo by Wendy Mutz
<strong>WENDYMUTZ</strong>

Jenny Rottmayer, Lindsie VanWinkle and Kassie Carroll star in "Flipside: The Patti Page Story." Photo by Wendy Mutz WENDYMUTZ

The musical showcases two dozen of Page's hits, from “Doggie in the Window” and “Detour” to “Old Cape Cod” and “Allegheny Moon.” The production features Lindsie VanWinkle as Patti Page and Haley Jane Pierce as Clara Ann Fowler, Page's given name. Additional cast members portray other people who have figured prominently in Page's life.

“The show continues to evolve,” White said, adding that part of the process is observing how audiences react through numerous performances. “I've videotaped it and watched it repeatedly to see if audiences are getting the story and where the laughs happen.

“Then you try to find places that might need to be trimmed or spots where we need to start a song sooner. We went back into rehearsals after the Kennedy Center production, and it was good for the cast to find new ways to keep it fresh. All of the best shows have continued to evolve.”

White's ultimate goal is to see “Flipside” play a long engagement in New York and then release the show for licensing. The 59E59 production will be a vital step in the continued development of and exposure for the musical.

“From the very beginning, this show felt like it was destined to be,” White said. “It hasn't been easy, but there's something about the show that has a resonance with people. I'm proud of it and I'm thrilled with the success it's had thus far.”

How to help

“Flipside: The Patti Page Story” is a collaboration between Front Page Productions and the University of Central Oklahoma. For those who may wish to help fund its December production in New York, checks can be made payable to the UCO Foundation with “Flipside” in the subject line. All contributions are tax deductible.

For more information, call 974-2657.

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