'Honky Tonk Angels' blend country classics in timeless tale

The hits of Dolly Parton, Kitty Wells and Loretta Lynn weave a story of three women as they form a country music singing group in the musical "Honky Tonk Angels," playing at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.

"I'll Fly Away," "Coal Miner's Daughter" and "I Will Always Love You" are a few songs from the tale of a housewife, a career woman and country girl, who meet on a bus to Nashville and decide to form the "Honky Tonk Angels."

Valley actress Carolyn McPhee portrays secretary Sue Ellen, singing tunes such as "9 to 5," "Cleopatra, Queen of Denial" and "Cornell Crawford."

McPhee said the musical, written by "Always ... Patsy Cline" creator Ted Swindley, appeals to a broad spectrum.

"There are enough songs between pop and country that cross over to a number of audiences; more than anything the story is so relatable," she said.

The plot has themes, including heartache and love, involving real people, McPhee said.

"These are real women whose personalities are very similar to women today," she said. "I am positive audiences will walk away identifying with someone."

McPhee said she's having a blast performing with Elizabeth Loos (Angela) and Jillian Nyhan Zygo (Darlene) who are part of the "Honky Tonk Angels."

Loos, Zygo and McPhee are regular performers at Broadway Palm and appeared in such shows as "Anything Goes," "Oliver Twist" and "Hello Dolly."

"They're two of the most amazing women that I have gotten to know and work with," McPhee said. "Doing a three-person show can be quite difficult because everyone has to carry the load, but they're so much fun and professional to be around."

The favorite part of "Honky Tonk Angels" for McPhee always comes during Act 2, when the women perform in a country bar, turning the show into more of a concert.

During the show, McPhee pulls a couple of audience members onto the stage for a dance contest as a part of "Cleopatra, Queen of Denial," originally performed by Pam Tillis.

"Our show is heart-warming, but it's fun all at the same time," she said. "It's about making people smile and have a good time at the end of the day."