Yallwire News

Yallwire host Stephanie Langston got the chance to sit down with critically acclaimed vocalist and stage performer Mandy Barnett to talk about making her return to the historic Ryman stage in "Always...Patsy Cline" and the release of her new album, Sweet Dreams.

Mandy actually played the iconic role over 15 years ago and is thrilled to return to the part as a the lovely Patsy Cline. "I'm just really thrilled that the show has been really successful over the years. We were due to do the show last year, but the flood hit, so I'm glad that we're able to come back this year and do it," Mandy shares.

Fifteen years since her debut, Mandy admits the role has a different feeling this time around since she's grown into a "full-fledged woman." Having experienced all of the milestones of growing up like falling in low, heartbreak, tragedy and loss, Mandy says, "I think that it all gives you a better understanding of the songs that I'm singing every night. It also allows me to relate to Patsy a little bit more because we were about the same age."

In conjunction with her leading role in "Always...Patsy Cline," Mandy is releasing her new album, Sweet Dreams, which includes Cline's well-known signiture hits such as "Crazy" - which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. While the album features many of the Patsy 'standards,' it also includes some of the songs that she recorded that aren't in the show, such as "Always," "Have You Ever Been Lonely," and "Strange."

Sweet Dreams was released on May 23rd and is in stores now. You can see Mandy play her role in "Always...Patsy Cline" on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville until July 24th.

To hear more about her new album, her return to the stage and her connection with Spongebob Squarepants, check out this interview with Mandy Barnett!