When Hannah Dasher takes the stage at the Savannah Theatre later this month, she will be living a dream.

Dasher, a Springfield native and recent graduate of the University of Georgia, will be starring in the theatre’s production of “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline.” The presentation will be a look at the life story of the late country music legend and will include 20 of her hit songs.

It’s a role and an opportunity Dasher relishes, especially since she’s been listening to and singing Cline’s music for most of her life.

“I’m really excited about it,” she said. “It’s a dream job. To wake up and play Patsy, it’s a dream job. I get to be myself on stage.”

Dasher grew up singing Patsy Cline songs. When she was 6, her mother returned from a trip to Nashville, Tenn., with a Patsy Cline cassette. It quickly become young Dasher’s favorite.

“I wore that thing out,” Dasher said. “I still own it.”

She put the tape in her Walkman, learning Cline’s songs and mimicking her voice. Among Cline’s countless classics, Dasher calls “Sweet Dreams,” “Crazy” and “She’s Got You” among her favorites. “She Got You” was the first song Dasher recorded when she was a student at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton.

Dasher sang it in a karaoke booth and emailed the track to the Savannah Theatre.

“I was in a little plywood booth, and you could hear people talking outside,” she said.

Originally, someone else was cast for the role, but that fell through, Dasher said.

“I just happened to be a brunette (like Cline),” she said. “I’m a country girl, and I’m just honored they thought of me. Things worked out, and they chose a local girl.”

The show itself began in Branson, Mo., before coming to Savannah. It will run Jan. 16-31, with shows Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.

Savannah Theatre regular Michael Zaller will play the role of Cline’s hometown disc jockey and narrate her ascension as a musical icon. A live band will perform the music, complete with original arrangements.

Dasher recently completed her degree in public relations, with a minor in music business, at UGA. She found out about the opening during Thanksgiving.

“This is my job,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it when they called me and told me I got the part.”

For more information, visit www.savannahtheatre.com

For tickets, call (912) 233-7764