Most
people will be aware of the legend that was 'Judy Garland' if not from
her music then from her movies. The film the Wizard of Oz gave us
probably the best known Garland song 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' voted
number 1 in the American Film Institute "100 Years... 100
Songs" in which four other Garland songs are featured. This was
also the number that she chose to finish every concert. In the show 'End
of The Rainbow' this is exactly what we get a glimpse into the last few
months in the life of Judy Garland.
From
the first moment of the show when we think Judy (Caroline O'Connor) is
about to jump from the window of her room in The Ritz Hotel London, to
the finale performance of 'Over the Rainbow' at one of her last concerts
at The Talk Of The Town, we are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions for the
performers and audience alike, punctuated by occasional musical numbers.
We meet her pianist Anthony Chapman (Jonathan Gavin) as camp as camp can
be ,but ever faithful and totally in love with his idol, desperate to
protect her he clashes with her and her latest fiancée Mickey.
Mickey
Deans (Michael Cormick) was Garland's final husband. Their first meeting
in a nightclub and subsequent engagement within 24 hours, was something I
was not aware of. Within the confines of the show we see the clashes of
personality, the fights for supremacy, the battles against addictions
and the affection between the two characters.
Caroline
O'Connor has appeared in many musicals all over the world as well as in
films one of my personal favourites is 'Moulin Rouge', in these she has
had several comedy roles.
The
part of Judy Garland is on the whole a tragic character, but there are
moments of almost slapstick comedy, where we find ourselves laughing, whether one should find it funny or
not. Her singing voice is superb, but when called for it is almost,
broken. At the end of the show she has to take a moment to come to
herself, fortunately her co-stars take their bows at that time.
The
three performers are joined by a small live band which Jonathan leads
and conducts during the performance. At one point in the show we have
the band join the performers on stage.
Beautifully
written by Peter Quilter and directed by Wayne Harrison, with a set that
is versatile in its simplicity and effectiveness.
Whether
a Garland fan or not this should be one show you should not miss. We
were told as children that we would find gold at the 'End of The
Rainbow' its true!
*****
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