Reviewed by Karen Schwartzkopf
I thought we were seeing Beyond the Rainbow: Garland at Carnegie Hall, a tribute playing at Swift Creek Mill, for the music. It turns out, while the music was extraordinary, the life lessons are what resonated the most.
The Mill’s latest entry in the intimate musical category is a finely-crafted exploration of the life of the woman described by Fred Astaire as the greatest entertainer who ever lived. The play is staged in the context of what was billed as Judy’s comeback concert at Carnegie Hall in the spring of 1961. As the performer downs pills and liquor, then showcases close to twenty-five songs from the last century, her life unfolds scene by scene on the Mill Stage during the course of the concert. And an easy life it wasn’t.
With her silky smooth voice, mannerisms, and physical presence, Grey Garrett is Judy Garland. Granted, I’m not overly familiar with Judy’s work or style, so it was an easy sell, but judging from the reaction of the couple in front of us, the older members of the audience and Judy Garland fans felt the same way. Paul Deiss’ orchestra didn’t miss a beat during the show, accompanying Garret as the adult Judy and the talented Grace Minks as Judy in memory.
It was Minks’ stellar performance that drew my teen daughters into the show and made them care about the character of Judy Garland. From the first time Judy’s domineering mother, played by Lisa Kotula, offered the young singer speed to keep her stage-ready, I saw the heads nodding and knew there would be plenty to talk about. The girls noted the similarities between the story of this iconic child star that would burn out too soon and the tragic death of Whitney Houston due to an alcohol and drug overdose.
The vignettes interspersed between songs featured Richmond favorites Frank Creasy and Richard Koch, working their craft with the teenaged Minks as Judy through the years. The men portrayed a number of characters, including the father Judy adored, Frank Gumm; fellow child star Mickey Rooney; her first husband, producer Vincente Minelli; Bob Hope; studio exec Louis B. Mayer, and second husband, Sid Luft.
“We’re Off to See the Wizard” was the one upbeat musical number and featured the two actors as Ray Bolger of Scarecrow fame and Jack Haley as the Tin Man.
This song and the perfectly crooned “Over the Rainbow” at the production’s end made the bittersweet connection to the legendary character Garland portrayed simply unforgettable for everyone in the audience.
Of course, Beyond the Rainbow is highly recommended for Garland fans, but also for those unfamiliar with her. It’s a sad and compelling story about a legend’s life and music career. Directed by Tom Width, Beyond the Rainbow is dark and dramatic and real and highly entertaining. And both Grey Garrett and Grace Minks as Judy deliver unforgettable performances.
Beyond the Rainbow: Garland at Carnegie Hall is showing at Swift Creek Mill Theatre through June 7, Thursday through Saturday evenings and select matinee dates. For tickets and showtimes, go here: Beyond the Rainbow or call 804-748-5203.
