JUDY & ME...go see!

Loved by millions the world over, Judy Garland was the brightest star in Hollywood's Golden Era. Many of her devotees include those ever-loving gay men who continue to be in awe of her dazzling and brilliant performances, her devotion to her family, and her life consuming and ending dependence on alcohol and prescription drugs.

In a deeply moving testament to the legend that is Judy Garland and those that bow at her alter; Peter Mac (as Judy Garland) has created not only a valentine to the mystifying marvel, but a self-actualizing, mostly true tale of the struggle of his own self empowerment. Told here with capable actors playing the Elmont, Long Island family Mr. Mac struggled to grow up in; Judy and Me is better than most bloated and expensive productions because it has the soul and heart most shows only dream of having.

Of course some of the dialogue is completely silly, cheesy, and more over the top than Dan Rather’s election night banter (oh come-on, you remember "This race is hotter than a Times Square Rolex"); but, the underlying message of the healing powers of embracing one's past, facing one's demons, and charting a course of self-discovery shines brighter than Garland’s illuminating star.

Of course Judy and Me isn’t for everyone, and the story of domestic abuse and homophobia isn’t anything new! It’s been done before, and maybe even better; but the legions of fans that Ms. Garland has inspired through the years will embrace Mr. Mac’s stirring tale as if it were their own. It’s not Shakespeare; but, with an impeccable representation, a winning cast, and loving tale…this enjoyable evening will certainly entertain…and that may not be the easiest thing these days!

No nudity, but some pretty inappropriate "moments" which might cause even me to scream profanities and walk out of the theatre. And on top of that, the producers make up stories about anti-gay vandalism and slurs being shouted to get a little publicity -- it's rather deplorable.

All that on top of having an imaginary director listed in the program makes for a lovely evening in the theatre...all kinds of fun.

What is the running time?

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Is it on TDF or TKTS?

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Any bootleg footage available? PM me.

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What happened to cabaretman (or whatever)? I thought he was the one pimping this show.

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PollyBerg,
what do you mean by "imaginary" director? I'm trying to find my program to see who's listed.

I said some things I shouldn't have said while mildly intoxicated.
oops

Updated On: 11/1/08 at 02:36 AM

Wow, another person "no longer with the show?" to quote a movie you may be familiar with, "People come and go so quickly here." So Dr. John...can you maybe help us unravel the mysteries of the made up anti-gay slur press releases and the made-up director?

No need to search the board too hard, I've bumped up your previous thread. Or I can just post a few more quotes here:

"It is what it is, but what it is is cute, charming, and dare I say moving at points. And the more I've thought about it, the more I enjoyed it. I'd encourage you to check it out!


The people on here who are already tearing the show apart should either give it a chance and go see it before you judge it or just don't comment on it. The people in the cast and crew are working hard and have a good show! "

What a drastic turn-around! Sounds like not so much a helpful criticism of the show, as you would lead us to believe, but a personal vendetta. An immature, petty act of downright sabotage. Your comments are absolutely no reflection on the show, but rather, as we can see from your sudden flip-flop, a reflection of your hypocrisy. And if there's one thing worse than a shill, it's a hypocrite that has no remorseful feelings about trying to bring down an entire cast and crew of people who, up until now, thought you were a friend.

And on the subject of shills--contrary to understandably popular belief, Judy & Me is not made up of a group of shills. There was one. And I can promise you, he will not be shilling us anymore. That's all behind us. Nobody asked Ryan to write his previous review, he did it on his own accord. The same goes for Lacage...I don't know who you are, but thank you for your thoughts.

I am absolutely stunned that there are people who think the homophobic incidents are made up. I don't have pictures or a recording of the incident, so I can't prove anything with hard evidence, but I can bear witness to it. I am also surprised some of you seem to think the stories are far-fetched. Patti LuPone lashing out at an audience member during Rose's Turn? Far-fetched, and not related to Judy. A homophobic outburst from an unfortunate nut-job in the middle of a performance? Sadly, not far-fetched. These things did happen, they were scary and hurtful, and need to be taken seriously.

And in terms of full disclosure, yes, I am part of the production.

Ok. Lets see. Where do I start.

Ryan was never with the show. So no need to comment on that. he is roommates with our former ASM. No need to comment on why we chose to part ways.

The end of the show which was given away recently in a review. This is Peter's life story that took place on Long Island in 1996. We changed the names of the characters in the play so people don't have that...oh wait Peter is playing Judy but wait...thats also Peter as a teen being played by another Actor moment. Which artistically we felt was something was important to do. Peter is called Anthony in the show. However, Peter was also so influenced by Judy that he now portrays her professionally as an adult. She is only played as a wise, funny, caring woman. There is nothing derogatory or referencing pills or liquor. This is all explained at the end of the play.

I think it is important to note that we had several talk backs throughout our previews. Many changes were made based on a variety of factors to the production that now is on 46th Street.

John Fricke and I have known each other since 1993. He introduced Peter and I in 2003 at a Wizard of Oz Brunch. It is since then that Peter and I have been a couple. I assure you John would not endorse anything about Judy that wasn't very respectful of Judy Garland. We are doing an event that John Fricke is hosting in November on the growth and messaging in the show.

We replaced our last lead as his approach to the character was darker than what was written. We replaced him with his Standby during rehearsals.

However, every other Actor from our Off Off Broadway run moved with us to St. Luke's from Producer's Club. Further many of the standby Actors who played the other five parts over the last ten years that this played are our current standbys or Understudies. As such the comment that people come and go so quickly here simply isn't true. We replaced our replacement lead in rehearsals and our ASM is now gone. Other than that we are in tact.

It is kind of fun on the Director side though I must admit. All I will say there is it is not uncommon that a George Spelvin appears in a program. In fact Mae West documented that when she wrote and starred in a play...the Director was often credited as someone else. Even though she may have directed it herself.

What I can say unequivocally is that we have always had at least two sets of eyes on this piece. We could not have done it without our PSM who has filled the role of Assistant Director since the onset. He does exist.





Judy And Me On The Web

Yes, I know the LuPone story was made up, that's why I used it as a counter example.

I'm sorry you feel that it's far fetched, and I truly wish it were. A homophobic couple came to the show, maybe thinking it was a modern take on the Wizard of Oz? Or some sort of Judy documentary? Who knows. All we know is when the boys kissed for the first time, it was too much for the man to handle. I'd be happy to share more details on the incident from where I was sitting, but I think it's pretty much covered in the article, and I don't want to beat a dead horse.

i love chris brick :]