When JUDITH LIGHT replaced KATHLEEN CHALFANT in the original production of W;T at the Union Square Theatre, many rolled their eyes thinking 'Why would you replace a gifted New York actress in an acclaimed performance with a TV sitcom star???!!!' Certainly Judith had big shoes to fill, but rose spectacularly to the challenege and made the role of Vivien Bearing her own. It was a phenomenal performance and it was Judith who took the show on tour, filling much larger venues like the Wilbur Theatre in Boston. Everyone who saw her was blown away by Judith Light.
She came back to Broadway last year not playing, but becoming Marie Lombardi in LOMBARDI at Circle-in-the-Square and rightly was nominated for a Tony, only to lose out to Ellen Barkin in THE NORMAL HEART. And who but Judith could take on the Linda Lavin role in OTHER DESERT CITIES when the play transferred to Broadway?
Last week on THE VIEW, Judith talked about how she looked down upon soap operas and situation comedies when she first started, devoting herself to theatre repertory, but discovered how both genres used her considerable stage craft. And now she's back on the 'Great White Way' where she nightly captivates audiences. She's also a familiar presence at Opening Nights and without pretension, always seems to pop up at box offices to buy tickets for family and friends, ingratiating herself to all who are fortunate to have this wonderful lady in their presence.
Judith Light is truly a shining light on the Broadway stage and let's hope they continue to find great roles for this lady who seems to do no wrong.
The number of people who will not see a show they don't want to see... is unlimited.
Oscar Hammerstein