Judy Speaks

[eva's boy2]

Posted: 7/17/03 at 4:32pm

Did anyone see this show yet at Ars Nova?
I just read about it in Time Out NY...sounds fun...a play about Judy Garland writing her autobiography.. and Judy done and sung by a woman! (how rare!).

[EderFan12]

Posted: 7/17/03 at 8:55pm

If you get a chance, get your hands on the 2 CD set that inspired the play - Judy and a tape recorder - oh.. and a bottle of God knows what - very revealing

Steve

[IssaMe]

Posted: 7/18/03 at 10:44am

It is only revealing because of the tragic state Garland was in when she made this home tape recording.

This vile personal recording was STOLEN from Judy's affects after her death (her things were being held by Sid Luft, no prince himself, of course - and this was stolen from his old Westwood apartment and I know by whom).

The thief has since died of AIDS...but the tape, which was kept under wraps for years, finally got out and was released on CD despite family attempts to suppress it.

That someone would actually use it for a show is despicable...I hope the family goes after the producers and actress full force!

Some people have zero ethics and will do anything to advance themselves including using stolen material. I intend to tell everyone I can in the industry about this actress - and it won't be nice.

Boycott this travesty. This is NOT funny, it is pathetic.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/18/03 at 10:50am

If anyone wants to hear sound clips of Judy REALLY speaking;follow link below:

http://www.counterpoint-music.com/specialties/judy.html


Updated On: 7/18/03 at 10:50 AM

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 7/18/03 at 11:07am

Wow! That was a side of Judy I've never heard before. It was kinda scary!

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/18/03 at 3:13pm

Too sad for words. That really depressed me.

[Luvinbroadway]

Posted: 7/18/03 at 5:21pm

Actually,
I saw that show last week...It is a wonderful tribute to Judy,(I don't know anything about the tapes...though...not really part of the show)...
The actress is amazing at channeling Judy..and what a voice!
The only feelings it leaves you with re: Judy is that she was a mega-talent!
James

[IssaMe]

Posted: 7/19/03 at 8:31am

Glad you're all having such a wonderful time with this "wonderful tribute" to Judy.

The tapes most certainly ARE a part of the show. Although not played directly, the dialogue is a transcript from these stolen tapes. They are not in public domain - and these crooks presenting this have no right to do so. Illegal - unethical. Let's just all cheer them on.

Judy herself would be appalled. The circumstances under which these tapes were originally recorded, stolen, and then marketed in all kinds of formats (cassettes, CD, internet, and now in a theatrical show) are truly despicable.

I have lived with this tape situation for almost 30 years (people connected with Judy managed to keep them private for almost 25 years after the theft - the thief himself did NOT exploit the tapes...he kept them private - only after his death did others step in a try to make money off them) - so I do have some knowledge of this whole situation.

And a "wonderful tribute" it is most certainly NOT. So don't try and pretend that is the intent! It is worse than being just ghoulish.

The wishes of Judy's own relatives are known in this case and
are being ignored by these so-called "tribute" people. Lovely bunch of people.

So have fun picking over the bones of this poor woman - legends don't get no respect - but don't lie to yourself... this is NOT a tribute, it is out and out exploitation and an embarrassment to everyone concerned.

And I will continue to campaign within the business against everyone the least bit remotely connected with this totally illegal and uncalled-for production. We'll just let Judy's family's lawyers handle the rest.

It's time there are some kind of standards in this business. This is cesspool.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/19/03 at 8:51pm

I have to agree with IssaMe. This whole endeavor smacks of the sickness of American contemporary society to delve into the personal lives of anyone, great or not so great. I went into Footlight Records today and there was a special box for a drawing to win tickets to this travesty of "theatre," JUDY SPEAKS. I had to bite my tongue to stop from expressing my opinion about FOOTLIGHT even promoting this. I know nothing about this so called show and the first I heard of it or the tapes was on this message board. I have to say however I am saddened that anyone's personal thoughts would be taken and put on public display. All of us have moods and periods that are better left to ourselves. Those who would chose to exploit those moments are the lowest of the low. Supporting this type of side-show is evidence of a less than discriminating theatre-goer, rather a televsion age ambulance chaser.

Yours for an ethical Broadway! Updated On: 7/19/03 at 08:51 PM

[janetlame]

Posted: 8/13/03 at 9:48am

everyone is entitled to their opinion. but it seems harsh to dog a show one hasn't even seen.

[rlbgbc]

Posted: 8/13/03 at 10:03am

You know, I'm reminded of a statement by Patty Duke in her autobiography CALL ME ANNA. She's discussing Garland's participation in the filming of "Valley Of The Dolls". While relating the problems that Garland had on that film (she was subsequently removed from it), she says something to the effect of "While Judy did a lot of undignified things, she was basically a dignified person." I tend to agree with that assessment.

Ergo, I have no doubt that Garland would be horrified that this show was mounted. Those tapes were made in the deep dark of night, during time of great stress (tax problems, medication problems, personal problems) and, of course, under the influence. They were in no way meant for public consumption. It's also incredible to me that there is an audience for this kind of tripe. But understandable, I guess -- every mistake Garland ever made is looked upon as a breach of faith by Dorothy Gale. Such is the stuff legend brings.

[rlbgbc]

Posted: 8/13/03 at 10:03am

Updated On: 8/13/03 at 10:03 AM

[eva's boy2]

Posted: 8/13/03 at 10:26am

I finally got to see the show after here several friends raved. It is poignant, appropriately funny at the right times, and boy can she sing....I agree with one of the above posts...I left just marveling what a legend Judy still is....See the show and then make a decison...

[mamamia sammy]

Posted: 8/13/03 at 10:31am

I haven't seen the show but I have heard the tapes.

I started out laughing at what a riot they were but the more you listen to them, the sadder and sadder they become. I found them very disturbing and can not imagine wanting to see them acted out.

[www.ScottNevins.com]

Posted: 8/13/03 at 12:22pm

JUDY SPEAKS (the show) is an INCREDIBLY TASTEFULL and TOUCHING tribute to the great entertainer. I have seen several Judy "impersonators" and the star of this show blows them all out of the water (including Judy Davis) Her perfrmance is not an impersonation or parody, but more of a channeling (at some times quite scary because it is so real) I urge you...run, do not walk to catch this show, you will be so pleasently surprised! It's at times funny, beautiful, entertaining, and top drawer the whole way through!

GO SEE IT!

[www.ScottNevins.com]

Posted: 8/13/03 at 12:26pm

and these creators of this show did not rob anything or pick over anyones bones...the great thing about this show is that they took these tapes which can be looked upon sadly and have spun them into a posotive tribute - but again, go check it out before ranting - its an extremely great piece of theater! :)

[Broadway Bill]

Posted: 8/13/03 at 12:57pm

Everyone chill out! Sheesh!

Celebrity is as celebrity does. JG was a talented, tormented, flawed, REAL human being. Horrified by the tapes? Maybe. But I bet she'd be delighted to have such a talented songstress as Mary Birdsong portraying her.

Good God, with the legions of half-assed campy, scary, Judy Garland impersonators (with a chromosome that Judy NEVER had) plying their trade, let's be happy that she's being portrayed by a person -- a woman this time -- who loves and respects the artist -- and her humanity with all its frailty.

Now everyone... nap time! Updated On: 8/13/03 at 12:57 PM