From Press Release
Before Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, there was Miss Judy Garland…
The Judy Monologues returns to Toronto as part of Toronto Fringe 2012. The one act play is a multimedia docudrama based entirely on rare voice tapes recorded by Garland in the years leading up to her death in 1969 at age 47 from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. The play had a workshop performance at Buddies In Bad Times Theatre in the fall of 2010 and has since played in both Hamilton and London, Ontario.
The script is performed by three male actors as a tribute to Judy’s impact on the gay community. Garland’s talent and vulnerability have made her a favourite among gay audiences over the years. Judy is also portrayed in silent vignettes throughout the play by Garland doppelganger Kimberly Roberts, who was recently featured in a photo slideshow of Garland impersonators on VanityFair.com. The production also features vintage film footage of Garland from her Hollywood heyday.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform the show as part of this year’s Fringe,” says the play’s creator and director, Darren Stewart-Jones, who also appears in the production. “And we are doubly excited that Michael Hughes has joined our cast.” Hughes’ own Garland-themed show, Mickey & Judy, was awarded Best of Fringe 2011. The cast is rounded out by
Philip Cairns, who won the best actor award at the 2011 London One Act Festival for his performance in The Judy Monologues.
In light of the more recent untimely deaths of celebrities like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse, the play’s themes about addiction and the price of fame are still very relevant today.
Baby Gumm Productions in association with Toronto Fringe presents
The Judy Monologues
Conceived & Directed by Darren Stewart-Jones
Starring Philip Cairns, Michael Hughes & Darren Stewart-Jones with Kimberly Roberts as Judy Garland
Stage managed by Mark Tara
Opens July 6, runs to July 15 at the Annex Theatre, 736 Bathurst St., Toronto.
Performances:
July 6 – 7pm
July 7 – noon
July 9 – 6:45pm
July 11 – 11pm
July 12 – 1:45pm
July 14 – 2:15pm
July 15 – 1:45pm
Tickets $10 at the door, $9 in advance with a $2 surcharge. (416) 966-1062 x1 or at fringetoronto.com
The Judy Monologues is a work of love for Judy Garland. It seems all the players have their own special affinity for Judy and translate her own words as their own. We can hear Judy speaking through them, even though they are in fact men. Philip Cairns was especially endearing to me. Kimberly Roberts was blessed with Judy’s image and has the inspired mannerisms of the star as well while still also making it her own. Accompanied by sound and visuals of Judy Garland actual, it was really interesting to to me to hear Judy’s words. The show makes me want to hear more of Judy’s personal story. :)