Judy's Scary Little Christmas: Review by Art Scene Iowa

Review

Judy and Company Serve Up Delectable Holiday "Dish"

Preshia Paulding as Judy Garland in

"Judy's Scary Little Christmas"

"Judy’s Scary Little Christmas" is an entertaining feast that delights and amazes. In its 8 years, thanks to the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Ron Lambert, StageWest has mastered the art of finding its niche, and delivering the goods. Lambert’s trademark of scouring the nation for cutting edge, new works yields another treasure of a show for Central Iowa audiences.

StageWest kept its successful "Angels in America" stage layout, with the audience seated in wide, proscenium style opposite the entrance. This gives better sight lines than the usual three quarter thrust setting for the Stoner Studio Theatre, as the audience becomes the studio audience for the "live broadcast" format. Add an authentic and versatile studio stage set design, "Applause" and "On Air" signs and a sharp quartet of musicians – Francine Griffith, Brenda McConahay, Joel Gettys, and Ben Mars – driving the show’s music (under the experienced guidance of talented music director, Paul Dieke), and the stage is set for this raucous, surreal romp.

In the musical, written by James Webber and David Church, with music and lyrics by Joe Patrick Ward, it is 1959 again. Judy Garland is hosting a television special, live from CBS in Hollywood, on Christmas Eve. She looks and sounds better than ever. If all goes well, this will be her greatest comeback yet. Garland arranges a stellar celebrity line-up for her show, but her dream comeback begins to unravel with the increasing interference of an uninvited guest.

Director Joe Tish assembles a dynamic cast to deliver a rib-tickling evening of dark merriment. His holiday brew of flair, camp and showmanship is a delicious recipe, filling the hall with seasonal cheer and catty "dishing". Preshia Paulding, as Judy Garland, powerfully anchors this show. Using her superb talents with presence and panache, Paulding obviously has studied and perfected many of Garland’s mannerisms and vocal stylings. She parlays her total package into a sparkling performance, with brilliant moments including her intimate "Angel Star"- delivered spot-on with all of Garland’s rich vocal interpretations- and a later breakdown scene which brought several audience members to tears.

The rest of the cast matches Paulding’s celebrity-impersonating accuracy in varying degrees. Joe Parrish (as Bing Crosby) physically brings the velvet-voiced crooner to life with trademark mannerisms, although I would have enjoyed more of the lower register, "smooth-as-buttah" vocalization. Wally Glover (as Liberace) adds the flamboyant affectations one expects, coming close to capturing Liberace’s smooth charm and subtle wit, but doesn’t use Lee’s Cheshire smile and vocal qualities to full potential. While Barbara Merrill Wagner (as Ethel Merman) doesn’t have as much brassy vocal power and the wide vibrato of Merman (who does?), she possesses and delivers the sass, attitude and great comic timing. Michael Davenport’s Richard M. Nixon, brings accurate, totally engaging characterization and satirical delight to the role. Andrea Reedy captures the sneer, the hauteur and the activist fire in her Lillian Hellman. The interplay between Reedy and Davenport in "Ever Been in Love?" is great fun, producing hales of laughter. Carol Palmer, as Joan Crawford, is marvelous as the severe grand dame of the silver screen, exuding an hauteur of hoot-inducing authenticity. Mike Schneider, as the intrusive Death, plays his role to the hilt, including his homicidal interaction with the doomed puppet, Punch (handled by Mike Beers). The strong chorus of John Bach, Dean Krouch, Claire McConahay, and Holly Reese add wonderful melodic and visual texture as they provide feature and back-up vocals, and numerous support roles for the show. Their work with Wagner in "Mauna Loa Hula Holiday" is hilarious, campish stage work at its best.

"Judy’s Scary Little Christmas" is a seasonal must-see, with a couple of later performances already sold out. Punch your ticket now for this nostalgic, talent-laden experience. Performances Wednesday-Sunday, November 30-December 11. www.stagewestiowa.com. — John Busbee