Judy's Scary Little Christmas: Tolucan Times Review (2)

the TOLUCAN Times

11/21/02

A Holiday Treat at the Victory

By Trish Ostroski

Judy's Scary Little Christmas mixes a 1959 Judy Garland holiday TV special with The Twilight Zone as Judy and her guests including Bing Crosby (Sean Smith), Ethel Merman (Lauri Johnson), Liberace (Don Lucas), Joan Crawford (Joanne O'Brien), Lillian Hellman (Jan Sheldrick) and song and dance man Richard Nixon (yes you read that right) are forced to confront their legacies when a mysterious stranger comes to crash the party.

Written by James Webber and David Church with original music and lyrics by Joe Patrick Ward, the show is directed and choreographed by Kay Cole. Connie Champagne is remarkable and perfectly tuned in as Judy Garland right down to the subtle gestures and is backed by a superb ensemble cast that masters each character well, down to a number of fun details.

The first act is staged as if the audience were attending the taping of Judy Garland's Christmas show and includes the nasty chatter in between the live action. There are numerous laughs in the clever script including many special touches with the dialog and props.

The second act features the characters confronting their lives and the things beside their talents that they became known for as well – child abuse, homosexuality, booze, political downfall, etc.

The show includes eight songs that run the gamut from variety-show pastiche to heartfelt ballads to triumphant finale. The variety show part of the production illustrates all the schtick, style and tone of the holiday variety shows circa 1950's and 60's. Director/choreographer Kay Cole assures every little wink, nod, mug, dip and shuffle adds to the mood, style and laughs.

Ripe in nostalgia, this production is entertaining, hilarious and memorable. It is a delightful mix of parody, homage and reality. It is the type of show you will want to see twice.

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Judy's Scary Little Christmas is playing at the Victory Theatre 3326 West Victory Blvd. In Burbank (Victory and Hollywood Way) till December 22. Performance times are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. An additional Sunday performance at 7 p.m. begins December 8. Tickets are $28 and are available by calling the theatre 818-841-5422. Group sales 323-650-3725. For online information, contact www.judyschristmas.com.