Judy's Scary Little Christmas: Tolucan Times Review

the TOLUCAN Times

12/10/03

Review by Pat Taylor
It is December...Santa's coming soon, and L.A. playhouses are running countless spirited holiday plays all month. I saw, and loved, two such productions last week and recommend both of them highly!

JUDY'S SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS – what a fun show this is! Another holiday must see for L.A. theatre-goers; full of great singers and songs, belly laughs and famous faces from days gone by. What's not to love?

Where else can you celebrate Christmas with colorful people like Garland, Merman, Bing, Nixon, Crawford, Hellman, and Liberace? It's a party, and you're invited! Cleverly written by James Webber and David Church, this musical comedy puts us in the studio audience of a 1959 CBS TV holiday show, hosted by Judy Garland. One legendary guest after another appears, singing, chatting, and revealing their lives, until an eerie uninvited guest casts a dark shadow on the merry group.

With wonderful music/lyrics by Joe Patrick Ward, each star has their moments to shine, and the performances are fantabulous!

Directed and choreographed with pizazz by Kay Cole, flairfully costumed by Jeanine Campi, and with a cool, constantly changing set by James Webber, the audience has a ball! Fine piano accompaniment too by Brent Crayon.

Now, lets talk about this fabulous cast depicting these beloved notable public figures. In the lead role of Judy, Connie Champagne is simply delicious! She's got the look, walk, gestures, voice and vulnerability that paint an uncanny likeness to Garland! In fact, this little bundle of dynamite just won The Ovation Award, for best actress in a musical, from last year's run of this show. Well deserved!

Don Lucas is a non-stop fluffy scream-and-a-half as the flamboyant Liberace. Eric Anderson is a hilarious hoot as the stiff and dead pan Nixon. Other strong celebrity portrayals throughout include Sean Smith (Bing Crosby), Lauri Johnson (Ethel Merman), Jan Sheldrick (Lillian Hellman), and Joanne O'Brien (Joan Crawford). Mark A. Cross plays “Death” and Dustin Strong is precious in a dual role, as “Sailor” and “Punch.” Also featuring ensemble actors Alan Everman II, Heather Holland, Terri Homberg, and Jonathon Neeley. Do catch this one!

Running through December 29th at The Court Theatre, 722 N. La Cienega in West Hollywood. For seats/times, call (323) 960-4410.