End of the 'bow

This past Friday night I went to The Guthrie (yes, capital T) with my friend John to see "End of the Rainbow."  This is a play about Judy Garland and her last concert series at The Talk of the Town in London back in 1967.  She played there for five weeks and the play switches from scenes in her hotel room, to her on stage performing.  The woman who played Judy Garland was the amazing Tracie Bennett.  She won an Olivier award on the West End for this role, and she is headed to Broadway after the run is done at the Guthrie.

There is a scene that was reminded me of Judy's last movie "I could go on singing."  It took place in her hotel room and she didn't want to go perform that night.  The scene was different but the feeling was the same - meaning that in the show, Judy was doing what ever she could to get drugs or drink.  She felt that she couldn't go on without some help.  (Interestingly, Elaine Stritch talks about this in her one-woman autobiographical show as well, this fear she had).

wow - I have to say what I love are the little gasps of breath she takes before speaking. So filled with emotion.  The other thing about this scene is that I've read it is almost improvised, almost taken directly from Judy's own life and own view of what she was going through and had been through in her life.

and now, this is my all time favorite song/performance from from this film.  "By Myself" as performed by Judy Garland in the film "I Could Go On Singing." Take a look for it and watch it. I'll be here when you get back.

isn't that just a great number?  I love how still she is when she starts.  Then the rhythm begins, the pulsing, and right when she states she is going to face the unknown - she turns upstage, away from the audience.  Such perfect choreography. There is something about her performances that just ring so true.  I'm not sure if it is because I like musicals, or because I'm such a sappy romantic but her voice (even in the ragged voice of this movie) is still a powerful thing.

I don't have much else to say...except take care of yourselves.

ciao,

krl