Peter Mac Brings BECOMING JUDY To The Gardenia 9/9, 9/10

Becoming Judy tackles both issues of homophobia and domestic abuse. It also delves into the reasons for Garland's everlasting and cross-generational appeal -- both in and out of the gay community. Based upon the hit Off B'way play Judy and Me and the forthcoming documentaryBecoming Judy.

When you're the outcast at school , when your dad is walking time bomb life can be a bumpy yellow brick road, UNTIL, you find a friend in..."Dorothy"! Against Homophobic classmates performer Peter Mac survived a small minded Long Island Town and the bullies at school through the wit , magic and music of Judy Garland.

Mac (as himself) spends the first half of the evening telling his tale of an adolescence mired by homophobia and domestic abuse through his own personal story and the music of Garland . Magically half way through Mac transforms into the rainbow diva legend to whom he attributes his survival.

Becoming Judy recounts the true story of an adolescent Peter Mac trapped in the narrow-minded suburb of Elmont, Long Island - Mac's real hometown . An outcast at his jock high school, Sewanhaka High(unfortunately still standing in Floral Park, NY), Mac was the daily target of verbal and physical abuse from his classmates. Things are equally tenuous at home, where his father was a walking time bomb and a constant source of pain to Peter and his mother and older brother. Mac found his only escape in the music and entertainment of the legendary Judy Garland, helping him through his daily struggles with encouragement, wit, and strength. Through his passion for La Garland, Mac learned to deal with his dysfunctional family, his horrible school life, and the realization of being gay.

With musical direction by the incomparable BRyan Miller, Peter Mac in Becoming Judy Plays Friday September 9th and Saturday September 10th at The Gardenia . Located at 7066 Santa Monica BLVD .The Gardenia will open for dinner seating at 7 PM . Show starts promptly at 9 PM. There is a $15 cover charge in effect for Becoming Judy And a $10 food/drink minimum . Reservations can be made by calling (323)467-7444.

Mac will be appearing monthly at Tom Rolla's Gardenia as Judy Garland monthly . October 7th and 8th in Peter Mac : Ladies Man. As Garland, Liza Minnelli, Tallulah Bankhead , Katharine Hepburn and Mae West. For More information visit www.friendofjudy.com ; Call 310-962-2043.

Happily received by longtime fans and critics, Peter Mac in Becoming Judy provides the kind of musical and dramatic experience unique to the cabaret world. As per the critics:

"Peter Mac is a strong and brilliant performer. When one watches and listens to Peter Mac perform as Garland, it's hard to distinguish where reality ends and illusion begins. The vocals are so close and the re-creation so precise that it's nearly impossible not to be taken in completely... And the phrasing - simply impeccable." Elliott Zwieback, Cabaret Scenes

"Peter Mac is Judy Garland not a drag show. The illusion extends well beyond that antiquated form of performance. His portrayal of La Garland is Magical, Musical, Wonderful, and Brilliant. He has a gift for vocal mimicry which Wows the audience . I can't wait to see the rest of his cadre of Ladies." Jackie Collins, Best Selling Author

"Peter Mac does sound so close a facsimile that occasionally it causes the hairs to rise up on the back of your neck. As soon as he opens his mouth and begins to sing, it's Judy's spirit and spunk that comes belting out in perfect pitch and nuanced subtleties. I feel as though I met Judy Garland that night. And it was divine. Peter Mac is Judy Garland" M.R. Hunter, Eye Spy Los Angeles

Peter Mac's Upcoming 2011 shows:

JUDY AT Carnegie Hall
October 7th and 8th, 2011
After a sold out engagement this past April, a special ENCORE PERFORMANCE! Back by popular demand, a recreation of Garland's legendary 1961 concert for the 50th anniversary .

Peter Mac HOME
November 25 and 26, 2011
Peter Mac sheds his sequins and falsies for two nights only to celebrate the up-coming holiday season.

The Judy Garland Christmas Special
December 14,15,16,17, 2011
It's Christmas time at the Garland home. And Judy is pulling out all the stops entertaining with her kids and celebrity friends.