Interview: Carolyn Johnson Talks Being Judy Garland in END OF THE RAINBOW at Stages

Judy Garland is a mere skeleton of a rose by the start of END OF THE RAINBOW, a dramatic musical soon to appear at Stages Repertory Theatre.

The play begins with the stage and screen star preparing for a five-week engagement at the London nightclub The Talk of the Town. It is 1969, long after the exploitative studio system has cast Garland's petals to the wind, and a dark cloud looms over the proceedings. History knows that Garland will disappoint--at one performance the renowned belter was unable to finish her signature song "Over the Rainbow" so the audience, feeling cheated, threw dinner rolls at her. History also knows that the diva will die by barbiturate overdose in the same year.

Garland's dark humor and incandescent music provide a counterweight. END OF THE RAINBOW playwright Peter Quilter inserted songs like "For Me and My Gal," "You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want to Do It)," "The Trolley Song," and "Over the Rainbow" into the drama.

Carolyn Johnson returns to Stages to star as END OF THE RAINBOW's Garland. The role requires Johnson do justice to Garland's greatest hits as well as the poor withered rose Quilter designs. Below, the actress and singer tells BroadwayWorld how she plans to fulfill her duty.

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What is the arc of the story and your character?

The story takes place over a four-week period approximately six months prior to Judy Garland's death. She is in London, gearing up for her last extended engagement at "[The] Talk of The Town" (formerly The [London] Hippodrome). It is slated to be something of a comeback, and the play follows her personal struggles with her relationships, addiction and performing live.

Why is the title of the musical END OF THE RAINBOW?

Well, there could be a number of reasons for the title. Obviously, Judy's signature song is "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and this play takes place towards the end of her life. Also, there is the connotation with the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow--or the thing we're always reaching for, but can never quite attain. I think that applies well to Judy Garland: someone who seemed to be constantly working towards some goal that felt just out of reach--particularly, lasting love and fulfilling her own ideas of success.

Are you daunted in any way by performing some of Judy Garland's most famous and popular recordings?

Of course! I have certainly had my moments of overwhelm in attempting to portray Judy, who was such an amazingly huge talent. She is one of a short list of performers who can truly be called "iconic". Everyone has their own idea of her firmly in mind.

In addition, people tend to feel very protective of her. She had a real vulnerability, which came through in her performances, and was victim to a lot of unfortunate circumstances. However, she was not a victim. I don't believe she sought to live her life that way. She had a tremendous amount of strength on the flip side of the vulnerability.

This play does reveal sides of her that some people may not be comfortable with, but addiction isn't always pretty, and she was a complex human being, dealing with pressures most of us will never encounter.

How did you prepare for this staging?

In preparation, I have done extensive research on her (there is no end to the resources!) and then, ultimately, I have to let go of all of that and allow it to be interpreted through me. People will certainly have their opinions about it, but I can't concern myself with that.

Judy's story is so tragic. How does the production manage to be funny?

Well, it's funny because she is funny. Much thanks to Peter Quilter's sharp dialogue, Judy comes off as what she was: A very quick, smart, clever woman. In spite of everything, she always enjoyed laughing and making others laugh.

Most don't know how funny she really was.

If you are simply thinking of the Judy from THE WIZARD OF OZ or A STAR IS BORN, you may not think of her as a comedienne, but if you look at her whole body of work, much of what she did was romantic comedy. She trained in vaudeville and had a wicked sense of comic timing. She was known personally as being very quick-witted and funny.

Does this make your job as an actor easier or more difficult?

For me, I'd say this aspect makes my job easier, or at least more fun. It is so necessary to offset the heavier aspects of the play.

What can audiences look forward to most in Stages' END OF THE RAINBOW?

Well, there's a terrific band and gorgeous musical arrangements Outside of that, I don't know that I'm in any position to say. [Smiles]

This interview has been edited and condensed.

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END OF THE RAINBOW. March 2 - April 10. 7:30p.m. Wednesdays & Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Sundays. 713-527-0123 or stagestheatre.com/shows. $21+. For mature audiences.