Judy Garland Lost Easter Special is a Treat for Peter Mac Fans
This is my 7th Peter Mac show since August. Needless to say, I am a huge fan of the man and his talent, which must be experienced up close to be fully appreciated. He is the current master tribute artist, making Garland totally his own. As Margaret O'Brien herself said, it's like an evening up close and "personal with Judy Garland", and Mac gives so very much of himself to the singing and banter, that it's uncannily infectious. He could read/sing the phone book, and that would be OK too, as audiences will listen. Once a Peter Mac fan, you are hooked, baby! This show Judy Garland's Lost Easter Special with special guests DJ Schaefer as Bea Arthur, Alissa Cote as Lorna Luft, Glory Gale as Liza Minnelli and David Marker as Joey Luft, very similar to the Christmas Special in December at the Gardenia, is a lot of uproarious fun, obviously because it takes liberties in its originality and in not copying an actual special. But it's every bit as spontaneous, warm and loving as Garland's own family-oriented program.
Under BRyan Miller's sensational musical direction the 70-minute set includes: "Easter Parade", "Easter Bunny Comin' To Town Today", a devilishly good duet with Gale and Mac in a dream sequence as dueling Lizas "Put On a Happy Face", "Consider Yourself", with all the children, "The Man in the Moon Is a Lady" deliciously performed by Schaefer and the great spicy "Bosom Buddies" duet from Mame, a beautiful "Spring Fever" by Cote and a terrific "Couple of Swells" duet with Cote. Marker does a lovely "On the Street Where You Live", and Garland classics are abundant: "From This Moment On", "April Showers", "Come Rain or Come Shine", "Carolina in the Morning", "Trolley Song", "Swanee", "Over the Rainbow" and of course "I Will Come Back". Miller does a wonderful "Shakin' the Blues Away" singing at the piano as Mac makes one of his three costume changes. All the costumes are springlike colorful with lots of pink and yellow for Easter.
Attention all Peter Mac addicts: The next show will be Judy Garland's Complete Carnegie Hall Concert April 20, 21, 27 and 28, which, in this 50th anniversary year, you do not want to miss. Be there, or be square!
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DAVIS GAINES: LIVE AT CVREP Coachella Valley Repertory (7/30-7/30) |
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North by Northwest The Old Globe (7/03-8/02) |