| 1 |
Meh. Review by: DoctorJoeE, May 22, 2012 |
| Anyone but the most fanatical Judy Garland fans will be sorely disappointed with this production. While Tracie Bennett delivers a reasonably accurate impression of Garland, that's all we get. The acting is competent but rushed and labored. There is no plot, no appreciable story line, no character development, and no surprise. Does anyone really not know the story of Judy Garland's tragic final years, dissipated in a haze of drugs and alcohol,... read more, exploiting everyone and being exploited by everyone? The story goes absolutely nowhere; for two hours we watch Garland battle her demons with precious little success. The devil perched on one shoulder is represented by Mickey Deans (Tom Pelphrey), her fifth, last, and sleaziest husband; the angel on the other shoulder is Anthony (Michael Cumpsty), her loyal accompanist and musical director. Guess who wins. The music is great, and well-performed, I'll grant that, although I can't believe the producers couldn't resist even one final cliche - ending with a chorus of Over the Rainbow. For a fraction of the price of one ticket you can go to iTunes and listen to Judy herself sing all those songs and many more; it will be time and money much better spent. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Tourists
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| 2 |
Review by: molokinirum, May 21, 2012 |
| Great play and performance! Tracy Bennet is OUTSTANDING!!! When she sings, close your eyes and you will belive that Judy Garland is actually singing. What a performance, this is a MUST SEE!! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Adults
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| 3 |
disappointed Review by: McKenna, May 21, 2012 |
Sorry to say we were disappointed in this play, maybe because of all the hype. While Traci Bennett did a great acting job, it was the same throughout the whole show - an alcoholic/addict with much arguing. I had expected to see more dimensions.
It was a very simplistic staging and most of the songs were not know to us. Maybe you had to be 60+ years old.
Not bad, but we wish we had seen one of the other new shows instead. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 4 |
YOU MUST SEE END OF THE RAINBOW Review by: peter, May 1, 2012 |
| A spectacular performance by Tracie Bennett. The story was great and the songs infused within the drama were well done and well crafted. You should NOT MISS THIS performance. Yes, there is some concern on the validity and facts of the story, but this is drama. However, as one of the VonTrappe children said about "The Sound of Music," - "it's a very nice story..not our story..but a very nice story." So yes there are some ... read more questionable facts but dont let that deter you from seeing this performance. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 5 |
Definitely a Winner Review by: Carol, Apr 6, 2012 |
The End of the Rainbow takes the audience into the dark side of stardom. Like so many others who could not deal with fame, Judy Garland succumbs to substance abuse. The story is lavishly set in a Ritz Hotel suite in London in 1968. Garland is appearing for a run of concerts. Between shows we see her with her latest boy toy fiancé, Mickey Deans played by Tom Pelphrey. He is the weak link, often going over the top in his portrayal. This is ... read more an otherwise riveting story of the gradual demise of a Hollywood idol reminiscent of the recent death of Whitney Houston.
The reason to see the show is definitely for the performance of Tracie Bennett, who should have to win the Tony Award for best actress of 2012. Whether she is singing, cavorting with Mickey or dissolving into tears in the arms of her supportive, sensitive pianist Anthony (Broadway veteran,Michael Cumpsty), poignantly telling the story of what she is demanded to do and be, she holds the stage with her incredible talent. This adult drama is not without its comedic lines to break the tension of Garland’s pain and addictions. This British import translates well to the American stage. Bennett received a well-deserved, ten-minute standing ovation and calls for an encore.
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
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| 6 |
Bennett and Cumpsty are wonderful, but... Review by: Legs, Apr 5, 2012 |
| Tracie Bennett is the reason to see this play. She is, simply, extraordinary and gives a Tony winning performance. Michael Cumpsty, too, is wonderful as Anthony, Garland's adoring pianist. But the play falls short in so many ways. If it were not for the mesmerizing Bennett, it's a kind of repetitive snooze, thin on dialogue and minus a story other than a warning to keep your kids out of show biz. Perhaps the Garland saga of ... read more drug abuse and self-destruction is so well known that I was hoping for something more. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Recommended for:
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| 7 |
Over and Beyond the Rainbow Review by: rskblueyes, Apr 2, 2012 |
Amazing show and concept!
Tracie Bennett physically and emotionally gives an excellant performance of Judy Garland at the end of her life. My only slight complaint is when speaking she sounded more like Talluah Bankhead then Judy Garland, as her voice was a bit low and raspy. When Tracie sings Judy she nails it sounding just like Judy down to every vocal inflection.
The rest of the cast were wonderfull making perfect foils for Judy.... read more.
Im hoping at Tony Time Ms. Bennett is recognized for her outstanding portrayl!! |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Recommended for:
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| 8 |
TALENTED TRACIE Review by: Tina, Mar 29, 2012 |
I SAW PREVIEW OF END OF THE RAINBOW MARCH 23. TRACIE
BENNETT WAS AMAZING ! BOTH HER ACTING AND SINGING WERE
OUTSTANDING. BENNETT WITH HER HIGH ENERGY AND TALENT
MADE ME FEEL JUDY GARLAND WAS ON THE STAGE AT THE
BELASCO THEATRE. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 9 |
En core! Review by: melster, Mar 25, 2012 |
Tracie Bennett was born to play this role! A small framed actress, she filled the stage with her tremendous presence! Will this win the TOny for best staging, setting, or costumes? Probably not even a nomination. But watch Ms. Bennett. She was amazing, so believable at times I feared the worst.
A roller coaster ride of emotions, filled with tears, laughs and great entertainment, this is the one to see, if just for Ms. Bennett's performance. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
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| 10 |
One of the greatest shows for years Review by: Simon James, Mar 22, 2012 |
| One of the most extraordinary evenings of theatre i have ever experienced. Truly, completely amazing. The whole audience were just enraptured by it. Amazing - don't miss it. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 11 |
Abominable Review by: foneguy, Mar 22, 2012 |
This absolutley horrible show is an insult to Judy, her legacy, her memory, her children and the audience. I couldn't believe how bad it really was. It was one sided and dull. The actors worked hard but had nothing to work with other than profanity and lines ripped off from Joan Rivers.
This play was insufferable. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 12 |
Heart-breakingly brilliant Review by: linda, Mar 21, 2012 |
| Heart- breakingly brilliant. I went to the first night and the whole audience were on their feet applauding. The play and the music are seemlessly blended. For serious theatre lovers, this show is a must see. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
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| 13 |
Judy Lives! Review by: Bam, Mar 20, 2012 |
| Went to the first preview and Judy Lives!!! It is an amazing evening. As sad as her life story may be it made for gripping theater. Tracie Bennett inhabits Judy Garland as no else has ever before. You will be enthralled. Judy Lives at the Belasco. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Adults
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