As the only authorised Judy Garland show in the world today, the UK premiere of a breathtaking new musical show, Judy – The Life And Music Of A Hollywood Legend, will tour UK theatres, opening at the Edinburgh Playhouse on 8 May. Highly-acclaimed choreographer, Arlene Phillips, will be Creative Director for the production, with the show made in arrangement with the Judy Garland Estate.
The show will star Lorna Luft, Garland’s daughter, together with leading West End musical theatre stars, including Louise Dearman, Rachel Stanley and Ben Richards. Also appearing are dancers – The Boyfriends – named after Judy’s original dancers of the same name. Luft is considered ‘Showbiz Royalty’, as the half sister of Liza Minnelli and a highly successful stage, film and TV actress and singer in her own right. She has appeared in numerous film, TV and stage shows, including White Christmas, They’re Playing My Son and Babes in Arms.
Dearman has performed in leading West End roles including Wicked, where Dearman was the first actress to play both the good and bad witch – Glinda and Elphaba. Dearman also starred in Evita, Cats and Guys and Dolls to name just a few. Richards has played lead roles in West End and touring musicals including Rock of Ages, Oliver!, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Guys and Dolls and Saturday Night Fever. TV includes roles in The Bill and Footballers’ Wives.
The show will feature songs from some of Judy’s hugely popular films such as A Star is Born, Meet Me in St. Louis, Easter Parade and The Wizard of Oz. The set of songs will include I Got Rhythm, The Trolley Song, The Man That Got Away, Get Happy, and the song synonymous with Judy Garland, Over the Rainbow.