BWW Reviews: END OF THE RAINBOW at Uptown Players

Although it's been nearly five decades since the legendary Judy Garland died at age 47, her timeless performances on screen have infinitely preserved her youthful image. In fact, despite the tragic finale of Garland's young life, audiences born post-Vietnam might solely remember the actress skipping down the infamous yellow brick road in her blue gingham dress. Over at the Kalita Humphreys Theatre, not only are Dallas theatre enthusiasts treated to an interesting behind-the-scene's look of Garland's final years, but it should be noted that this career-changing performance by local legend Janelle Lutz (rhymes with boots) is the event of the season that truly should not be missed.

In Uptown Player's current production of END OF THE RAINBOW, the scene is set inside a London hotel suite as Garland prepares for her 1968 comeback concert (in hopes of reviving her career and replenishing her bank account). Alone with her young fiancé/manager Mickey Deans (Alex Ross) and her flamboyant pianist (Christopher Curtis), we watch as Garland's mental and physical health deteriorate as addiction seems to hold her hostage.

Even those who caught Lutz's brief appearance in last year's THE BOY FROM OZ are in for quite a treat; Lutz doesn't simply portray Judy Garland in END OF THE RAINBOW...she channels her. Lutz's unique ability to find humor and heartbreak simultaneously cannot be rivaled. In fact, there are few words to describe her skill in delivering a performance that Garland herself was not able to give without mind-altering substances.

Although Lutz's incredible musical performances and dramatics are easily worth the price of admission alone, the plot occasionally feels like a connect-the-dots of tabloid highlights, rarely offering engaging dialogue for the men on the stage. Director Cheryl Denson has expertly guided these four fine actors through an honest and seamless production, but the authors seemed to rely on Garland's antics to carry the weight of the show. Thanks to Clare Floyd Devries and Kevin Brown's incredible scenic work, scene transitions go off without a hitch, but rarely does a moment allow anyone other than Judy to progress the narrative.

Despite any structural issues the show may have, END OF THE RAINBOW delivers an exceptional performance by Lutz in the exciting, untold story of this venerated yet vulnerable icon.

For tickets and more information on END OF THE RAINBOW, visit www.UptownPlayers.org. The show runs through April 17th at the Kalita Humphreys Theare.

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