BWW Reviews: JUDY SINGS JUDY at Meydenbauer Center

Judy Ann Moulton presented her one woman celebration of all things Garland last night with "Judy Sings Judy" at Bellevue's Meydenbauer Center.  And let me tell you, Judy Garland would have been thrilled with the tribute Moulton gave her and considering Moulton's incredible belt, Garland could probably hear her from heaven.  But then, we were all in heaven last night watching the show.

Moulton's tribute stems from her love of Garland which began with her Mother's love of Garland.  In fact, as Moulton describes in the show, that's how she came to be named Judy, after her Mother's favorite singer.  She describes how she and her Mother used to sit and watch "The Judy Garland Show" together each week and that's what sent Moulton on to dig further into the history of this iconic lady.  So was this an imitation of Garland?  No, this was pure Judy Ann Moulton and her renditions of songs made famous by Garland.  But this was definitely a tribute as Moulton went into a brief history of Garland's life from her early years in vaudeville to her time in "Oz" through to her death in 1969.  And yes, that one song is in the show.  How could you do a tribute to Garland without it?  But so are many others that you may have forgotten or never even knew.

And Moulton belted them all into the rafters with ease.  If you've never seen Judy Ann Moulton in shows around town, well, where have you been?  She's been a wonderful staple to the Northwest musical theater scene for years now having worked all over.  From Village to the 5^th Avenue to Bellevue Civic to Coeur d'Alene Moulton has thrilled audiences all over.  She even recently took "Judy Sings Judy" to Winchester, England.  And she manages to take Garland's songs and embrace them as if they were precious gems and communicates them to her audience with zeal and aplomb.  Her belt is stunning and what she's known for but she also takes those quieter, softer moments and sends them with transcendent bliss.  All night long I found myself thinking, "OK, this is my favorite number of the night" until then next one would come along and I'd have to rethink my choice.  It was a truly magical night with a superb performer doing classic songs.  And let's not forget her 12 piece orchestra who were backing her up.  Gifted musicians who were right there with the Mellifluous Moulton.

Really what more can you ask for?  Moulton takes her audience over the rainbow and back again and you couldn't ask for a better ride.  So click you ruby heels together three times and repeat after me.  "There's no one like Judy Ann.  There's no one like Judy Ann." 

"Judy Sings Judy" plays at Bellevue's Meydenbauer Center through September 19^th.  For tickets or information visit the show's website at www.judysingsjudy.com.

Photo Credit: Dorothy Pierce

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