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MOST POPULAR LINKS... FRONT PAGE... MONTHLY DRINKS NIGHT
Judy And Me
Verdict: Stunning singing
Edinburgh 05 - Sweet Ego
- 18:00 (1:15)
Judy And Me showcases the astonishing singing of diva Isabelle Georges.
Judy Garland was born Frances Gumm, and died aged 47 in 1969. The show sketches her life. Isabelle Georges plays Judy Garland at her various ages. She is accompanied on piano by Frédérik Steenbrink, who also narrates, and plays characters including some of Judy Garland's 5 husbands.
Songs are taken from Judy Garland's work and include Be A Clown, The Trolley Song, You Made Me Love You, For Me And My Gal, The Boy Next Door, Embraceable You, By Myself, That's Entertainement, Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart, I Could Go On Singing, It's A New World, The Man That Got Away, Swanee. And, of course, Over The Rainbow.
Isabelle Georges's voice is soft and rich as honey, and pitch perfect, but she is able to coarsen and harden it where needed to approach Judy Garland's. The version of Over The Rainbow is as Judy Garland may have sung it at the end of her life, her voice rough and harsh. It's a version that brings out the bitter disappointment inherent in the lyrics - rather than the optimism the child star infused it with in The Wizard of Oz.
The songs are used to signify parts of Judy Garland's life, and, coupled with narration, tell the story. There's a range of gorgeous costumes. Especially effective is a lime pastel dress, belted, buttoned, slashed at the front to the waist - fabulous for the dance routines. There's a shimmering and glamourous red skin-tight gown towards the end of the show.
Isabelle Georges appears briefly as herself, explaining that Judy Garland was her inspiration to perform. She sings La voix de mes rêves as herself. The venue for this run of the show is a real night club, which adds to the feeling of authenticity.
Audiences may divide on those who consider Judy Garland an actress and singer of outstanding and lasting merit; and those who think of her as a dead hag. But the latter may be intrigued Isabelle Georges's portrayal. As a young woman, she is able to give Judy Garland what time has removed - her youth. Here is a pretty, laughing, smiling Judy Garland - in contrast to the images of decay and premature ageing of her later years.
There are technical problems tonight. The piano is far too loud for the voice, often drowning it out. The soft tone of Isabelle Georges's voice calls for a piano at low volume, and soft in tone. The piano tonight is almost metallic in its harshness. As well as spoiling the vocals, the volume and tone of the piano spoil the effect of Frédérik Steenbrink's virtuoso piano-playing and his fabulously-devised arrangements. According to the show, these problems - typical technical problems at the start of a run - have now been overcome.
One for Judy Garland fans. And for those who may not like Judy Garland, but may enjoy hearing - in Isabelle Georges - one of the most exciting contemporary French singers of her generation.
Cast Credits: Judy Garland - Isabelle Georges. Pianist - Frédérik Steenbrink
Company Credits: Written by Isabelle Georges, Frédérik Steenbrink, Stéphane Foenkinos, Michael Stromme. Technical Operator - Paul Froy. Director - Frédérik Steenbrink & Isabelle Georges. Costume Designer - Michel Dussarrat. Choreographer - Victor Cuno & Isabelle Georges. Tour Manager - Compagnie Comme Si. Company - Comme Si. Producer - Comme Si & Pauline Campiche. Judy & Me was first performed 2002 as Une étoile et moi - at the Kiron Espace Theatre, Paris. Previous English title of show - By Myself. Record: Recording made August 2002; released on Comotion /Next Music. Record Producer - Eric Dufaure (Beluga Productions).
END
John Park
reviewed Tuesday 9 August 05 / Sweet Ego
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2010
