Somewhere Over The "Valley"

BURBANK, CA -  Judy Garland fans, look out!  She's back.  At least you might think so by the end of the evening.  Playing at The Victory Theater in Burbank, Judy's Scary Little Christmas: A Holiday Special, is one of the most hysterically clever shows to  premiere in recent years.  Imagine some of the biggest stars of Hollywood's yesteryear gathering together, all having something they have been "dying" to say for a long time.  Indeed, they get their chance to have one last cheesy  holiday TV special.  Leading the pack is Judy Garland, played brilliantly by Connie Champagne, who has an odd array of guests (friend and foe)  co-starring in this TV "come back" special.  Connie was so convincing I began to forget that it was not Judy herself.

"Let's Share a Cup of Irish Cheer," was a delightful duet sung with her first guest Bing Crosby, played by Sean Smith.  Smith's characterization of Crosby was impeccable and totally consistent throughout the show.   Don Lucas' facial expressions during his Liberace performance were worth the price of admission.  Just as spectacular was the rambunctious Ethel Merman (Lauri Johnson) filling the theater with her "Gypsy-size" voice.  Having no clue why anyone would think ill of her, legendary Joan Crawford, played remarkably by Joanne O'brien was a vision in shoulder pads.  Pairing up Lillian Hellman and Richard Nixon (played by Jan Sheldrick and Eric Anderson) for a duet was as brilliant as the song they sang, "Ever Been In Love." 

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