Judy Garland in Concert will make its world premiere at Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops June 28 and 29. Running Subway Productions has created the concert event that utilizes film footage of some of Garland's greatest moments, sprinkled with personal photos and home movies of the star.
Chris Giordano directs and produces the concert that also incorporates songs and patter from Garland's 1963 CBS variety show to create what is described as "an evening with Judy Garland."
A full symphony orchestra – in this case the Boston Pops – accompanies musical footage of the late entertainer in an evening that highlights Garland's career from Vaudeville to film and her concert stage triumphs.
The orchestra will perform the original Garland charts to such hits as "After You've Gone," "By Myself," "Chicago," "Come Rain or Come Shine," "A Cottage for Sale," "Just in Time," "If Love Were All," "The Trolley Song," "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart," "Ol' Man River," Rockabye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody," "Judy at the Palace Medley," "Swanee" and her signature song, "Over the Rainbow."
Additional musical arrangements have been supervised by Doug Katsaros for the production that will allow symphony orchestras across the globe to virtually perform with the award-winning celebrity. Garland's son, Joe Luft said in a statement, "I'll never forget watching my mom perform. The passion she brought to the stage and the way she could captivate an audience. I believe Judy Garland in Concert captures that experience."
Press representatives for Running Subway said that Judy Garland in Concert is currently eyeing domestic and international symphony orchestra engagements. However, no dates have been announced beyond the Boston world premiere.
Running Subway has also delivered another multimedia concert – Sinatra – to London audiences.
Christine Pedi (Forbidden Broadway, Talk Radio), known for her uncanny impressions of the great leading ladies, serves as the voice-over specialist for the production.
Tickets, ranging $19-$87, are available by phoning (888) 266-1200 or by visiting www.judygarlandinconcert.com.
Symphony Hall is located at 301 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston, MA.
