Show: Judy & Liza
Location: Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
Date: Friday June 4 2021
Times: 14.30 & 19.30
Running Time: 135 Minutes
Performers: Emma Dears & Helen Sheals
Production Companies: Bill Elms Productions & On Song Productions
Writer: Emma Dears
Musical Director: Francis Goodhand
This is our theatre review for Judy & Liza at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion. So, our team would attend the evening performance on Friday June 4 2021. And it was the first show at the Floral Pavilion for a long time due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Now, there would still be socially distancing rules for the seating capacity. And adhering to Covid-19 requirements, the venue would ensure that all attendees complete a Track & Test form beforehand. Fortunately, the audience would create an atmosphere akin to a “normal” show. And the performers themselves would respond accordingly by putting on a fantastic show. So, let’s take a look at Judy & Liza!
Judy & Liza
Synopsis
This is a dazzling and heart-warming stage show charting the careers and relationship between Hollywood mother and daughter Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. So, the musical would open with a black-and-white film in the background showing their 1964 performance at the London Palladium. And on-stage, we would see a trunk full of memories and memorabilia including costumes, photographs and props. As we learn, mother and daughter wouldn’t have easy lives, but they were thoroughly enjoyable lives nonetheless. And cue classic songs like Together Wherever We Go, I Was Born In A Trunk and Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
Analysis
This show is outstanding with very strong performances from both Judy (Helen Sheals) and Liza (Emma Dears). Indeed, both have wonderful singing voices, and Helen Sheals’ previous experience as Judy would specifically stand out. Additionally, the charisma between the mother and daughter was exceptional, owing to the talents of Sheals and Dears. All of the big musical numbers would provide real passion and strong emotion. Fittingly, the show would conclude to rapturous applause via a standing ovation.
I have to also mention the venue. Indeed, the Floral Pavilion is beautiful, with very pleasant and helpful staff. And they work very hard to make one’s experience safe and enjoyable. Furthermore, this is very reassuring as we slowly return to attending live shows regularly again. But of course, it also helps when the location itself is fabulous as the Floral Pavilion is.
Summary
Judy & Liza is a flawless portrayal of the careers and lives of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. And the show is in its tenth year and still going strong as it continues its current tour. So, this show has our highest recommendation for you to check it out in an area near you!
Overall Rating: 10/10 – Perfect
Judy & Liza Further Links
For more information about this show, click here.
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