The Commercial Appeal - Go Memphis
Theater boss indulges passion for Judy
Debbie Litch has always had a particular passion for Judy Garland. Now Theatre Memphis’ executive producer is taking to the stage for a tribute to the superstar singer and actress who captivated the world.
Litch’s cabaret act is a labor of love not only for her but also for André Bruce Ward, Theatre Memphis’ resident costume designer. “He knows every intimate detail of her life and career,” Litch says, “so he was a natural to help with the conception and direction of this original tribute. Besides that, he can always make sure the costumes are appropriate.”
Says Ward: “We wanted to showcase Debbie doing Judy Garland and to give a good overview of Judy’s life and her incredible career and accomplishments.”
The first act covers Garland’s stint with MGM from 1936 to 1963. The second act focuses on her concert career and later films and TV show.
“The hard part was choosing the songs because she sang everything,” Ward says.
The project came about when Litch played the Garland role in last season’s “The Boy from Oz,” a musical about singer/ songwriter Peter Allen. Garland gave Allen his big break, and he ended up marrying (and divorcing) Garland’s daughter, Liza Minelli.
“André said I needed to explore this more and do Judy’s songs,” Litch says. “I decided it would be a nice way to say a special thank-you to our great donors in December.”
The performance was wellreceived, and the idea emerged Theatre Memphis executive producer Debbie Litch sings a Judy Garland tribute Friday through July 31.
to stage it for a run in the summer when TM was between seasons.
Says Litch: “I was 13 when I was first introduced to Judy, and I had a wonderful mentor/ teacher who knew everything there was to know about her. So I received a wonderful introduction to her.”
They watched the films and listened to the albums, and Litch quickly realized how special this singer was. “As I matured, I continued to want to learn more of her music and about her and her performances.”
In the show, Litch tells stories of how her interest grew, but
mainly she gives an overview of Garland in her MGM years.
“Many of her songs were nominated for Grammy awards,” Litch says, citing tunes from “Easter Parade,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “Summer Stock,” “Get Happy,” “You Made Me Love You” and “For Me and My Gal.”
“We’re in a cabaret setting in Theatre Memphis’ Next Stage, which gives us an intimacy that I love so much,” she says.
The setting includes music director Gary Beard on piano along with bass and drums.
“We’ll have photographs from some of the shows from the early years in Act 1,” Litch says, “and in Act 2, maybe some surprises.” “Debbie Sings: Judy, Just for You”: Music-filled show takes you through Judy Garland’s early movie years to her Carnegie Hall performance. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through July 31 at Theatre Memphis, 630 Perkins Ext. $30 ($15 students). 901682-8323. theatrememphis.org “Moon Vine”: A Southern Gothic tale comes to life as family members on a Delta farm try to cope with the past, present and uncertain future. 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, through July 31. POTS@ Theworks, 2085 Monroe. $35 Fridays-saturdays, $30 Sundays and Thursdays, $22 senior citizens, students and military with ID, $10 children under 18. 901-726-4656. playhouseonthesquare.org
“It’s unique for me to do something like this because I love to showcase the wonderful talent at Theatre Memphis,” Litch says. “But this subject matter and personality has always meant so much to me, shaping and influencing my passion for performance.”
“Debbie Sings: Judy, Just for You” plays July 15-31 at Theatre Memphis in the Next Stage, 630 Perkins Ext. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $30; $15 students. Info: theatrememphis.org and 901-682-8323.
Women in theater
This year’s Women’s Theatre Festival of Memphis is underway, bringing an array of performances, workshops, panel discussions and awards.
Playwright Ruby O’gray had the idea for a celebration to honor women in local theater and first presented the festival in 2012. Its aim is to recognize the contributions of women to theater and encourage opportunities for them in the performing arts.
This year, there are 34 performances, six workshops and daily solo performances featuring artists from around the country. It’s being held at the Hattiloo Theatre on the main stage, in the black box and in the lobby.
A high point of the festival, which began Sunday and runs through Saturday, is the Gyneka Awards ceremony that honors distinguished theater women. The event, scheduled for Thursday, honors singer Joyce Cobb, actor/director Irene Crist and actor/producer Tonea Stewart.
Among the performances: “The Great Cable Cooking Show Contest” by O’gray, “Postcards From Memphis” by Natalie Parker-lawrence, “The Way My Mama Loves Me” by Emily Claudette Freeman, “The Mating Season of Flying Monkeys” by Ann Wuehler, “Marriage To An Older Woman” by John Fritz and “In Search of Tonto Goldstein” by Linda Hopper & Joy Jones.
Panels include “So You Want To Be A Playwright, Huh?” with Parker-lawrence, “Do You Really Want To Do Indie Theatre?” and “Careers In Theatre Panel.”
For a listing of events, go to womenstheatrefestivalofmemphis.org. Hattiloo is at 37 Cooper St.
Grit, Grind AND opera
Ned Canty, general director of Opera Memphis, has been elected to the board of directors of the service organization Opera America, which advocates for American opera and develops professional development activities, research and advocacy, educational offerings and grant initiatives.
In a prepared statement, Canty said, “I’m looking forward to bringing some Memphis gritand-grind to the Opera America board and to having a front-row seat to what’s next in American Opera.”