As some of you might know, my love for Judy Garland extends to the edges of the Earth and probably past that. It’s also one of the things that my Dad and I have in common. When I was in middle school, my dad introduced me to all the classic Judy Garland films such as A Star is Born, Summer Stock and Meet Me in St. Louis. They’re films that, if you haven’t seen, you need to put on your list. The music is always great and Judy Garland keeps you entertained the whole time. However, if there is one movie of her’s that everyone knows, it’s The Wizard of Oz. FYI, if you don’t like that movie, we can part ways now. I couldn’t even pretend to understand someone who doesn’t like that movie.
Anyways, a couple of years ago, my dad surprised me and the family with tickets to go and see a play about Judy Garland’s life leading up to getting her breakout (and first) role in Oz, called Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz. It was honestly the best play I’ve ever seen. It was perfectly cast and the lead actor, Ruby Rakos, was nothing short of amazing. The show itself follows Judy on her way to "making it" in Hollywood, from her Vaudville days to eventually her contract with MGM which would cast her as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. In addition to the interesting storyline, the show had her interacting with an array of characters that made me smile from ear to ear. I mean, when you have a show that involves not only Judy Garland but Mickey Rooney, Shirley Temple, Lana Turner, and more, how can this not be an automatic hit!?
Unfortunately, this play has not made it to Broadway yet. I’ve been hoping for years to get my hands on the soundtrack. I’m no expert when it comes to plays or what gets them from a small theatre to a stage on the Big White Way, but I would think that a play like this would eventually get there. From what I saw, it received great reviews and was sold out every night. Even if the story itself wasn’t appealing to some people, I feel like the music would grab everyone's attention. Maybe I should start a petition to get it to Broadway? Do you think Broadway works like that? HAHA It’s just soooooo good, I can’t help myself!!
Have any of you heard of this play? Is there a play you would love to see on Broadway? Let me know!!
*I do not own these photos. For more information about the show, please click the links below.
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