photos David Kruger
THE SHOW
Judy and Me is a musical tribute to Judy Garland's life (1922-1969), as seen through the eyes of two internationally acclaimed performers.
She's French, he's Dutch, she sings, he plays the piano, she dances, he acts, she acts, he sings …
Judy and Me is neither an imitation nor a perfect biography, but rather an insightful yet entertaining journey through the ups and downs of a fascinating life.
Through some of the most beautiful songs ever written they tell the story of "the world's greatest entertainer".
Over the Rainbow, Trolley Song, and Embraceable You … just a glimpse of Garland's massive repertoire.
Born Frances Gumm, she was literally pushed on stage at the age of three and dancing, singing and acting classes were soon her only routine.
Through passion, devotion and her incredible voice, “the girl next door" became Judy Garland, the idol of a new generation ... and the legend was born.
She had a life of fame and adoration, but also one of struggle, exploitation, drugs, and a lack of true love and understanding.
Judy and Me is Isabelle Georges’ tribute to the one who inspired her to become a performer.
PRESS
Even Over the Rainbow, tortured war horse that it is, gleams with new lustre
in this well-wrought tribute to Judy Garland. A show that is engrossing as well as being a musical delight - not just for Garland fans. Full of great songs that comment aptly on Garland's extraordinary life and career, highs and lows alike, with highlights including a luscious Embraceable You, a knockout By Myself
and Steenbrink's own poignant tribute La Voix de mes rêves.
Adelaide Advertiser
A biographical piece exploring the destructive nature of fame.
Innovative and thoughtful. Moments of love, childhood and alcoholic depression are elevated by their simplicity ... Isabelle Georges excels.
Fest
In a world of Garland impersonators, lsabelle Georges hasn't bothered; this show is ABOUT Judy, not BY Judy. Georges has her own charisma.
While not bothering to adopt Garland's distinctive voice or mannerisms, she still captures the ironic joy of Somewhere Over The Rainbow and the recurring nightmare of The Man That Got Away. A deft double act
Sunday Mail
A sensible structure and a series of insightful vignettes based around the songs. Steenbrink becomes a radio announcer, audition director, gossip columnist… Georges dons little girl wigs, a tramp's outfit and some terrific frocks.
Embraceable You, is taken as a duet and made deeply poetic.
The joy of The Boy Next Door is a delightful contrast.
The Stage
Judy and Me is the story of something between fascination and obsession, explored through elements of Garland 's life that demonstrate how much more there is to a career than talent. Through numbers by Gershwin, Kern, Berlin and Porter among others, one song is missing. When it arrives,
Somewhere over the Rainbow, becomes an elegy for whatever
that childhood zest promised but which never arrived.
Reviews Gate
Steenbrink's piano-playing is warm and his voice delicious, while Georges has the pipes to do Garland justice.
Time out
This is not one of those tribute shows with an impersonation at its core. This is expressionistic theatre rather than an impression rooted in pedantic chronology, sung from the heart as the emotions burst through.
My Funny Valentine and The Man That Got Away tear at the heart strings,
The Wizard of Oz sequence is a deliciously playful start to the second half,
and dressed in sequinned red at the finale,
Isabelle Georges turns Over the Rainbow into the saddest of laments.
York Evening Press
Isabelle Georges does not try to mimic Garland although there are moments such as The Man That Got Away when the strong, deep voice comes over which is delivered beautifully and with tear jerking poignancy. The final is terrific,
dressed in a glamorous red sequined dress for a true showstopper.
Edinburgh Guide
PERSONAL NOTE
I am ten years old:
Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse,
Gingers Rogers are my idols.
But one voice rises above all others:
Judy Garland.
My life’s ambition is born.
For years, I had performed
in many musicals.
Then one day I realized it was time
to create my own project.
But what was I to do?
That’s when a pianist friend
brought my attention back to
the voice of Judy Garland.
It was so obvious, I couldn't admit it.
Our team was assembled in no time.
Une étoile et moi was born…
MUSIC AND SONGS
Before becoming Judy and Me or Une étoile et moi (French title) By Myself was the show's working title during its creative process.
By Myself is a diamond in the rough written in 1937 for Between The Devil by Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz. Performed on Broadway that same year by Jack Buchanan, it was Fred Astaire who introduced the song on film in the 1953 musical The Band Wagon (MGM). It was then interpreted by Judy Garland in the 1963 musical I Could Go On Singing (United Artists). It became one of her calling cards and she performed it on many television shows, recordings and live performances.
At the time, musical comedy was basking in its golden years, reigning supreme at the box office and in the hearts of fans alike. Writers and composers created masterpieces which thrilled directors, actors, and audiences worldwide. Many of these tunes were covered by the greatest jazz musicians seduced by the harmonic and melodic content, and by the freedom of expression and interpretation they permitted.
Isabelle Georges searched through the vast repertoire for gems that were half-forgotten, picking up these few golden standards which provided this musical freedom.
Together, we crafted contemporary interpretations, as rich in style and nuance as possible. With her vocal and musical skills, Isabelle has made this show not only a theatrical moment but an exceptionally musical one.
