Peter Mac is Judy Garland
Those who wish they could’ve seen Judy Garland perform live, should drop in for a drink and witness Peter Mac’s startling fine substitute. In an almost eerie transformation, Mac doesn’t just play Judy—he is Judy, right down to her husky laugh, droll self-depreciating wit and swagger.
Appearing like Judy may take a lot of spirit gum, false eyelashes and a strange combination of demureness and vulnerability, but to sound like Judy…now that’s borderline blasphemous.
And, yet, Peter Mac does sound so close a facsimile that occasionally it causes the hairs to rise up on the back of your neck. Close your eyes and you can easily imagine you’re at the Palace Theatre in this cabaret-styled medley, “Judy Takes Broadway.”
While there is only one incomparable Ms. Garland, Mac does for Judy what a legion of lesser-talented Elvis impersonators have done for the King. But unlike the cheesy mimicry of these kinds of impersonators, Mac’s exacting performance superbly triumphs in his serious devotion, paying tribute to the iconic star without resorting to phony caricature.
The moment the spotlight hits Mac as Garland, fans know they are in for a special treat. Physically, Mac may be just a touch closer to Liza Minnelli at first glance, (but then what man in drag isn’t?) but as soon as he opens his mouth and begins to sing, it’s Judy’s spirit and spunk that comes belting out in perfect pitch and nuanced subtleties.
Accompanied by pianist Brian Miller and percussionist, Kevin Wymar, Mac attacks show tunes that make ordinary chorus girls tremble. Mac adds a deep, somber quality to “Once in a Lifetime” while still maintaining Garland’s resounding vibrato and shows amazing control and consistency in crowd-pleasing tunes “Almost Like Being in Love” and “C’mon Get Happy.”
What is most striking is Mac’s perfect pronunciation and diction, particularly whenever he ad-libs with the audience or pokes fun at (her)self for losing the Academy Award for A Star is Born to Grace Kelly in Country Girl. Mac also teases with little asides about some of ex-husbands, notably Sid Luft, and her on-again off-again relationship with Broadway. Like the real Judy, nothing is too personal or off-limits and the effect is sensational.
Between a couple of changes, Mac has a couple of guest performers that will go unnamed for the simple fact that I have nothing nice to say, except that they left me wanting for more Judy. This may be a case of hit or miss depending on the kind of talent Mac can find to cameo, but to use sophomoric talent only brings the otherwise zippy momentum to a near death-crawl.
Closing the show, Mac includes small but pivotal scenes from “Gypsy” and “Mame” followed with a dramatic “Rose’s Turn” and the poignant “If He Walked Into My Life” – both done as if on a large stage instead of the tiny playing area at Tom Rolla’s Gardenia. Mac has a magical way of transporting one out from the modest dining room and bar because it is evident he believes it.
No tribute to Judy Garland would be complete without finishing on “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Haunting and honeyed, Mac infuses the ballad with Garland’s unique inflections and timidity. It is a terrific finale and no small feat to conjure the depths of Garland’s soul in song.
The true measure of success for a show like this is to watch Peter Mac making introductions to audience members after the show, still in full Garland regalia. Guests tripped over themselves as they kept thanking Ms. Judy then Peter, only to revert back to calling him Judy again. Standing there, seeing Peter Mac underneath that coifed dark hair with red lips smiling and batting eyelashes, I feel as though I met Judy Garland that night. And it was divine.
Peter Mac is Judy Garland
For upcoming shows and other engagements please visit: www.FriendOfJudy.com