Happy 100th Birthday Judy Garland! starring Debbie Wileman on Saturday, June 25 at Zankel Hall was a much-anticipated concert, which didn’t disappoint. Wileman, direct from London, performed her recreation of Judy joined by a live orchestra conducted by Ron Abel. The diva performed songs from Judy’s illustrious career as well as contemporary numbers she believes Garland would sing if she were here. The sold-out audience gave Wileman repeated standing ovations throughout the performance—a concert of nearly two hours. By all accounts, the buzz afterward was wildly enthusiastic, bespeaking a great success for Wileman.
Wileman is an actress and vocal impressionist who also performs Shirley Bassey, Marilyn Monroe, Barbra Streisand, Julie Andrews and Billie Holliday. Over the pandemic, she began singing “A Song A Day” and posting them on Facebook. With over one million views later, she followed in Massive Little Voice on tour, winning the audience award for Best Vocalist with the Broadway World Cabaret Awards. This summer Wileman tours the USA with her Garland show.
Enjoy this photo essay by Joseph Marzullo:
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