Paper Mill’s highly anticipated 2019-2020 season kicks off in a big way with the brand new production “Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz”. This show gives us a taste of Judy Garland’s life when she was vaudeville performer little Frances Gumm and the show is full of revelations of her early life and family as well as the early daze of Hollywood. Yup, that’s the word I meant to use–Hollywood was the extreme edge of the wild, wild West back in the early part of the last century when “talkies” were becoming a thing. And a young woman poised on the edge of her destiny both personally and professionally took the world by storm.
We meet the Gumm family in Minnesota where Francis, Judy’s father, is running a movie theater, where his wife plays keys, during the show, while the Gumm Sisters perform. Two parents in show biz and three talented daughters mean California is the place they all need to be, so Francis packs up the family to head out. When a strapping young neighbor appears to wish the family well, you may get a frisson of Something. Marc Acito’s book and the music adapted and additional music by David Libby, from Tina Marie Casamento’s concept, has what it takes to thrill. She’s added some lyrics as well, to make the ties that bind, among the catalogue of early hits that you may remember yourself or from your grandparents singing them to you. Either way, devotees of early Hollywood will love this show and what a great way to introduce those who only know current films and where Oscar Winner “La La Land” originated.
Alexander Dodge’s scenery has the flavor of Oz and Linda Cho’s costumes remind us there were ways to glorify the human form that did not involve revealing most of it. Director Denis Jones and his entire tea are magnificent, and wait until you see the dance numbers that he’s choreographed for you! The scene in the schoolroom alone is worth the price of admission. Those who recognize the “before” names of the students have a little Easter egg hunt to enjoy. For others, the reveal will come and light bulbs will go on over the heads of those audience members. Pure delight!
Ruby Rakos as Judy is making her Paper Mill debut and she is spot on perfection. Her face is reminiscent of Judy, and her mien and voice are gloriously so. Max Von Essen, as her father Francis, is the ideal dad, if not the ideal husband, yet he and Lesli Margherita, as his Ethel, are clearly a team, from the days when “til Death do you part” actually meant that. The Gumm Sisters as adults, Virginia (Tessa Grady) and Mary Jane (Samantha Joy Pearlman), are such fun to watch and Karen Mason as Kay Koverman is a superb way to see how women prevailed back in the day, when she manipulates Louis B. Mayer (Stephen DaRosa) like he’s a spaghetti noodle. You’ll be humming all of your favorite songs as you walk on a cloud, at the end.
It’s never too early to give someone an experience that lasts a lifetime. The song, the dance and c’mon it’s JUDY! Visit www.papermill.org while the best seat selection is still available! “Chasing Rainbow: The Road to Oz” runs through October 27 in Millburn, New Jersey.