- Academy of Music -

At the Academy
Judy Garland Is Captivating In Own Show
By Samuel L. Singer, The Philadelphia Inquirer

The Billboard outside the Academy of Music modestly had proclaimed Judy "The World's Greatest Entertainer." While one may take issue with that statement, it is indisputable that Judy Garland held a capacity audience in the palm of her hand all during "An Evening with Judy" at the Academy Saturday. 

The one-woman performance -- backed by Conductor Mort Lindsey and a 28 piece orchestra -- of song favorites from over the years, plus some chatter and a bit of dancing -- was Judy's first visit to this city since a stay at the late lamented Mastbaum Theater in September 1957. Saturday's show was a benefit for the Polio League of Philadelphia.

It was a case of the queen can do no wrong. The program -- Act I, "Judy"; Act II, "More Judy" -- was a cavalcade of the star's song hits from her movies, and some other songs associated with her. Sheer personality, plus that distinctive voice with it's patented quaver, brought solid applause, cheers and bravos! (gentlemen, for a lady the word is "brava") after every number. Callas and Tebaldi would be envious.

Judy came out in a short black dress topped by a bright blue jacket. For the second half of the program she wore toreador pants and a shining silver, spangled blouse. Occasionally she broke into dance during a number, and the audience loved it.

More than a dozen hits led up to "Stormy Weather," "For Me and My Gal" and "The Trolley Song," but everybody knew the evening would not be over until "Over the Rainbow" came along.

The audience just stood and applauded, and wouldn't go 'way even after Judy shook hands with practically everybody in the first row of the orchestra pit. So, after half a dozen more bows, Judy said, "We'll do them all; stick around. I'll name what we
have; if you don't like those, we'll repeat some of the others."

She named "Chicago" and "After You've Gone," the audience liked them, and probably would be there right into Daylight Saving Time except they finally lowered the curtain.

Two Judy Garlands, the singer and the legend, fought it out before a cheering, adoring audience Saturday night at the Academy of Music. The legend won. 

The faithful would have it no other way. Even before Miss Garland came on the stage the packed house was expressing it's enthusiasm. There was applause for the musicians as they tuned up behind the curtain, applause for the lowering of the lights and applause for the introductory strains of "Over the Rainbow."

Finally, there was Judy herself, walking briskly onto the stage, bowing and nodding accepting the "bravos" hurled by some already on their feet. Grabbing the microphone, she burst into a brisk version of "When You're Smiling," and for some moments the auditorium was still.

But the punctuation of the evening continued, applause at the beginning and at the ending of each song: waves of it, roaring up to the stage carrying shouts and screams like golden offerings bobbing on the incoming tide.

Looking healthier and fitter than she has in some time, Miss Garland responded with a warm, energetic performance. She ran through the familiar, beloved songs, "Stormy Weather," "The Man Who Got Away" and a rousing "Come Rain or Shine." She cake-walked her way through "San Francisco" and ordered the house to silence with "You Go to My Head."

It was an impressive performance by a great professional, even though she had to fight her way up through the gaudy, brassy arrangements of a twenty-eight piece orchestra. But what is that to a singer who can moan with the saxophone, sound as triumphant as the trombone and as sweetly as the violin?

Her rhythm is unerring she gives herself completely to every song.

Between songs, she sipped at a glass of water, chatted candidly with the audience. Sometimes she danced around the stage, carrying the microphone, other times she stood still and let the voice, husky and heartbroken or poignant and appealing, carry the emotion.

And for the finale, what else but "The Trolley Song," Zing Went The Strings," "Rock-a-By My Baby," and "Over the Rainbow."

She left the audience, finally, in a state of ecstasy. They were still cheering and calling when the lights went up again.

It's been a long time since the old Academy has seen anything like it.