Highly Recommended ***** A few weeks ago, I was fortunate to have Angela Ingersoll on my radio show. We were talking about her Marriott concert ( last week) and the current show at the Venus Theater “Get Happy: Angela Ingersoll Sings Judy Garland”. Due to other commitments, I could not attend the Marriott concert, but vowed I would not miss seeing her in this new and very intimate space next to the Mercury Theater on Southport. I must say, watching this lady tell her story and how it mixes with her idol is much more powerful in a small venue like Venus. In this theater we are able to truly see her eyes and watch as at moments, tears flow from them. They are not all tears of sadness- some are of glee and happiness.
If you have never had an opportunity to see this woman bring Judy back to life ( even if only for two hours and fifteen minutes), you owe it to yourself to get on the phone or computer and buy tickets, TODAY! ( if not sooner).
Angela is built very much like Judy Garland and resembles her in many ways. While they have similarities in looks, and vocal range, it is the parallel life story that truly adds to the story. Angela speaks to us as a story-teller, but if you watch closely, from time to time, becomes the legendary icon to the gay community and the timing of this show is perfection. Celebrating 5 years of Pride and the 50th anniversary of Judy’s passing away.
The song list is one of many recognizable melodies ( many from Harold Arlen), such as “Dixie Melody” and “Come Rain or Come Shine”. You will also hear “The Boy Next Door”, “You Made Me Love You”, “I’ve Got Rhythm”, “Come on Get Happy”, “The Man Who Got Away”, ” Smile”, “Stormy Weather” and so many more.
When Angela takes us back to the Carnegie Hall Concert where her daughter Liza appeared with her, special guest Michelle Lauto joins her on stage as they do a special arrangement of “Hello Dolly” altered to be “Hello Liza”- they are terrific together and the duet of “Happy Days”/C’mon Get Happy” is dynamite. I have seen Ms Ingersoll do her shows before and being in this intimate space, while it limits the number of audience members, enhances her communication with the audience and truly is an experience that will touch you ( in many ways).
By the way, her trio of musicians, Chuck Larkin at the Piano, Jake Saleh on Bass and Eric Montzka on drums are terrific as well. In her concerts she has many more instruments, but for this room these three men got it done, to perfection!
“Get Happy” will continue at the Venus Cabaret Theater located at 3745 N. Southport in Chicago thru the 30th with performances:
Thursdays 7:30 p.m.
Fridays 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are $65 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 773-325-1700 or online at www.mercurytheaterchicago.com. Parking can be difficult in the area, in particular if the Cubs are in town and playing a night game, so the theater does offer valet services ( cash only, so be prepared). The Venus has a bar, so drinks are available during the entire show, but they do not have any edibles.
This is a short run that I urge you to see as I truly feel that in a space such as this, you will see Angela as Judy in a way you have never seen before. Many say, “once you see a show, why see it again”. I say to them, every time a performer is live, the show is new and this one proves it! Oh yes! She does do “Over The Rainbow” and her encore is “Swanee” the way it is meant to be done.
To follow this production and other from Artists Lounge Live, visit www.artistsloungelive.com
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