Theatre review End of the Rainbow at ICT

Vicki Paris Goodman
Culture Writer

End of the Rainbow attempts to chronicle the last few weeks in the tragic life of superstar Judy Garland. The much loved actress and singer died of a drug overdose at the age of 47 after a lifetime of substance abuse, purportedly engendered from a very early age by those managing her career, and with the full approval of her domineering mother.
As always, International City Theatre’s production values are tops, from the excellent cast that populates this production to designer Aaron Jackson’s striking set representing Garland’s first-class hotel suite in London.
I have no doubt that playwright Peter Quilter got the details right. But the action, which should have been heartbreaking start to finish, left me cold. That is, until Garland’s meltdown on stage early in the second act finally earned my modest sympathies. But it wasn’t enough. Not nearly.
The talented Gigi Birmingham obviously worked hard to master Garland’s unusual and characteristic performance style, hand and arm gestures, and even some of her facial expressions. But the “it” factor missing from her performance was lovability, a sweetness that Garland always projected, at least when performing. You can’t move an audience when they are witnessing the downfall of a shrew.
Director John Henry Davis should have softened Birmingham’s depiction, rather than encouraging or accepting its stridency. He also took her hand and arm movements way over the top. At best, you can say Birmingham’s gesturing was merely reminiscent of Garland, who could admittedly be a little annoying on stage to the sensibilities of some. But this portrayal went way too far and proved annoying and distracting.
One of the three supporting cast members saved the production from being completely void of emotional inspiration. Garland’s piano accompanist Anthony, played by the handsome and thoroughly engaging Brent Schindele, is a character almost too good to miss. He is charismatic, kind, loving and modest— the only thing about this play that made me glad to be there. Schindele’s acting is exceeded only by his prowess at the piano.
Michael Rubenstone plays Garland’s fifth and final husband Mickey Deans. Rubenstone seems to do a fine job in his role as Garland’s fiance, manager and general support system. Initially, he works hard to keep her away from the pills and the booze, but finally succumbs to her need for them in order for the show to go on. Thus his monetary motives become transparent, and Anthony calls him on it more than once. Suffice it to say, the two men are not each other’s biggest fans.
Even so, Rubenstone’s Mickey isn’t convincing as someone who’s interested only in the money. Through most of the play, it is at best ambiguous as to whether or not he truly cares for Garland. This is yet another miss on the part of director Davis.
Wallace Angus Bruce capably handles a number of minor roles.
A three-piece combo of musicians provides live music at the rear of the stage. The trio becomes more visible for Garland’s public performances, a clever device that imbues the stage with the ambience of a performance hall such as the London Palladium.
Unfortunately, End of the Rainbow’s tone-deaf direction results in a production well acted but insensitive to the nuanced persona of the beloved star to whom it aims to pay tribute. A shame.
End of the Rainbow continues at International City Theatre through March 15. Tickets are $48 for Saturday evening and Sunday matinee performances; $46 for Thursday and Friday evening performances. Evening performances are at 8pm; Sunday matinees are at 2pm. ICT is located in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center at 300 East Ocean Blvd. Call (562) 436-4610 for reservations and information. Tickets are also available online at InternationalCityTheatre.org .