The Judy Monologues plays Stratford, Ontario

The Hamilton Spectator's theatre critic says...

"What playwright Darren Stewart-Jones and actress Elley-Ray Hennessy have captured brilliantly in The Judy Monologues is the essence of a great star confronting her past."

AND

"Hennessy gives a stunning performance that insinuates itself into the heart and soul of the woman who was Dorothy. Elley-Ray is Garland reborn."

The Judy Monologues, a multimedia docudrama, is based on rare autobiographical voice recordings made by Judy Garland in the years leading up to her untimely death at age 47 in 1969. Find out what really happened to Dorothy when she crossed over that rainbow.

Following its successful run at Hamilton Fringe 2013, The Judy Monologues (starring Elley-Ray) is heading to the 2015 SpringWorks Festival in Stratford, Ontario.

Our performance dates are as follows:

Saturday, May 9 at 8pm - Revel Caffe

Thursday, May 14 at 10pm - Factory 163

Friday, May 15 at 6pm - Factory 163

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door or online at springworksfestival.ca

 

Elley-Ray Hennessy as Garland.

Click below to read our review in Hamilton's VIEW Magazine...

 

The Judy Monologues at Hamilton Fringe 2013

A revamped version of The Judy Monologues is set to hit the Hamilton Fringe Festival in July. Find out what really happened to Dorothy when she crossed over the rainbow.

This multimedia docudrama is based on rare autobiographical voice tapes recorded by Judy Garland in the years leading up to her fatal overdose. Follow Garland on her own path down the yellow brick road as she deals with the media spotlight, her personal troubles and the price of fame. The Judy Monologues also features vintage MGM film footage of Garland from her Hollywood heyday.

Conceived and directed by Darren Stewart-Jones, this new version of The Judy Monologues is appearing at Hamilton Fringe as part of the Gallery mini-Series and features award-winning actress Elley-Ray Hennessy in the role of Judy Garland.

Where:  Factory Media Centre, 228 James St. North, Hamilton, Ontario.

When:   FRI July 19 -  730pm and 930pm

             SAT July 20 -  430pm, 730pm and 930pm

             SUN July 21 -  330pm, 530pm and 830pm

Tickets are just $8 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at hamiltonfringe.ca (A one-time $4 Fringe Backer Button is required.)

 

Elley-Ray Hennessy will star as Judy Garland.

A History of The Judy Monologues

The Judy Monologues is a one-act play based entirely upon rare voice tapes recorded by Judy Garland in the years leading up to the gay icon's death in 1969 at age 47 from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.

Conceived and directed by Darren Stewart-Jones, the production features vintage film clips of Garland from her Hollywood heyday. The Judy Monologues premiered at Buddies In Bad Times Theatre in Toronto, Ontario in September of 2010 and subsequently played The Pearl Company in Hamilton, Ontario. Performed by three male actors as a tribute to Garland's influence on the gay community, the original cast included Philip Cairns, Ryan Fisher and Darren Stewart-Jones. Nigel Gough (1982–2010) was the understudy.

An abridged version of the play was performed in London, Ontario as part of the London One Act Festival in April, 2011. Philip Cairns won Best Actor at the festival's awards ceremony. The play also received two additional awards - special mentions for the concept and the audio/visual content.

The Judy Monologues enjoyed a successful run at the 2012 Toronto Fringe Festival with newest cast member Michael Hughes, whose own show, Mickey & Judy, was awarded Best of Toronto Fringe 2011.

Elley-Ray Hennessy performed the role of Garland to rave reviews in a re-vamped, one woman version of the show at the 2013 Hamilton Fringe Festival.

The script for The Judy Monologues is available online as an eBook.

Our review in Toronto's NOW Magazine...