"Love Finds Judy Garland"
vocalist Joan Ellison,
with pianist Jason Aquila and cellist Nora Willauer
Songstress Joan Ellison celebrates Judy Garland’s centennial with a trolley ride through her life, from her swing-singing days at MGM to her take-no- prisoners sold-out concerts around the globe. It's a highly personal love letter to the genius of Judy Garland and her path to true love, including The Trolley Song, Over the Rainbow, Just in Time, If Love Were All, The Boy Next Door, I Got Rhythm, By Myself, The Man That Got Away, The Palace Medley, and Get Happy.
Joan Ellison has been described by Cabaret Scenes Magazine as “Judy-esque in appearance and...a near voice double for her idol.” As the restorer of Garland’s original orchestral arrangements with Michael Feinstein for the Judy Garland Heirs Trust, she brings musical authenticity and a life-long love for Judy to the stage.
Quotes:
“...Vocal prowess...[and] organic grasp of the classic songs." — Michael Feinstein
“Ellison captivated her audience through her own vulnerability and passion with song and facon de parler. She doesn’t imitate Garland; instead, she honors her and...intimately portrays and shares a legacy of romance, love, loss, and longing. We were captured by her sumptuous musical badinage and expressed poignant tensions. Ellison is sensually dazzling, graceful, and glittering, from her signature red lipstick and costumes to the music.”
— Front Row Center
“Another highlight...is Joan Ellison’s wondrous performance of ‘Over the Rainbow.’ Her voice strong and clear,...Ellison gives a master class in interpretation. Painting a picture with her talent and emotion, Ellison’s irresistible performance inspires an electric reaction from the crowd.”
— New Jersey Stage