The Book That I'm Going to Write, By Judy Garland

Jason Powell gives a tour de force performance in this well-paced, well-directed one-man (woman) show. The emotional range he embodies—from wry humor and aching hope to bitterness and searing anger—make for a thrilling viewing experience. You don't have to be familiar with Garland's tapes or even know much about Garland's life to enjoy the show. While the show is often laugh-out-loud funny, it also brings to life the frustration and heartbreak of Garland's later years. Perhaps more than anything, it's a touching tribute to Garland's incredible resilience. By the end, you can't help but admire Garland and Powell alike.... full review

What a smart, novel way to handle a highly specialized solo show! Instead of diving into Imitation, always a compromise, drag or not, black-clad Jason Powell simply steps on-stage and recites the text of the tapes Judy Garland contributed to a foredoomed attempt at autobiography, adding a range of inflections that bring her back to life, successfully. Though Gifted, Judy was a vengeful, uneducated child as her life rapidly came undone, and the overall effect is pathetic---though part of the audience found it (unaccountably) hilarious. ... full review

This was a great idea: making an unknown recording of Judy Garland into a stage performance. The performance was very good. Clearly, this actor has had technical training and was able to hold an audience. ... full review

I was very disappointed in that Jason Powell chose to take on this iconic character without hiding the fact he is a man. It made the whole show seem a bit off to me, even though he certainly must have been representing Garland as her true self during the hardest years of her life. Just not what I expected, especially on her birthday.... full review