'End Of The Rainbow' To Open At Ahmanson

 

Tracie Bennett Stars As Judy Garland In This Riveting New Play With Music

“End of the Rainbow” opens Wednesday, March 20 at 8 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre. Peter Quilter’s acclaimed new play with music continues through April 21, 2013.

Directed by Tony Award-winning Terry Johnson, the cast features Tony Award-nominated Tracie Bennett and Michael Cumpsty, as well as Erik Heger and Miles Anderson.  Set and costume design is by William Dudley, lighting design is by Christopher Akerlind, sound design is by Gareth Owen. The production stage manager is Mark Dobrow.

The setting of “End of the Rainbow” is December 1968, and Judy Garland is about to make her comeback . . . again. In a London hotel room preparing for a series of concerts, with both her new young fiancé and her adoring accompanist, Garland struggles to get “beyond the rainbow” with her signature cocktail of talent, tenacity and razor-sharp wit.  This savagely funny drama offers unique insight into the inner conflict that inspired and consumed one of the most beloved figures in American popular culture. “End of the Rainbow” features some of Garland’s most memorable songs, performed with the show-stopping gusto for which she will always be remembered.

Ben Brantley of The New York Times said “End of the Rainbow” is  “. . . one of the most complete portraits of an artist I’ve ever seen . . . Watching Tracie Bennett’s electrifying interpretation of Judy Garland, . . . you feel utterly alive . . . That’s what comes from witnessing acting that is this unconditionally committed, not to mention this sensational — in every sense of the word.” Charles McNulty of the Los Angeles Times wrote, “In a Broadway performance that will long be discussed, debated and remembered, Bennett conveys, with equal parts magic and heartbreak, the paradox of being both human and immortal.” Richard Zoglin of Time Magazine remarked, “As much as you will hear about Tracie Bennett’s extraordinary performance, she surpasses it. She is magnetic, wrenching, a jolt of electricity from beginning to end.”  

Tickets for “End of the Rainbow” are available by calling (213) 972-4400, visiting online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, or in person at the Center Theatre Group box office at the Ahmanson Theatre. Tickets range from $20 - $110 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Ahmanson Theatre is located at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012. Previews for “End of the Rainbow” were presented March 12 through 19.

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