Uptown Players ring in holidays with Judy

By Shari Goldstein Stern

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Janelle Lutz (in red) channels Judy Garland in “A Very Judy Christmas” at Uptown Players through December 16.

“A Very Judy Christmas” at Uptown Players (UP) opens on a set of Judy Garland’s “holiday home,” mimicking her 1963 TV Christmas special. Powerhouse Janelle Lutz as Judy does an immediate rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” that warms the audience like a cozy fireplace. 

The role of Judy isn’t new to Lutz. In 2014, she knocked audiences off their feet with her delivery of Judy in UP’s “The Boy from Oz.” After that, she was an obvious choice for UP’s “End of the Rainbow,” in 2016. She has also appeared as Liza in UP’s “Broadway our Way” and in a sold-out concert at Casa Manana. 

The busy actor has also appeared at WaterTower Theatre, Lyric Stage, Dallas Children’s Theatre and The Firehouse Theatre in roles including Carole Lombard in “The Cuban and the Redhead,” Woman #2 in “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” a classic at Theatre Too, and as Nellie Forbush in “South Pacific.”

Lutz’s grasp of Judy’s posture with shoulders back and chest forward, her recognizable gait, her arm gestures, like wrapping them around herself, are spot on.

B.J. Cleveland, whose name resonates among Dallas theatergoers, is the director, writer and a cast member in this show. Cleveland explained: “The Uptown Boys [producers Jeff Rane and Craig Lynch] announced the show with Lutz, then asked me to be in it, then slyly asked if I’d stage it, then they must’ve drugged me because I agreed to write it and put it together. The Janelle/Judy pairing is an easy and seductive muse!”

As Ethel Merman, Cleveland belts out his take on “There’s No Business Like Show Business” that would make Ethel proud. When Cleveland dons a Christmas-y lei and sings “Mele Kalikimaka,” he brings down the house.

And finally, the moment many fans eagerly awaited, the grand entrance of some major eyelashes, followed by Cleveland’s familiar Liza Minelli, who brought the usual loud reception for an anticipated over-the-top performance. In his shiny black pants, black top and signature red, sequined jacket, Cleveland strutted Liza’s stuff while he nailed her vocals.

“Janelle, innately, has that ‘it’ factor. Her talents belie her years. [She is] still in her ’20s but with the stage maturity of a well-seasoned actress,” Cleveland said. “She has the mannerisms, quirks and vocalizations of Judy down to a science. It’s spooky and fascinating.”

“But Janelle Lutz the actress is so much more than her Judy portrayals. She has a skill and sense of timing that can’t be taught,” added Cleveland. 

“And she is one of the nicest, non-ego driven talents with whom you could ever hope to work. I’m completely lost in her when I’m onstage with her. We’re going to lose her to New York soon … but I know she’ll thank me in her Tony speech,” quipped Cleveland, who is a teaching artist and administrator at Dallas Children’s Theatre. 

Grace West does a convincing performance of Marilyn Monroe singing her trademark, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” dressed in the iconic white dress that blows in the wind.

A younger Liza Minnelli is played by Sarah Elizabeth Price. She also portrayed Liza in UP’s “The Boy from Oz” and Marta in “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” Her other credits include Blanche Barrow in WaterTower Theatre’s “Bonnie and Clyde” and Margaret in “Silent Sky.” 

Dana Harper’s Pearl Bailey was on point. She appeared in UP’s “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” as Lead Diva. Harper was one of the Top 20 finalists on NBC’s “The Voice.”

Award-winning Costume Designer Suzi Cranford, along with designer Jessi Chavez, created the 1963-period wardrobe. Cranford designed and executed Judy’s gown. “It’s my version of [Judy’s] designed around her red brocade dress coat,” she said.

Also an award-winner, set designer Kevin Brown created a lovely, functional living room where Judy could welcome her guests as they dropped by. Music direction is by Isaac Leaverton, a voice and music practitioner in the Dallas area.

Also joining Judy’s special guests is Trevor Wright as Tracy Everett. Wright is also the choreographer.

Cleveland scripted send-ups to “The Wizard of Oz” at every opportunity with mentions of the yellow brick road, the red shoes, “There’s no place like home,” and others.

Don’t mistake the Christmas theme for a family show. It’s not. Get a sitter. 

“A Very Judy Christmas” will run through Dec. 16 with performances Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. at Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd between Lemmon Ave. and Blackburn. For tickets, visit uptownplayers.org or call 214-219-2718.

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