Rainbow: The New Judy Garland Musical

RAINBOW: The New JUDY GARLAND Musical is the breathtaking culmination of over three decades of research, performance, and a lifetime of love for one of the world's most iconic performers, Judy Garland. Making its West Coast premiere, the show, which was originally performed at Michael Feinstein’s club in New York during the Garland Centennial in December 2021, stars Feinstein as he travels through the life and songs of Judy Garland.

This multimedia live show features big screen film clips, rarely heard and seen audio recordings and photos, good humor, and great music. This event is an unabashed musical biography that celebrates Judy, sharing insights from the music we all adore, and the life known only by the endless, shining, forever love shared with her children, Liza, Lorna, and Joey Luft.

ABOUT RAINBOW

“My friendship with Liza, the archives of Judy and Vincente Minnelli, and the never-before-seen imagery and never-before-heard sounds bring forth the most beloved voice and quite possibly the artist of the 20th century. RAINBOW captures the genius, humor, poignancy, and God-given talent that is rare beyond belief. The title is not only an homage to “Over the Rainbow”; it is also a celebration of Judy Garland's ability to rise over clouds and crises, to create beauty,” said Tony Award honoree Mr. Feinstein.

Frequently honored as the greatest entertainer of all time, Judy Garland's unique connection to humanity comes to life in RAINBOW and acknowledges that Judy is loved by every generation and is very likely the first icon to honor her own unique connection and mutual love for all people, including those who are now acknowledged as LGBTQIA+.

RAINBOW’s musical selections are from Judy Garland films, recordings, the legendary Carnegie Hall and London Palladium concerts, as well as private moments of a woman who gave everything to everyone in the audience. Through laughter and tears, Judy utilized astounding gifts which continue to bring us over the RAINBOW.

"Far too much has been written about ‘poor Judy Garland’ … ‘tragic Judy Garland’ … ‘sad Judy Garland’ … Hogwash! My mother was the funniest, happiest, most exciting person in the world. If RAINBOW had a subtitle, it would be a song that is one of Mama's great themes, ‘Get Happy,’ and that’s what’s gonna happen when you see Michael bring RAINBOW to life. Michael Feinstein is my dearest friend in the world. We’ve been joined at the hip since the day we met. Michael has all the stories, the arrangements, the film clips, the recordings. Michael has the truth about Mama, the woman who gave me my drive. This is a love letter from me and Michael to my amazing mother." —Liza Minnelli, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winner

Please join Michael at the Taper in this show created with music director Tedd Firth, award-winning producer and broadcaster Elliott Forrest, and Judy Garland author John Fricke, for a colorful journey through Garland’s career with new arrangements, medleys, and surprises.

Executive produced by Michael Feinstein and Liza Minnelli.