I still remember watching the show. As an 11-year-old about to turn 12, I only knew Judy Garland from "The Wizard of Oz," but I desperately wanted to watch her show. So, while my parents and younger brothers watched "Bonanza" on the big color console TV in the downstairs family room, I opted to watch Judy on the little black-and-white portable TV upstairs. (I didn't realize until years later that the show was broadcast in black-and-white.) A music lover in school, I had a music teacher who changed my life forever. Mrs. Shell was responsible for getting me recruited for a boys' choir at age 11, where I stayed for years and even developed a strong falsetto so that I could stay even after my voice changed. Mrs. Shell also taught us the songs from musicals she had participated in while she was in college as well as many others: "The Sound of Music," "West Side Story," "South Pacific," etc. As an adult, I used all these experiences in my career and ended up acting in, and later directing, these very shows. Of course, I fell in love with The Judy Garland Show and Judy herself. At times it seemed as if this frail woman might keel over, but just then she would amaze me with her singing and her stamina - holding notes longer than most singers could. I was sad when the show disappeared, but, of course, I didn't know the back story of the show, nor of Judy herself. And her guest stars! That's where I first heard Barbra Streisand. For example. A classic example of the world not fully appreciating the musical genius that was Judy Garland.
Review of The Judy Garland Show
