Janelle Farias Sando’s one-actor show Road to Carnegie: Me, Judy and Myself returns to Uptown Players this weekend
RICH LOPEZ | A&E Writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
The yellow brick road leads to the Kalita Humphreys this weekend as Uptown Players, celebrating its 25th anniversary season, presents the return of actor Janelle Farias Sando’s one-actor show Road to Carnegie: Me, Judy and Myself. Farias Sando gives two performances of the show, a special addition to Uptown’s landmark season, this weekend, Nov. 7-8.
The show is inspired by Judy Garland’s 1961 Carnegie Hall concert, which has long been regarded as one of the most significant and strongest performances of her career.
“Janelle’s performances as Judy Garland remain among the most unforgettable in Uptown Players’ history,” Uptown Players Executive Producer Craig Lynch said in a press release.
The show blends Garland’s signature songs alongside stories revealing the iconic actress’ humor and vulnerability.
Farias Sando, who has worked on stages across North Texas, including the Uptown Players stage, is now based in New York. Playing Judy isn’t new to her, as she portrayed Garland before for Uptown Players in the company’s 2014 production of The Boy from Oz.
But in crafting this show, Sando uncovered more of Judy that she hadn’t before. She told Uptown Players what surprised her most about the legend was “her resilience. The ability to just keep coming back and being even more incredible.
“And how funny she was” Farias Sando continued. “Good golly, that woman was hilarious — quick, witty and endearing.”
The show will, of course, feature Garland’s signature classics “Over the Rainbow,” “The Trolley Song,” “The Man That Got Away” and “Stormy Weather” as well as other numbers.
But the evening isn’t just a revue.
Road to Carnegie is an exploration of the lasting influence of Garland’s music and her queer icon status — which makes it a perfect fit for Uptown Players.
“When the opportunity arose to present this special event, we knew it would be the perfect bonus addition to our 25th anniversary season,” Lynch said. “It gives audiences the chance to experience not only the music they love, but also the remarkable artist behind those performances.”
For tickets, visit UptownPlayers.org.