Arts Guides Fall 2019 Preview: North Jersey | Page 7

Portraying a legend about to take
on the role of a lifetime is not lost
on Rakos. Since several new musi-
cals have gone on from Paper Mill
Playhouse to Broadway in recent
years, the industry is watching
this one close. “Our experiences
are very parallel in that respect,”
continued Rakos. “It’s a challenge
to play someone who is so well
known, but because this is about
- trying to copy her mannerisms
and diction. She also watched a
lot of Garland’s early movies and
performances, and read a couple
of biographies on the star.
The principal cast includes Ruby
Rakos (Billy Elliot) as Judy Gar-
land/Frances Gumm, Tony Award
nominee Max Von Essen (An
American in Paris, Paper Mill’s The
Baker’s Wife) as Frank Gumm, Ol-
I’m not trying to be her because I’m never going to
be Judy Garland. No one can be Judy Garland.
I think that helps take the pressure off.
Frances Gumm - the girl who be-
came Judy Garland and the girl
behind the legend - she’s not as
well known. I’m not trying to be
her because I’m never going to
be Judy Garland. No one can be
Judy Garland. I think that helps
take the pressure off.”
To prepare for the role, Rakos
said she listened to Garland’s mu-
sic and would sing along with it
2019 FALL PREVIEW
ivier Award-winner Lesli Margheri-
ta (Matilda, Dames at Sea) as Ethel
Gumm, Karen Mason (Mamma
Mia!, And the World Goes ‘Round)
as Ma Lawlor/Kay Koverman, Ste-
phen DeRosa (Into the Woods,
HBO’s Boardwalk Empire) as Louis
B. Mayer, Michael Wartella (Char-
lie and the Chocolate Factory, Tuck
Everlasting) as Mickey Rooney,
and Colin Hanlon (ABC’s Modern
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