End of the Rainbow Opens at the Guthrie Feb. 3; Broadway Is Next

By Adam Hetrick
03 Feb 2012

Tracie Bennett
Tracie Bennett
Photo by Nobby Clarke

End Of The Rainbow, the Broadway-bound London stage play about the final months in the life of entertainer Judy Garland, officially opens Feb. 3 at the Guthrie Theater.

Olivier Award nominee Tracie Bennett earned acclaim for her portrayal of Garland in the original West End run of End of the Rainbow and repeats her work for American audiences. Tony Award winner Terry Johnson (La Cage aux Folles) directs.

Peter Quilter's music-filled drama began previews Jan. 28 and will run through March 11 in Minneapolis. It will begin Broadway previews March 19 towards an April 2 opening at the Belasco Theatre.

The cast also features Michael Cumpsty (The Constant Wife, Democracy) as Garland's accompanist, Anthony, with Emmy winner Tom Pelphrey ("Guiding Light") as her husband, Mickey Deans, and Jay Russell (Our Town, The Play What I Wrote) in a variety of roles.

According to the producers, "End of the Rainbow is set in December 1968 and Judy Garland is about to make her comeback... again. In a London hotel room preparing for a series of concerts, with both her new young fiancé and her adoring accompanist, Garland struggles to get 'beyond the rainbow' with her signature cocktail of talent, tenacity, and razor-sharp wit. This savagely funny drama offers unique insight into the inner conflict that inspired and consumed one of the most beloved figures in American popular culture. End of the Rainbow features some of Garland’s most memorable songs, performed with the show-stopping gusto for which she will always be remembered."

It has set and costume design by William Dudley, lighting design by Christopher Akerlind, sound design by Gareth Owen, with musical direction by Jeff Harris. Chris Egan penned the arrangements. Kate Wilson is voice and dialect consultant.

Bennett previously worked with Johnson in the London revival of La Cage aux Folles. She earned Olivier Awards for her performances as Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray and as Ilona Ritter She Loves Me. Her stage credits also include Les Miserables and Cash On Delivery. Numerous screen appearances include "Vincent," "The Long Firm," "Heroes and Villains," "Next of Kin," "Coronation Street," "Going Out," "Shirley Valentine," "Knights and Emeralds" and "Deep Red Instant Love."

Lee Dean, Laurence Myers and Joey Parnes produce End of the Rainbow.

Visit www.GuthrieTheater.org or EndoftheRainbowBroadway.com.