What is a cabaret or club concert doing in a place like Theater Works? Stage draped in black, decked out with potted plants? Tommy Femia's non dramatic imitation of a middle-aged Judy Garland seems somehow out of place, as do her satirical remarks. Though he mimics her phrasing and often sounds like her, he's mostly in a different register, missing that famous catch in her voice. Boxy-jacketed sequined outfits, wisps of hair curling on his forehead, trim legs and high heels help, but you have to be a real fan of anything like her vocal delivery and songs themselves or devoted to drag not to be disappointed. To me, thick-necked Femia looks more like a cross-dressing Tony Curtis.
David K. Maiocco as Judy's longtime accompanist plays with vigor and style, also livening the few numbers in which he vocally joins Femia. Why he veers from her usual renditions of "Over the Rainbow" and "Get Happy" is a mystery. For another change, he sings songs she did not but might have, like "I'm Still Here." Tis a pity, through him or not, that she isn't.
