Go to the ‘End of the Rainbow’ with International City Theatre

When musical legend, Judy Garland, sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” back in 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz,” the world fell in love with the beautiful girl searching for her way back home to Kansas. Instead of going home, she found her way to the end of the rainbow, sadly losing her life to drug and alcohol addiction. Though her life was short, she did astound things with it, becoming an epitomic international star with her work as an actor and singer. Her story has been retold many times, through movies, books and now a musical drama. Produced by International City Theatre, “End of the Rainbow,” will appear at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center from Feb. 18 to March 15.

Written by Peter Quilter, an English playwright with “End of the Rainbow” marking his first international hit. Premiering at the Sydney Opera House in 2005, “End of the Rainbow” eventually made it to the West End in 2010 and on Broadway in 2012, which received three Tony nominations. With a small cast of four strong actors, this show has been produced at many of the countries best regional theatres since then.

Telling the story of Garland’s last few months before her death, “End of the Rainbow” takes place in London, where Garland is opening a new play, “The Talk of the Town,” hopeful for a career comeback. With her fiancé and dear friend by her side, Garland works hard to keep her complicated relationships and addictions at bay, eventually leading to her demise. Brimming with conflict and Garland’s unwavering wit, the musical features many songs made famous by the superstar, including “The Man That Got Away,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

Unafraid to tackle this emotional drama, International City Theatre is one of Southern California’s top professional theatres, where they’ve been bringing varied theatre to Long Beach for what is now their 30th season. ICT strives to create intellectually stimulating entertainment, which has garnered itself many regional theatre awards. Running for over a month, “End of the Rainbow,” will kick off this year’s season, giving audience members and theatre patrons an Opening Night Gala including a reception, a short discussion about Judy Garland with the director John Henry Davis and an opening night post-show party with the cast. Tickets for the gala are available on their website.

Croon away with Judy in “End of the Rainbow” at International City Theatre from Feb. 18 through March 15. Tickets available online.