Judy’s Encore starring Ali Harper
Written by Ali Harper
Produced by Alicat Productions
Musical direction and arrangements – Tom Rainey
Piano – Tom Rainey
Drums – Doug Brush
Double Bass – Richard Pickard
Alto and tenor sax, clarinet and flute – Jimmy Rainey
Until 10 May
The Piano, Christchurch’s Performing Arts Precinct
Reviewed by Kineta Knight

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Have you ever been to a show where you were borderline convinced you were literally watching the person a performer was portraying? That happened in Ali Harper’s Judy’s Encore.

I was utterly lost in Judy Garland’s world, felt transported to another time, when Garland’s life and career spanned some of the most tumultuous and transformative decades of the 20th Century.

Born in 1922, Garland came of age during the Great Depression, a time of deep economic hardship. By the late 1930s, she was already a household name, catapulted to fame by The Wizard of Oz – a film that offered escapism during an era of uncertainty.

Harper’s depiction of Garland is superb. As the woman sitting next to me said at half time, “She’s a better Judy Garland than Judy Garland.”

And I couldn’t agree more.

Harper has written a piece of art. But it wouldn’t be complete without the undeniable talent of musical director and arranger Tom Rainey.

The 1940s saw Garland at the height of her stardom, performing in lavish MGM musicals that defined the Golden Age of Hollywood. However, behind the glamorous facade was a highly controlled studio system that often treated young stars like commodities. Garland, like many others, was subjected to intense scrutiny, overwork, and a reliance on prescription drugs – all of which would haunt her throughout her life.

And it’s all of this that comes out in this piece.

It’s more than Harper singing a set list of Garland songs. It’s all about the narrative. It’s the words between the songs that ring out louder than what she’s actually singing.

It’s the vulnerability, sincerity. It’s the breaking down of the fourth wall to share her life with her audience.

Garland was only 47 when she passed from an accidental drug overdose. Reflect on that. She made an incredible impact on so many, including five husbands and an unforgettable entertainment career, at such a young age.

Harper’s script called for both musicality and bringing Garland’s personal life to the fore, weaving tales of woe and entertaining stories between each track.

But it’s the music that’s the driving force behind the success of this show.

Tom Rainey and Ali Harper must never stop working together. What they produce is absolute magic.

Harper’s characterisation of Garland is beyond perfect. Harper scoops you up into this fantastical world, borderline make believe, of Garland’s life. But there’s not a single piece of fiction in this story. Sadly, Garland’s reality.

Harper is one of Christchurch’s greatest gifts. How did we get so lucky? Her performance ideas unstoppable, her vocal range, wit and charm limitless. She really has crafted herself a beautiful niche of emulating incredible beings.

“She’s a better Judy Garland than Judy Garland.” As I write this review, this comment is ringing throughout my mind. Because it’s true. Harper’s embodiment of Garland is superb. Her idiosyncrasies, mannerisms, vulnerability. It’s like being transported to another time.

Garland’s personal life was marked by struggle: mental health battles, financial instability, and tumultuous relationships. Despite this, she remained a deeply beloved figure, known for her extraordinary voice, emotional depth, and sheer magnetism.

All of this is woven into Judy’s Encore.

I could stop this review here, but I do have more to say.

The spotlight was not only on Harper last night, but on her band. Each member had their chance to embrace the music and fly, and they did.

Other than the powerhouse of talent that is Tom Rainey, I was most impressed with his seriously talented son Jimmy Rainey who effortlessly switched between alto and tenor saxophone, clarinet and flute. That was a showcase all in itself.

And Richard Pickard on double bass had his spotlight moment in the opening of Act Two – Fly Me To The Moon. Christchurch is so lucky to attain and keep such superb musicians.

I would like to take the time to list all the brilliant moments in Harper’s show, but it really is a production you must see for yourself to appreciate.

Harper is an unbeatable talent with a seemingly unlimited vocal range, and I’m here for it, and whatever superb idea she has next.