Tommy’s Judy

Tommy Femia never figured he’d spend his career doing Judy Garland. It started back in 1991, when a friend asked him if he’d impersonate Garland in a cabaret show. “It pretty much began on a dare,” says Femia. But there was something about Garland that Femia just picked up naturally...

By Eric Barton

August 20, 2009

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Tommy Femia never figured he’d spend his career doing Judy Garland. It started back in 1991, when a friend asked him if he’d impersonate Garland in a cabaret show. “It pretty much began on a dare,” says Femia. But there was something about Garland that Femia just picked up naturally. “It was like somebody pressed a button,” he recalls. “For some reason, I could do her voice and sing like her, and I was barely trying.”

Femia’s impersonation went over so big that his first show stayed open for nine months. And ever since, Femia has been Garland, doing off-Broadway shows and touring half the year for his one-man acts. This month, the Brooklyn native is headlining Judy Garland Live at Rising Action Theatre, where he’s singing Garland songs and also covers in her voice. “I try to pick songs that she would sing today if she were still with us,” Femia says.

He’ll have three shows this weekend: at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $22 and up, and the theater is located at 840 E. Oakland Park Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Visit risingactiontheatre.com or call 800-595-4849.
Fri., Aug. 21, 8 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 22, 8 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 23, 7 p.m., 2009

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