Five years before her untimely passing at the age of 47 due to a drug overdose, legendary star Judy Garland made a series of recordings in 1964. These tapes were recorded shortly after her appearance on her self-titled CBS variety show and were initially intended for an autobiography that never saw the light of day. The tapes vanished for decades, lost in the chaos of time and forgotten by many. But now, they've resurfaced in a stunning new form—a play that sheds light on one of Hollywood's most enigmatic figures.
Rediscovering Judy's Voice Through 'The Book That I’m Going to Write'
Enter Jason Powell, a talented actor who stumbled upon these recordings back in 2000 on a bootleg CD. Inspired by what he heard, Powell transformed the raw material into The Book That I’m Going to Write, a gripping one-man show that brings Garland's unfiltered thoughts to life. Running from November 3 to November 5 at New York City's Jerry Orbach Theater, the performance gives audiences a rare glimpse into the mind of a woman who often hid behind her public persona. Through Powell's meticulous recitations of the tapes, we hear Garland's unvarnished anger toward her enemies and her dreams of using her autobiography to settle scores.
Unveiling the Untold Story
Powell shared his thoughts with Closer Weekly, offering insight into the emotional weight of these recordings. “People might be shocked to hear such raw and visceral anger from a star who kept that side of herself hidden from the world,” he explained in an exclusive interview featured in the magazine's latest issue, now available on newsstands. “Judy wanted to reclaim her story, to set the record straight, but it was a battle she couldn't win. As a fan, this is my way of bringing her truth to a new generation.”
Read also:John Goodmans Heartfelt Performance On The Conners
Renée Zellweger Steps Into Judy's Shoes
Meanwhile, another major project honoring Judy Garland is underway. Academy Award-winning actress Renée Zellweger is set to portray the beloved Wizard of Oz star in an upcoming biopic titled Judy. The film explores Garland's incredible life and career, delving into the highs and lows that defined her journey. A close friend of Renée revealed her deep admiration for Judy in a previous interview with Closer Weekly. “Renée is a huge fan. She's always been inspired by Judy’s groundbreaking talent and resilience,” the friend said.
To fully embody the role, Renée immersed herself in Garland's world, working closely with vocal and acting coaches. “She’s dedicated every fiber of her being to this role,” the friend continued. “Renée feels an immense responsibility to honor Judy’s legacy with respect and authenticity. She knows this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and she’s determined to do it justice.”
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