David Costa
Kathy St. George is paying homage to Judy Garland.
OVER THE RAINBOW: Local favorite Kathy St. George honors Judy Garland in her one-woman show, “Dear Miss Garland,” opening Thursday at the Stoneham Theatre and continuing through July 22.
“It’s like a love letter in songs,” said St. George. “The show is a tribute to her songs, talent, and artistry. I never got to write Judy a fan letter, so this show is my letter to her.”
Written by St. George and Scott Edmiston, who also directs, the show is part theater and part concert.
St. George brings Garland to life through her biggest hits and most intimate confessions. The musical traces her life from her stage debut to her comeback concert at Carnegie Hall in 1961.
In the first act, St. George shares her connection with Garland, explores her humor, and pays homage to her movies. Act 2 is a musical tribute that includes “The Trolley Song,” “The Man That Got Away,” “You Made Me Love You,” “Get Happy,” “Chicago,” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
The show features a seven-piece band, with musical direction by Jim Rice; choreography is by Ilyse Robbins; set design by Janie Howland; lighting by Karen Perlow; and costumes by Chip Schoonmaker.
A native of Stoneham, St. George was first exposed to theater while a college student at Salem State. Later, while teaching second grade in Stoneham, she got involved in community theater and she went on to perform on Broadway. Since returning to Boston in 1991, she has worked steadily as an actress and singer.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $44; $40 for senior citizens; and $20 for students. Call 781-279-2200, visit the box office at 395 Main St., Stoneham, or go to www.stonehamtheatre.org.
FESTIVE MARBLEHEAD: The 47th annual Marblehead Festival of Arts takes place throughout town Saturday through July 4.
With activities from morning until night, the festival has something for all ages. Almost all events are free.
There are fine art exhibitions showcasing the work of artists from across Essex County, as well as displays of youth, student, and senior citizen art. There also are painting-the-town events featuring artists creating work outdoors at various locations.
Crocker Park, overlooking Marblehead Harbor, is the performing arts venue for the festival.
“This year’s outdoor concert series features an eclectic mix of 19 dynamite individuals and groups with tons of talent, heart, and soul,” said organizer Brian Wheeler. “We’ll be on stage for five nights and three days, with a packed schedule of outstanding local and regional artists.”
The film festival at Crocker Park on Sunday evening includes 12 short films.
There also is a “Writer’s World’’ series of programs including workshops, exhibits, and presentations by novelists, poets, essayists, and journalists.
Family events include a kite festival and sand-sculpture competition at Devereux Beach; a workshop on building model boats outside Abbot Hall, followed by a regatta on Redd’s Pond; and a street festival on Washington Street, which will be open to foot traffic only.
An artisans’ marketplace on the grounds of Abbot Hall showcases the work of 36 crafters from the region.
Free satellite parking is available at Marblehead High School, with a free trolley providing shuttle service to festival events and exhibitions. For a detailed schedule, visit www.marbleheadfestival.org.
“Portrait of a Pelican,” by photographer Karen Lynch.
IN LOCAL GALLERIES: “Dynamic Range,” the fifth annual show presented by the Newburyport Art Association’s Photo Interest Group, runs through Saturday at 65 Water St. Many of the photographers in the group are well known in the area, including Judith Monteferrante, a retired Cape Ann cardiologist; Patricia Bashford, a professor of communications, photography, and theater who retired to Newburyport after 40 years of teaching and professional employment in theater and films; and Jay McCarthy, who has been exhibiting his photography in and around Newburyport for the past 12 years. Other members include Karen Lynch and Judy Robinson-Cox . . . . Quilters from around the county and the world are invited to enter the Silver Threads Quilt Challenge at the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell. Working alone, or with others, quilters can make pieces to be exhibited across New England, including a special display during the quilt festival Aug. 9-11 in Lowell. For rules and entry forms, visit www.nequiltmuseum.org.