“Typhoon Judy” sweeps into the Waterfront Playhouse this week for seven performances only. This play with music stars the incomparable Christopher Peterson, the world-renowned female impersonator. His Judy Garland will knock your socks off! The Edmonton Sun raved, “Peterson has a lovely voice and, at times, looks so much like her that he takes your breath away.”

Mr. Peterson also wrote the play, along with Darrin Hagen, who also acts as director of the piece. The two also collaborated on “BitchSlap!” which played two sold-out runs at the Waterfront a few years ago. Mr. Hagen is an award-winning Canadian playwright, composer and actor, as well as the artistic director of the company Guys In Disguise.

Charles Lindberg will play the role of the Pianist, who accompanies Judy on her musical journey in the play. Mr. Lindberg is well-known to Key West audiences as a brilliant pianist who has played for the Waterfront opening concerts and recently appeared in “Oil City Symphony” at the Red Barn.

“Typhoon Judy” takes place as Typhoon Viola swirls around Hong Kong and Judy Garland lies comatose in a hospital, the victim of a storm of her own making. As she drifts towards the light, “Typhoon Judy” enters a desolate rehearsal hall with a lone piano player and begins to tell tales of her life with comedy, anecdotes and of course, song. The play is inspired by true events, and stars world-renowned female impersonator Christopher Peterson. This is the concert Judy never got to perform; the performance that brought her back to life. “Peterson delivers the songs amazingly, in unexpected biographical context with a powerhouse voice and an uncanny ear for Garland’s juxtaposition of lustrous phrases and husky edges,” the Edmonton Journal.

Michael Boyer will create the setting in which the illusory concert will take place  Mr. Peterson has designed the costumes, as well as acting as musical director. The lighting design will be by David Bird. In addition to directing the play, Mr. Hagin will create the sound design. Musical arrangements have been done by Jim Rice with Bobby Nesbitt helping with music development. J. B. McLendon will act as stage manager.

The production is sponsored by Christopher Elwell and Christopher Designs, part of Royal Furniture. Season sponsors are Digital Island Media, Royal Furniture and Wodu Media. For tickets, go to WaterfrontPlayhouse.org for our online ticketing service or call the box office at 305-294-5015.