Renee Zellwigger's nuanced, intense performance is so startling that it takes nearly 20 minutes to see beyond the somewhat aging face, wig , make-up and fidgety gestures to the woman we remember from Chicago and the Bridget Jones movies. It may not technically qualify as a comeback, but it certainly feels like one. And, apparently, she can sing, too - at least well enough to imitate Judy in her final, very troubled months. Audiences old enough to recall Judy's last talk show interviews and the publicity around her final performances will see how accurately the actress and costume designer capture her look and physical gestures on stage. My only complaint is that no film clips of the real Judy were inserted to remind us (at least younger audiences) of
the many movies and television appearances - her own weekly series in the 1960's - in which she starred. Ms. Zellwigger's blazing performance would not have been diminished if this had been done.
Review of Judy
