Over the course of its 125-year history, Carnegie Hall has played host to some memorable nights - including back in 1961 when Judy Garland took center stage for a solo concert. Decades later, singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright returns to the hall for an encore performance of that celebrated evening. NY1’s Frank DiLella sits down with the performer as part of NY1’s special series, Carnegie Hall at 125.
Get happy, Judy Garland and Rufus Wainwright fans, because Wainwright is paying tribute to the late diva once more at New York's famed Carnegie Hall.
“Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall" will return for two nights only later this month. The concert is a nod to Judy's epic 1961 debut at the midtown Manhattan venue.
"I've played Carnegie Hall many times now,” Wainwright says. “You always get a little nervous, which is important."
The artist is set to perform Garland's entire song list from her one-time concert, including "Over the Rainbow," "Almost Like Being in Love" and "San Francisco." A 36-piece orchestra led by Tony winning musical director Stephen Oremus will back him. According to Wainwright, his love affair with the legendary Garland began years ago.
"As a small child every year around Easter they would do ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ and from that experience came me singing ‘Over the Rainbow,’” he says. “I would sing it at parties and make adults jealous of the fact their own kids couldn't do that. No - just kidding!"
And with Rufus doing Judy, the performer says he's acknowledging history.
"It's very important in terms of what happened with Stonewall and with drag, which is an important part of gay history for sure. Without Judy Garland, there would be no 'Drag Race,'" he says.
"Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall" is set to play for two nights only on June 16 at 17.
For more information, visit carnegiehall.org.