Dixon Place Presents “For the Love of Judy” written and created by BT Shea and Jeff Catlow with special material and direction by Thom Fogarty takes place July 29 and 30th 7:30PM and July 31 10PM as part of the LGBTQ HOT Festival at Dixon Place 161A Chrystie Street NY, NY f
The new play with music “For the Love of Judy” is the story of a gay boy who dreamed of being a singer and his dysfunctional upbringing. This autobiographical show, based on the life of creator BT Shea, takes us on a journey of how he found his voice through the dark twists and turns of drag life, and with the help of a lot of sequins, lipstick, a glitter of hope and the music of Judy Garland, ultimately realized his dreams. “For the Love of Judy” stars Bistro Award winner and MAC Award Nominee Joshua Lance Dixon making his HOT Festival debut as Bill and MargOH! Channing (BT Shea) as Judy Garland.
Creator and writer BT Shea explains when I starting writing this show I realized for the first time I’d be telling the whole truth about my life. As a boy I was asked to keep secrets about the inner workings of my family that included, abuse, adultery and neglect. This led to a lifetime struggle with low self-esteem and trying to understand who I really was while also coming to terms with my sexual orientation amongst all of this turmoil. I realized that truth would be the only thing to save me - to save all of us.
I turned to music as a source of comfort and the divas became my friends. Barbra, Bette, Diana, Olivia, and Cher were always there for me but Judy Garland was my Queen and my salvation. Her songs became the soundtrack of my life. There was something about her music - stories of love, stories of despair (sometimes both in the same song!) but what always existed was that message of hope of getting over that rainbow. That allowed me to express my feelings and led me to step behind her voice and became my own (drag) Queen MargOH! Channing.
I’ve always said I’ve learned everything I know about performance through being Judy Garland. By becoming her she gave me a voice and through her voice came the courage to use my own and finally speak my truth. I hope you’ll come take this journey with me for the love of Judy. XOXO MargOH!
