By Beth Barhydt
On August 7th, author and music producer Lawrence Schulman will present a talk on the life and career of Judy Garland at Christ Church in Greenwich. Schulman, author of the two-volume book “Garland: That’s Beyond Entertainment – Reflections on Judy Garland,” will share his knowledge and passion for Garland’s work, providing a nuanced exploration of the iconic performer’s life.
Schulman, who is traveling from Maine for this presentation, has dedicated decades to studying and curating Garland’s legacy. His presentation, titled “Moments of Magic,” captures Garland’s essence through her most memorable performances. According to Schulman, the talk will not only highlight Garland’s career but also delve into the complexities of her personality and the struggles she faced.
Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm in 1922, began her journey in show business at an early age. Garland’s career spanned over four decades, during which she became a figure in film, music, and television. Known for her powerful voice and emotive performances, she left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Garland’s rise to fame began with her role as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939). Her rendition of “Over the Rainbow” remains one of the most celebrated performances in cinematic history. However, Garland’s career was not without its challenges. She faced numerous personal and professional hurdles, including addiction and financial difficulties, which Schulman will address in his talk.
In his presentation, Schulman will showcase eight clips from Garland’s career, spanning from her early films to her television appearances. These clips are carefully selected to illustrate Garland’s extraordinary talent and her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. One of the featured clips is Garland’s performance of “It’s Love I’m After” from the 1936 film “Pigskin Parade.” Schulman highlights how Garland’s natural and sincere connection with the camera at such a young age set the stage for her future success.
Another notable clip is Garland’s live rendition of “Over the Rainbow” from a 1955 CBS television special. Schulman emphasizes the growth in Garland’s artistry over the years and her ability to continually captivate audiences.
Schulman’s talk will also delve into the contrasts that defined Garland’s life and career. Despite her immense talent and success, Garland struggled with addiction, financial woes, and personal turmoil. Schulman will recount a poignant story from 1968, where Garland canceled a concert despite an audience filled with wounded soldiers she had personally invited. This incident, Schulman notes, underscores the unpredictable and tumultuous nature of Garland’s later years.
Lawrence Schulman brings a wealth of expertise to this presentation. A graduate of Stony Brook University, the Sorbonne, and CREAR in France, Schulman has an extensive background in music production, criticism, and translation. He has compiled numerous CD sets devoted to Judy Garland and worked with distinguished mastering engineers to preserve and celebrate her legacy.
In addition to his work on Garland, Schulman has contributed to various publications and translated significant works related to music and film. His recent releases include “Judy Garland: The Two-A-Day Is Back in Town” and “Judy Garland – The Final Concert In Copenhagen.”
The talk will take place at Christ Church in Greenwich, and it promises to be an enlightening experience for both long time fans of Judy Garland and those new to her work. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness some of Garland’s greatest performances and gain a deeper understanding of the woman behind the legend.
Lawrence Schulman, a graduate of Stony Brook University, the Sorbonne, and CREAR in France, is a distinguished music producer, critic, and translator specializing in Judy Garland’s legacy. He has collaborated with prominent mastering engineers and has delivered talks on Garland across the U.S. Schulman’s extensive works include multiple CD releases, book translations, and original writings, with several significant publications and projects scheduled for release through 2025.
