They Play Judy and Barbra – Talking with Summer Orlando and Barbra Joan Streetsand

Legendary entertainers and LGBTQ favorites Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand will be appearing on the stage of the Granite Theatre for a special engagement Aug. 13-14.

Or, rather, impersonators Summer Orlando and Barbra Joan Streetsand who have been performing as the two icons for audiences over the last several years.

Orlando has performed as Garland throughout Connecticut as well as New York City. Summer is the first male actor honored to play the role of Dorothy in a licensed production of "The Wizard Of Oz" in the world.

"Growing up, I was exposed to Judy Garland through "The Wizard of Oz," Orlando explained. "I grew a very deep connection, as most gay boys do, to Dorothy. I discovered that there was a whole lot more to (Garland), she did so many other movies and she had a television show so I went into a deep dive and just fell in love with the music. I always loved voices and so I would try to imitate Judy's voice growing up and sing 'Over the Rainbow' in my room."

Streetsand has been performing as Streisand, along with other personalities for almost 30 years, and acting for 40+ years, winning regional awards. Her main repertoire consists of live vocals with covers of Streisand songs and original live parodies to hand-picked Streisand songs from the 1960's through today.

"I would listen to her music all the time," Streetsand said. "I would actually sing all her songs in high school in talent shows. After graduation, I'm a gay man and I went out in drag for Halloween and everybody started to look like (Streisand) and that kind of planted a seed and I started impersonating Barbra the following year."

Orlando calls Garland and Streisand's music "timeless."

"It stands the test of time and it is accessible to ages that span from six to sixty," Orlando added. "You know 'Over the Rainbow,' you know 'Don't Rain On My Parade,' Judy Garland songs are sprinkled throughout lots of different movies and stuff these days. When we do the show, it touches people in different ways."

A few audience members had a powerful reaction to a recent performance of "The Judy and Barbra Show" in Rehoboth Beach.

"They were just in tears," Orlando said. "It wasn't tears of sadness, it was tears of joy because one of them was really connected to the song 'Evergreen' that Barbra sings in the show because it reminded them of their wedding or it reminded them of a boardwalk love or their Mom's favorite song. Audiences really love the show and the critics have said we're not just a tribute show, we really truly become these icons when we're on stage."

"The Judy and Barbra Show" will be performed Aug. 13 and 14. The Granite Theatre. Westerly, RI. For tickets visit Granitetheatre.com or call the Box Office at (401) 596-2341.