Holiday Show Conjures Up Judy Garland

The first words that may come to mind for those unfamiliar with the actual performances of Jim Bailey are probably “impersonator” or “impressionist.” Some might even make reference to the far more visible work of such cross-dressers as RuPaul.

But Bailey’s art reaches far beyond those categories. His description of what he does is “character acting,” and that’s a lot more accurate, as is the even more precise term “illusionist.”

Which is precisely what Bailey offered Wednesday at the Cinegrill in the opening night of his “The Judy Garland Christmas Show.” His version of Garland was both precise and detailed, generous in its loving treatment, superbly musical, and above all utterly believable.

The believability had less to do with the basic elements of Bailey’s visual presentation than with the emotional layering of his illusion. Other performers present convincing visual portraits of Garland, but none capture the complete essence--the throaty sound, the catch in the voice, the theatrical body movements and utterly mobile eyes and lips--as effectively as he does.

This show is more focused on the music than his past Garland presentations, which usually have been more generous with witty repartee and sly show-biz innuendo. A bit more of the same would have made this performance even more entertaining.

In exchange, however, Bailey offered a large catalog of Garland material--”You Made Me Love You,” “Over the Rainbow,” “The Man That Got Away,” to name only a few. He also sang a stunning version of “I’m Still Here” and the holiday song written for her, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Although Bailey started a bit slowly and had a few initial voice problems, he hit his stride halfway through the set, and it was all roses from that point on--a masterful illusion by a masterful illusionist.

* Jim Bailey in “The Judy Garland Christmas Show,” Cinegrill, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Through Dec. 30, 8 p.m (dark Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays). $22 cover and two-drink minimum. (323) 466-7000.