Judy and Me: Christopher Brick replaces Dusty St. Amand in the lead role of 'Anthony'

John Schaefer, the producer of the Off-Broadway show, Judy and Me, has announced that Dusty St. Amand has been replaced by Christopher Brick in the lead role of 'Anthony 'Tony' Castalano. Brick was originally cast to be the character's understudy.

In a statement Schaefer said, "We think Dusty is an amazing person and a gifted performer, however, the actor and role never quite came together the way we hoped they would."

Schaefer added "I am excited about the introduction of Christopher Brick to New York City audiences in the role of Tony. He has all of the naivety and vulnerability and 'Yes, I will make it over the rainbow' qualities that are essential to the character."

Judy and Me, a comic-drama by Peter Mac, opens at St Luke's Theatre on 19 Oct 2008, following previews from 7 Oct 2008, for an open run.

The autobiographical Judy and Me has been playing at various off-Broadway venues. It was first seen in January 2002 in a cabaret theater engagement at Rose's Turn. Public and critical response was such that the four-performance booking was eventually extended to a nearly three-year run, transferring along the way to the Arthur Seelen Theatre and then The Producers Club.

Judy and Me addresses the issues of both homophobia and domestic abuse as it recounts the true story of sixteen-year old 'Anthony,' trapped in the narrow-minded suburb of Elmont, Long Island. An outcast at Sewankawa High School in Floral Park, Anthony is the daily target of verbal and physical torment from his classmates. His life at home is equally tenuous; his volatile, violent father is a constant source of pain to both Anthony and his mother. The teen finds his only escape in the music and entertainment of the legendary Judy Garland, who comes to life before his eyes and counsels him through his daily struggles.

Garland is herein portrayed as those who knew her best have remembered her: a sage, wise, omniscient, and compassionate human being whose humor, insight, and strength both championed and encouraged those around her. Through her compassion -- and through Anthony's passion for (and camaraderie with) Garland -- the boy learns to deal with his dysfunctional family, his school life, and the realization that he's gay.