Theatre and Dance Reviews

The legendary Mickey Rooney strolled onto the stage of Dunstable’s Grove Theatre last Wednesday and received a rapturous welcome.

True, those of us who remember the Andy Hardy movies and the Mickey and Judy “Let’s put on a show” musicals have long passed the first flush of youth, but even the younger members of the enthusiastic, nostalgic audience responded to the vintage Hollywood star. 

Crawling on to the stage during his father’s Vaudeville act at 18 months in 1922, Mickey Rooney began a truly legendary career. During a nostalgic evening, he traced for us his remarkable eighty-five year career on stage and screen through film clips, anecdotes and songs. 

We were introduced once again to Mickey’s Puck in Max Reinhardt’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.  He gave us the best ever screen Huck Finn and worked with virtually all the MGM greats.

Perhaps the greatest highlight of the show was his emotional tribute to his great friend and co-star, Judy Garland.

Mickey Rooney and his wife Jan

Rooney’s wife Jan – his eighth – treated us to a joyous musical interlude as she belted out country songs which recalled Patsy Cline as well as stage and screen standards delivered in toe-tapping style.

Mickey and Jan were together for the final, often sentimental but always entertaining sequence.  Their duets exuded the great affection they clearly have for each other, while their good natured sparring ha a distinct twinkle.

Born in 1920, Mickey Rooney made his screen debut in 1924.  He was last seen at the end of 2006 – and there’s more to come! 

This was a truly delightful performance from a remarkable star.