DVD VIDEOS FOR SALE
You can have David de Alba perform just for you not just on CDs, but now on DVD video!
These videos are a must for those who collect rare female impersonation memorabilia! They are a limited edition of the legendary David de Alba's theatrical career highlights featuring some rare video footage taken at the world famous Finocchio Club of San Francisco never seen before by the general public. If you saw David on stage at one time or another, now you will re-live some of those memorable moments, but if you haven't, it is your chance to peek back in time to those golden days of 'live' drag entertainment and still catch David's warmth on stage and the love connection between artist and audience. David de Alba has been a six time inductee by the following Web Sites: The TG Forum's "Gallery of Greats" and "TG Super Stars", Eduardo Blanco's "Son Cubano", Rubén Flores' "Famous Drag Divas", Len Codi's Stonewall Society, Chris Lee's "Female Impersonators Hall of Fame", Lady Patra's, (aka Donny West) memoirs "This is Lady Patra North", and most recently immortalized in a book by James R. Smith, "San Francisco's Lost Landmarks".
On January 28, 2007 we recorded a video of Mr. De Alba's "A Tribute to Judy Garland" concert at the Winchester Cultural Center Theater in Las Vegas. Mr. James R. Smith flew in from California to make a special introduction before Mr. de Alba's entrance. The concert was filmed with a digital video camera and the results are very good. You will see Mr. de Alba's intimate rendering of the "You Made Me Love You - For Me and My Gal" medley as he descends from the stage and sings to the audience in the front rows.
During the song "Just Once in a Lifetime" the tripod broke and the cameraman had to steady the camera by hand. There are few jumps in the filming of that song, but we left it in. The camera continued to tape David greeting his fans after the performance, capturing the intimacy between performer and audience.
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Alba/Ryner Ltd. in collaboration with EduarDesign of Miami proudly presents this new DVD of Cuban/American entertainer David de Alba brings the songs of Judy Garland to the stage with “A Tribute to Judy”, on Jan. 28, 2007, at the Winchester Cultural Center Theater in Las Vegas. Using his own voice, Garland’s songs come to life in de Alba’s stunning impersonation. “A Tribute to Judy” isn’t just a concert but a mini-play starring de Alba, who also includes some narrations and real anecdotes told by Judy Garland.
DVD Cover on right designed by Linda La Blanche. See below a critical review of this DVD video by International Music Reviewer Linda La Blanche. |
For more information about this concert, click on the following link:
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PART 1 Running time 52 min.
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PART 2 Running time 49 min.
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Two disc DVD video priced at $18.00 (In US dollars)
plus shipping charges. For USA & Canada $5.00
Shipping charges to other countries $8.00.
To order this two disc DVD directly from Alba/Ryner Ltd. contact paulryner@cox.net We accept Cashier's Checks or Money Orders in US Dollars payable to Alba/Ryner Ltd. or David de Alba.
Note: We also accept PayPal.
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Alba/Ryner Ltd. in collaboration with EduarDesign of Miami proudly presents this new DVD of Cuban/American entertainer David de Alba brings the songs of Judy Garland to the stage with “A Tribute to Judy”, on June 28, 2008, at the Whitney Library Concert Hall in Las Vegas. Using his own voice, Garland’s songs come to life in de Alba’s stunning impersonation. “A Tribute to Judy” isn’t just a concert but a mini-play starring de Alba, who also includes some narrations and real anecdotes told by Judy Garland.
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DVD video priced at $18.00 (In US dollars)
plus shipping charges. For USA & Canada $5.00
Shipping charges to other countries $8.00.
To order this DVD directly from Alba/Ryner Ltd. contact paulryner@cox.net We accept Cashier's Checks or Money Orders in US Dollars payable to Alba/Ryner Ltd. or David de Alba.
Note: We also accept PayPal.
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Alba/Ryner Ltd. in collaboration with EduarDesign of Miami proudly presents this new DVD During David's theatrical career from the 1970s many Betamax videos and 8 mm sound movies were taken of David's live performances by his partner Paul Ryner and others to perfect his act and to show to friends at his home. The conditions were not the best for filming since many of the cabarets and theaters' lighting was bad and the sound was recorded from the audience, but this is the only surviving material of the artist's past performances. In the Year 2004 upon the request of many of David's old and new loyal fans and many people who are collectors of rare female impersonation memorabilia, Alba/Ryner Ltd. decided to release these performances on DVD Video that runs approximately two hours. David is known for his International Boy-Chic Act where he sings in Spanish and English, and for his tributes to Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. As emcee Carroll Wallace would announce "The warm and charming personality of David de Alba" you can see the connection that David makes with his audiences, establishing him as a living legend in the Showbiz world of female impersonation! We had enough material on Mr. de Alba for three volumes of his memoirs, but in order to give his fans more material for less money we added the extra material to all four discs, Volume 1 and Volume 2. See a critical review of this video by International Music Reviewer Linda La Blanche below. |
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War Memorial Hall, 1972, San Francisco, CA. Jack Fisher Orchestra, (Super 8 Film) KTVU, Ch.2, May 1975, SF/Oakland, CA. "On the Square" KEMO-TV, Ch.20, Nov. 1976, "Christmas Special" Finocchio Club, Early 1970's, San Francisco, CA. KPIX-TV. Ch.5, Mid-1970s, San Francisco, CA., "Solesvida" |
KEMO-TV, Ch.20, 1980, San Francisco, CA, "Amapola Show" KRON-TV, Ch.4, June 1979, San Francisco, CA. "Saturday Live" Dan Weiss' Documentary on "Heri The Hairstylist" salon KTVU-TV, Ch. 2, July, 1982, SF/Oakland, CA, "Segment 2" Bob McKenzie's Documentary on David as Judy Garland Fofo's Restaurant, Dec. 1989, Albuquerque, NM Finocchio Club, Early 1980's, San Francisco, CA. Sam’s Town, Las Vegas, NV, Oct. 2004, “Dennis Bono Show” |
Two DVD set priced at $18.00 (In US dollars)
plus shipping charges. For USA & Canada $5.00
Shipping charges to other countries $8.00
To order Video directly from Alba/Ryner Ltd. contact paulryner@cox.net We accept Cashier's Checks or Money Orders in US Dollars payable to Alba/Ryner Ltd. or David de Alba.
Note: We also accept PayPal.
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Alba/Ryner Ltd. in collaboration with EduarDesign of Miami proudly presents this new DVD of During David's theatrical career from the 1970s many Betamax videos and 8 mm sound movies were taken of David's live performances by his partner Paul Ryner and others to perfect his act and to show to friends at his home. The conditions were not the best for filming since many of the cabarets and theaters' lighting was bad and the sound was recorded from the audience, but this is the only surviving material of the artist's past performances. Now in the Year 2004 upon the request of many of David's old and new loyal fans and many people who are collectors of rare female impersonation memorabilia, Alba/Ryner Ltd. decided to release these performances on DVD Video that runs approximately one and a half hours. David is known for his International Boy-Chic Act where he sings in Spanish and English, and for his tributes to Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. As emcee Carroll Wallace would announce "The warm and charming personality of David de Alba" you can see the connection that David makes with his audiences, establishing him as a living legend in the Showbiz world of female impersonation! We had enough material on Mr. de Alba for three volumes of his memoirs, but in order to give his fans more material for less money we added the extra material to all four discs, Volume 1 and Volume 2. See a critical review of this video by International Music Reviewer Linda La Blanche below. |
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Univisión-TV, “Fuera de Serie”, 1998, Bullhead City, AZ. Dress Rehearsal for TV Pilot, 1999, Bullhead City, AZ. 21 Club Theater, 1989, Capitola, CA. Monte Carlo Hotel, “Olga y Tony Show”, special guest, 1982, Miami Beach, Florida Everglades Hotel, “Olga y Tony Show”, special guest, 1979, Miami, Florida |
Cuban Club, 1980, San Francisco, CA. Theater Rhinoceros, Aug. 1986, San Francisco, CA. (rare video) A Judy Garland Tribute Concert Winchester Cultural Center Theater, Jan. 2007, Las Vegas, NV A Tribute to Judy Garland |
Two DVD set priced at $18.00 (In US dollars)
Plus Shipping charges. For USA & Canada $5.00
Shipping charges to other countries $8.00
To order Video directly from Alba/Ryner Ltd. contact paulryner@cox.net We accept Cashier's Checks or Money Orders in US Dollars payable to Alba/Ryner Ltd. or David de Alba.
Note: We also accept PayPal.
Video Reviews by Linda La Blanche
David de Alba’s Tribute to Judy Garland: Unique in the female impersonation genre, David de Alba must be seen and heard to be believed. One of the last survivors of the golden era of entertainment, he's a rare and exceptional artist who offers true vocal ability and enormous talent in his performances. At a time when performers who lip-sync to songs and cavort across the stage mimicking some celebrity have practically replaced this art form, de Alba, using his own gifted voice, revives the good old days of truly talented female impersonators in grand style by singing live.
Known for his outstanding live impersonations of Judy Garland at the world famous Finocchio Club for over twenty years and countless TV shows, Mr. de Alba is living proof that there is life after Finocchio's (the club closed its doors in 1999). Presently, he's the youngest and only working singing live act and recording artist that remains of those great Finocchio Club performers of another era. And, like wine, he gets better with age.
David de Alba's Tribute to Judy Garland at the Winchester Cultural Center Theatre in Las Vegas on Jan. 28, 2007, could easily start a renaissance of the Golden Days of Female Impersonation. Sold out three days before the event, he did not disappoint his fans and gave one of the best performances of this career.
I was fortunate to be present at this event and saw many new faces [besides his loyal fans] that were truly impressed and applauded each number enthusiastically. The show was a complete success.
I have chronicled the careers of many famous female impersonators of the 50s, 60s and 70s who sang live, danced and depicted their characters perfectly. In some cases, these performers had a retinue or revue that enhanced the performance or diluted the star's lack of luster. In my opinion, de Alba has the talent, the vocal ability and charisma to pull off a great show on his own with very little or no help. His contemporary peers can hardly beat this type of talent.
The two-disc DVD video, taped on site, covers the show from beginning to end. It is further enhanced by the artistry of EduarDesign of Miami, which transports you to a mythical theater where you have a front row center seat to enjoy the show! At the opening of the show, Mr. James R. Smith, Author/Historian from San Francisco, provides a little background history about female impersonation in San Francisco and the world renowned Finocchio Club, where de Alba was a headliner for two decades. The rest of the video is David de Alba as Judy Garland in perfect garb, voice and personality. The songs and the outfits are the classic Judy favorites, which transport us to the grown-up Judy Garland of the late 50s and 60s. De Alba achieves these magical moments with literally no props (a stool and a microphone), relying solely on his gifted voice and total command of the stage. Somewhere towards the middle, de Alba provides a little humor through Garland anecdotes and pokes fun at himself as an aging diva.
Without any doubt, the songs are the mainstay of the show. De Alba's charisma and his flawless impersonation of Judy, not to mention the voice, hold a captive audience from beginning to end. Few performers can hold the attention of an entire audience, and it's a rare thing to witness, but David has such faculty. Outstanding songs are: "Together", "San Francisco", "What Now My Love" and "By Myself". Songs guaranteed to knock your socks off are: "The Man That Got Away", "If Love Were All" and "Rockabye Your Baby".
The video is further enhanced by de Alba's warmth when, as the show is ending, he comes down the stage and shakes hands with his fans. He is truly genuine. One can feel the sincere love and admiration of the public- as I said at first - he could easily revive this extinguishing art form and make it popular once again! I strongly recommend this new Alba/Ryner video production as a definite MUST HAVE for all lovers of the true art of female impersonation. You can now have this unique and rare experience in your own home.
Memories of His Live Performances, Volume One: This is good news for David de Alba's aficionados. Finally, this long awaited production on a two-disc DVD video documenting David's career, is out in the market for everybody to see in their own home. The video chronicles David's earlier career trajectory in various hotels, restaurants, theaters, TV appearances, and the famous Finocchio Club of San Francisco during the 70s and 80s. This is a compilation of videos and 8 mm sound movies filmed primarily for the artist to perfect his act, and not under the best conditions most of the time. Therefore, the video's quality is not state-of-the-art perfect. However, the new dimension brought on by this production is David's personality.
Throughout each performance, his charisma is obvious. His charm, his feeling, his ability to improvise on the spot (aside from possessing one of the best cabaret voices today), wins the public every time. Very few performers can please all types of audiences and it's a rare thing to witness, but David has such faculty. In addition, the exquisite artistry and effective editing of EduardDesign of Miami adds beauty and interest with appropriate dates on the screen, which provide the viewer a chronological sense of the events being shown.
David is seen in his three personas, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli and Boy-Chic. For Judy Garland fans, there is an extremely funny monologue, as well as Boy-Chic singing in Spanish with his good friends and idols, Olga Chorens and Tony Alvarez. In addition, we get the opportunity to see the diverse talents of this artist. David will surprise many fans with his versatility. Just the opening number, “Baila Mi Cha Cha Cha”, where we see his dancing talent, "Applause", and the first version of “La Tombola”, where his voice is amazing, alone make this production worth while having. Particularly noteworthy are "Noche de Paz" ("Silent Night") a cappella, "Tengo Una Debilidad", "Applause", "Arrivederci Roma" and "Linda Caleñita" (The two former numbers are uniquely special as rare footage from Finocchio Club's golden days). As always, David's impressions of Judy Garland are flawless, and his versatility as an actor and dancer are a welcome aside with his "Norma Desmond" imitation, and even at his beauty shop in San Francisco, as Heri The Hairstylist singing to an enthralled audience (his customers!) Let's meet Mr. de Alba in person. As I have said before, he must be seen to be believed!
Memories of His Live Performances, Volume Two: "The Cuban Legend David de Alba" video, released in 2006 after a long wait, was a huge success with David's fans and FI aficionados. Volume Two, the sequel, just went on the market April, 2007, and you better brace yourselves for a wild ride! This two-disc DVD video, along with its predecessor, completes the full circle on Mr. de Alba's theatrical career. The context is similar to the first production, depicting David's various appearances at the height of his career, and consequently more seasoned, experienced and at his absolute best!
In Volume Two, David de Alba proves to be the best at his craft. Throughout several segments, one cannot fail to appreciate the purest art of female impersonation; it's touching, exciting, and sheer fine entertainment. Above all, the voice stands out triumphantly, overshadowing any less than perfect filming technique or film quality. Once more, the artistry of EduarDesign of Miami intervenes to embellish and create a most lovely and entertaining show to watch. The entire video is packed with such powerful numbers and lovely songs that it ends too soon. I would have loved to see more!
Particularly noteworthy are the Monte Carlo Hotel segments featuring “La Leyenda el Beso” y “Qué Motivo” and at The Everglades Hotel as Liza with “New York, New York”, and as Boy-Chic singing his theme song: "I'm Gonna Live Until I Die" and "La Virgen de la Macarena". Also David stands out with his tribute in song to Judy Garland singing: "If Love Were All", "Over The Rainbow" and "This Is My Life".
Overall, this highly entertaining production shows David de Alba beyond his Finocchio days; on TV shows, restaurants, nightclubs, and all the way up to his debut in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he now resides. One could not get a clearer picture of this multi-talented artist!
Linda La Blanche
International Music Reviewer
What people are saying about David's three recently released Videos:
("Bookshop to the Stars" as radio personality Gary Owens once stated ).
Memories of His Live Performances, Vols.1 & 2: David is very talented and has the movements down perfect. The Liza portrayal I really liked, but my personal favourite was the Irma La Douce segment on Vol.1 . . . I can relate better to that I suppose. The rendition of his theme song "I'm Gonna Live Until I Die" also seems so appropriate these days . . . very nice. I felt a certain wave of sadness, especially as the "Pierrot" character (which I really liked). Kind of reminded me of myself as sort of a talented clown, but not really understood by the masses . . . only to a few.
There is no question of the genius of David de Alba as a World Class performer. As the World's foremost female impersonator of the immortal Judy Garland, David has assembled a nostalgic and important archive in this field of creative entertainment in these recent videos. A beautiful man with beautiful presentations of rare material from his career which should be an integral part of those who appreciate the art.
Memories of His Live Performances, Vol.1: Mr David de Alba, The Cuban Legend, reigns forever! As I sat down and watched this historic performers' newly released video creatively entitled "The Cuban Legend David de Alba, Memories of His Live Performance" I was truly mesmerized by his ability to go from one character to the next. What can I say? I love Judy Garland and Mr. de Alba had me totally believing that I was watching the real Judy perform. The same with his Liza and Boy-Chic acts as well. Gee whiz, the memories were phenominal. I especially liked the Finocchio's and television footage which proves to me that de Alba does very well under pressure. I would recommend this video to anyone who is looking for some fantastic female impersonator history documented on video. The Cuban Legend has done it again. God Bless You My Dear!
A Tribute to Judy Garland: This is with out doubt one of the best live performances/tributes of 2007! I only wish that I could have been among the many David de Alba Fans at this lovely concert of his. David was in the best form. His voice was impecably toned and as usual he was as beautiful as the late Judy Garland herself. It is quite evident that Mr de Alba truly loves his fans and loves people in general. The emotion, and at times humor, that Mr de Alba shared with us in this DVD collection is as entertaining as being there. I found myself laughing along and of course getting choked up as such standards as Over The Rainbow and San Francisco were performed by David de Alba.
This is truly a must have for the David de Alba fan and collector of his rare appearances. I especially liked seeing David de Alba getting up close and personal with his audience as he walks through the group singing to each fan with the utmost attention to making sure he shakes every hand. Super job Mr de Alba.
Memories of His Live Performances, Vol.1: Last night I watched your video. The video is excellent and very much like a dream. It reminds me of a dream, like performing in heaven . . . A dream . . . Visualizing a daydream!!! Very different from the other Female Impersonator videos. Your love for Judy Garland is fondly expressed. You resemble the likes of Judy Garland. I loved you as Liza . . . the gusto is shown. Collectors and fans will enjoy your work forever!
A Tribute to Judy Garland: Your performance on stage at the Winchester was grand...worth a dozen roses. You looked beautiful when you held your head up to the audience. The image....very much like Judy Garland. You are very relaxed and at home on stage. David, you'd make a wonderful Actress/Actor for film. To all the producers out in the world of making movies. "Please audition David for film/stage". Keep up the Artiste work.
Memories of His Live Performances, Vol.1: I was told that the clips in these videos were done with primitive technology compared to what is available today and expected the quality of production to be much less than it was. I was pleasantly surprised! To see David's talents with ones own eyes is quite a special treat. David as Judy Garland, Boy-Chic, Liza Minnelli, Irma La-Douce, the French Pièrrot and more; not just on the stage at Finocchio's, but in many venues. I sat and watched the video in one sitting and was mesmerized by David's talents once again. A TV interview done on David was a special surprise I had not anticipated. What an afternoon of wonderful entertainment and insight!
Memories of His Live Performances, Vol.2: When I watch a Volume One and a Volume Two of any video my first reaction is too ask myself which I liked better. I think this holds true for most of us. I couldn't say in this case.
Once again I felt a was at Finocchio's while watching the segments filmed there (the only footage I know of actual performance video done at the Finocchio Club). There was so much more however . . . David appearing on television shows, at various venues and as many different characters. I was again, most entertained.
David de Alba's talents, warmth and personality cannot help but shine through in his latest video. These things cannot be hidden by camera. I will not of course, give away the content of the video except to say that I was most moved by David singing a cappella, the beautiful "Noche De Paz medley" . . . truly captivating and moving. I once again, own a treasure.
A very special thank you to David de Alba and producer Paul Ryner for these rare and precious inside looks into David - The Performer, The Cuban Legend from Finocchio's, and the kind and warm person you cannot help getting to know through his 8 CDs and now 2 videos.
Memories of His Live Performances, Vol.1: I just finished watching the video and indeed, it provided a much better sense of an evening at the Finocchio Club. I enjoyed the performances and was amazed at your Judy impersonation. Judy's Tramp came alive again. I also enjoyed your Boy-Chic persona and your songs in Spanish and Spanish/English. Your rendition of La Virgen de la Macarena is outstanding!
A Tribute to Judy Garland: I had the opportunity to view and enjoy in DVD the tribute to Judy Garland given by one of today's most talented female impersonators, David de Alba, this past January 28, 2007 at the Winchester Cultural Center Theater in Las Vegas.
David slips so deeply into character that he vanishes to give way to a beautiful woman with very similar gestures to Judy Garland. He provides such a unique version of this great diva that rather than establishing a comparison with the real Judy, we are compelled to like this character brought to life by David without much artifice or exaggeration. His gifted voice and personal style provide a touch of humor in between songs to personalize the show.
There are times during the performance when David reaches the peak of emotion and tears swell in his eyes without explanation to his feelings at that moment. This can only be achieved by an artist who sinks so deeply into his characterization or by some other unknown reason where at times human intelligence can’t reach.
Furthermore, at the end of the show, he’s to be commended and admired for taking the time to get close to his fans, lovingly posing for photographs with them and signing autographs. David doesn’t leave the stage until anyone who wants to meet him goes away with the lovely gift of a caress, a handshake or the beautiful smile of David de Alba, “The Cuban Legend”, who always gives the best of himself on the stage.
Memories of His Live Performances, Vol.1: Viendo escenas del primer video del Gran David de Alba llego a la conclución que David de Alba "LA LEYENDA CUBANA" nacio con el arte en sus venas. Siendo primeramente un gran estilista, profesión que necesita de mucho arte también. Luego llega al arte de la música y se transforma (en sus actuaciones) en una preciosa mujer de refinados modales, que es capaz de cantar con una melodiosa voz femenina llegando a pensar por medio de sus personificaciones, que estas delante de LIZA MINELLI, JUDY GARLAND , o los personajes de su creación como son Boy-Chic o El Pierrot. David es versatil. Te transporta a un escenario donde las horas se van tan de prisa y quedas con los deseos de ver otra "gran actuación" como la que acabas de presenciar. Gracias "LEYENDA CUBANA" por el regalo de tu arte.
[ One has but to watch some scenes from Video Volume 1 of the great David de Alba to realize that he carries art in his blood. He starts out as a great hair stylist, also a very artistic profession; later he discovers the art of music and becomes (in his stage performances) a lovely woman of refined manners who is able to sing with a melodious feminine voice making us believe that we are in front of Liza Minelli, Judy Garland, or some characters of his own creation such as Boy-Chic or The Pierrot. David is so versatile that he transports us to a stage where time goes by too fast and leaves us wanting to see another “great performance” as the one we’ve just seen. Thank you “Cuban Legend” for the gift of your art. ]
Memories of His Live Performances, Vol.2: Bueno que decirte, fabulosa tus actuaciones. Me encantó la canción de Navidad que cantaste a cappella, muy bien interpretada. Tu voz muy clara y muy bien afinada. Esos temas son difíciles de cantar cuando no hay música de fondo y tú lo sabes hacer muy profesionalmente.
[Well, what can I say? Fabulous performances. I loved your excellent rendition of the Christmas song you sang a cappella. Your voice is clear and well tuned. To sing a cappella (without background music) is very difficult, but you can do it quite professionally.]
A Tribute to Judy Garland: I have watched your DVD all the way through 2 times. The performance was excellent & your choice of songs was the best. I am glad that you had a sold out crowd & they seemed to love every minute of the performance. Everyone loved Judy Garland & you brought back a whole lot of memories for the group. I especially liked your narration & close up contact with the audience. It was personal & very touching. An excellent job! Would like to have seen it in person. CONGRATULATIONS!!
A Tribute to Judy Garland: Your DVD just elevated everything I ever thought you were. Wow. It was such a wonderful amazing performance! So life-like and true to the DVDs I have of Judy performing.
A Tribute to Judy Garland: I was so happy to see the basics of your one person show, and of course now I'm extremely upset that I couldn't see your show 'live'! Live performances are extremely difficult to transfer to film, and I took that into consideration, but your star shone through!!!
The throngs of adoring fans at the end of the video shows how well you were received and how well you entertained them! Again, I wish I could have been in the audience at The Winchester Theatre that afternoon...
A Tribute to Judy Garland: APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE! CONGRATULATIONS! It’s very difficult to hold an audience for 90 minutes, but you came across with all those wonderful songs that Judy Garland did. You are A WINNER! The Audience Loved You!
A Tribute to Judy Garland: I was very glad to see David on the stage again. I'm so happy because David continues being The Legend. He is amazing, fabulous and great! I wish David continued triumph for a long time.
A Tribute to Judy Garland: David as Judy Garland...WOW what a performance! David's rendition of Judy Garland is the best I have seen. The mannerisms and vocal renditions made for a captivating performance that entranced the audience. I can't wait for another opportunity to see this show again! Congratulations to David De Alba on a spectacular performance.