Coming to New York City to play an iconic, real-life character of whom many New Yorkers and music fans have strong, fervent, memories is a daunting task to say the least. Now running on Broadway, at the Belasco Theatre, two-time Olivier Award winner Tracie Bennett is doing just that as she takes on the last days of the legendary Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow.

She's Character Approved this week for daring to give a gutsy, layered portrayal of the legendary star that's got the theatre world buzzing and going back for more.

End of the Rainbow takes place in December 1968 and Garland--who long struggled with substance abuse--is once again preparing for a comeback that doesn't go as planned. The play mixes scenes from Garland's hotel room with her new fiancé and her adoring accompanist along with live performances of some of her most famous songs, including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "The Man That Got Away," "Come Rain or Shine," and "The Trolley Song."

Bennett has long been known to West End audiences, where she's appeared in a plethora of shows from La Cage aux Folles to Hairspray, Les Mis, She Loves Me, and Cash on Delivery. Her role as Garland in End of the Rainbow however, tops them all.

Simply put, you've got to see it to believe it.

[Image: Walter McBride / Broadway World]