Theater spotlight: 'Beyond the Rainbow' at History Theatre

Opening: Jody Briskey reprises her role as Judy Garland in this musical, which was a big hit for the History Theatre in 2005. The show, written by William Randall Beard, uses Garland's landmark 1961 Carnegie Hall concert as a jumping-off point to tell the story of little Frances Gumm from Grand Rapids, Minn. Since the 2005 premiere, "Beyond the Rainbow" has had quite a few productions around the country. While Briskey sings many of Garland's great hits, Norah Long plays young Judy in the dramatic scenes. David Lohman arranged the music. Freelance critic Lisa Brock called the earlier History Theatre production "stunning." (Previews 8 p.m. Thu.-Fri. Opens 8 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. next Sun. $28-$38, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. 651-292-4323 or www.historytheatre.com.)