Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Liza Minnelli begins in Grand Style
Greeted with success the first stage of the tour of Liza Minelli that has shown to the auditorium of the Music of Rome (lecterns). And 'appeared in grand form showing everything her legendary expression and talent for quite two hours of concert with little pauses dedicated to the ritual, of the change of clothing. An unforgettable show, overwhelming, in which the queen of the cabaret, supported from a band of 12 musicians and four extraordinary dancers-singing, interpreted a lot of her success dictated from a deafening and thirty-year career. You sing without time like "Cabaret", "Maybe This Time", "And The World Goes' Round", besides "New York New York" with that concluded the evening, Liza asked courteously, for the umpteenth time, to the enthusiastic onlookers to please sit down. Next appointment is for 1 of November at the Theater of the Musical May Florentine.
Liza Minnelli "For the autograph of Mina I would do a line for hours"
The voice of New York from today in tour in Italy "I Am a fan, a duet with her would please myself"
MICHELA TAMBURRINO
ROME Has energy to sell, Liza Minnelli, although the slaps received from the life and the her 62 years. And not because you sing or dance like a large star could do to 30, but because is there, enthusiast, that if laughs it for an attractive day, for an ice cream, for a beaten. Sacred and profane, l' essence of this woman that supports light: "I am a gypsy one of Broadway, I do not take myself ever on the serious one and before every show I recite the prayer of Mother Teresa of Calcutta". The gypsy one, after a promotional tour "to cold", it is presented live from tonight in tour. She leaves the Auditorium of Holy Cecilia, in Rome, then will be moved to Florence (Saturday), Bologna (4 November), Barium (7), November 10 to the Royal one of Turin, closing 14 to the Arcimboldi of Milan. All' origin of the show (that it is made use of of a band of 12 elements and of a quartet of dancers-singing), the tax to the family; to the father Winning, marvellous producer that lover did them the Italian story first still dell' Italy; to mommy Judy Garland, mythical star too fragile in order not to come overwhelmed from its same success and to the godmother Kay Thompson, arranger and vocal coach even. In the menu, large success like Cabaret, Maybe This Thyme, New York, New York and very other pieces written for her from two sacred monsters of Broadway of the caliber of John Kander and Fred Ebb, authors of the musical Chicago.
Lady Minnelli, she has a professional life of enormous success, won an Oscar, is loved from the public, is carrying in tour a show that in Europe did sparks. Why then it is defined "a survivor"?
I have addressed all this fighting, with simplicity and determination. Each morning, I I looked at in the mirror and I thought: "We are there, let us go forward". complicated, but at the end I won. Also because I have always sought The best part of life: the people, friends, a bit of rock, the Brazilian music, Mina ".
But then it is true that it Undermines it is her favorite artist?
"Certainty that is true, I am an its fanatic fan. I would adore a duet with her, I would do a line of hours to have an her autograph".
After this tour a new album?
"No, I am writing a film acclimated to New York, in the zone of the small pub where is fixed the people of show in wait of to become well-known. I am those that they inhale to Broadway, that they sing between the desks imagining itself of to be elsewhere".
We return at the "survivor". After the unsuccessful marriage two years does, in love how goes?
"Please no, from the point of view men it goes bad. However living person a marvellous emotional condition of solitude. With the men never I had luck: I have an excellent flavor for the friends but awful for the fiancés".
It does not be able to be alone misfortune. It not something of its in this will have put us sentimental disaster? For example the drug? Or l' alcohol?
"In effects I messed up a lot. However now I learned on my skin that the dependence is a serious illness. It is there in the brain, it hatches and then it destroys you. A condition that pursued me since little girl, when I saw it in the persons that more I loved. All my family there was born".
We approach all' election of the president Usa in a terrible moment of crisis. How does it see its Country today?
"Like all I am afraid, I feel myself insecure, above all I am worried for the middle class that is who pay the most expensive price. I can do little but in the mine small want to help the weakest. And then it believe to give moments of thoughtlessness. It is not survived without the sense dell' humor. L' I understood to 16 years when I have have to confront with the problem of not to have nothing. And I have helped so: minimizing".
MICHELA TAMBURRINO
ROME Has energy to sell, Liza Minnelli, although the slaps received from the life and the her 62 years. And not because you sing or dance like a large star could do to 30, but because is there, enthusiast, that if laughs it for an attractive day, for an ice cream, for a beaten. Sacred and profane, l' essence of this woman that supports light: "I am a gypsy one of Broadway, I do not take myself ever on the serious one and before every show I recite the prayer of Mother Teresa of Calcutta". The gypsy one, after a promotional tour "to cold", it is presented live from tonight in tour. She leaves the Auditorium of Holy Cecilia, in Rome, then will be moved to Florence (Saturday), Bologna (4 November), Barium (7), November 10 to the Royal one of Turin, closing 14 to the Arcimboldi of Milan. All' origin of the show (that it is made use of of a band of 12 elements and of a quartet of dancers-singing), the tax to the family; to the father Winning, marvellous producer that lover did them the Italian story first still dell' Italy; to mommy Judy Garland, mythical star too fragile in order not to come overwhelmed from its same success and to the godmother Kay Thompson, arranger and vocal coach even. In the menu, large success like Cabaret, Maybe This Thyme, New York, New York and very other pieces written for her from two sacred monsters of Broadway of the caliber of John Kander and Fred Ebb, authors of the musical Chicago.
Lady Minnelli, she has a professional life of enormous success, won an Oscar, is loved from the public, is carrying in tour a show that in Europe did sparks. Why then it is defined "a survivor"?
I have addressed all this fighting, with simplicity and determination. Each morning, I I looked at in the mirror and I thought: "We are there, let us go forward". complicated, but at the end I won. Also because I have always sought The best part of life: the people, friends, a bit of rock, the Brazilian music, Mina ".
But then it is true that it Undermines it is her favorite artist?
"Certainty that is true, I am an its fanatic fan. I would adore a duet with her, I would do a line of hours to have an her autograph".
After this tour a new album?
"No, I am writing a film acclimated to New York, in the zone of the small pub where is fixed the people of show in wait of to become well-known. I am those that they inhale to Broadway, that they sing between the desks imagining itself of to be elsewhere".
We return at the "survivor". After the unsuccessful marriage two years does, in love how goes?
"Please no, from the point of view men it goes bad. However living person a marvellous emotional condition of solitude. With the men never I had luck: I have an excellent flavor for the friends but awful for the fiancés".
It does not be able to be alone misfortune. It not something of its in this will have put us sentimental disaster? For example the drug? Or l' alcohol?
"In effects I messed up a lot. However now I learned on my skin that the dependence is a serious illness. It is there in the brain, it hatches and then it destroys you. A condition that pursued me since little girl, when I saw it in the persons that more I loved. All my family there was born".
We approach all' election of the president Usa in a terrible moment of crisis. How does it see its Country today?
"Like all I am afraid, I feel myself insecure, above all I am worried for the middle class that is who pay the most expensive price. I can do little but in the mine small want to help the weakest. And then it believe to give moments of thoughtlessness. It is not survived without the sense dell' humor. L' I understood to 16 years when I have have to confront with the problem of not to have nothing. And I have helped so: minimizing".
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
THREE STANDING OVATIONS FROM THE Roman STAGE for LIZA MINNELLI
Liza Minnelli (IRIS) - ROME, 30 OCT - has appeared on the stage with a full audience and immediately the crowd at the Sala S. Cecilia Auditorium of Rome has unleashed with a feast of rejoices of applause. Liza Minnelli began strong and energetic more than ever in the first stage of her tour that will carry her through Italy until November 14.
Despite her 62 years, Liza sang, danced and recited for almost 2 hours of entertainment ,stopping only for the changes in dress. The first standing ovation came off to the end of the famous song 'Cabaret', from the homonymous musical that been worth them a like best protagonist actress Oscar in 1972. Then Minnelli shows her repertory of monologues and songs
to intimate chats with the public.
On the notes of 'New York New York' as the American star herself leaves and spectators are once again all on they¢re feet and for that Liza implores "please sit down". Then Liza grants a acapela solo to them and goes away on the arm of the companion, Jared Murillo, that for all the evening accompanied the performance at the piano.
Despite her 62 years, Liza sang, danced and recited for almost 2 hours of entertainment ,stopping only for the changes in dress. The first standing ovation came off to the end of the famous song 'Cabaret', from the homonymous musical that been worth them a like best protagonist actress Oscar in 1972. Then Minnelli shows her repertory of monologues and songs
to intimate chats with the public.
On the notes of 'New York New York' as the American star herself leaves and spectators are once again all on they¢re feet and for that Liza implores "please sit down". Then Liza grants a acapela solo to them and goes away on the arm of the companion, Jared Murillo, that for all the evening accompanied the performance at the piano.
Monday, October 27, 2008
PHOTO CALL: Minnelli and Company Rehearse for Liza's at the Palace...!
From left: Jim Caruso, Tiger Martina, Liza Minnelli, Johnny Rodgers and Cortes Alexander All photos by Aubrey Reuben
Director/choreographer Ron Lewis 
Musical supervisor Billy Stritch
By Matthew Blank27 Oct 2008
Tony, Grammy, Oscar and Emmy Award winner Liza Minnelli is currently in rehearsals for Liza's at the Palace . . .!, a two-week concert engagement that will begin performances at Broadway's Palace Theatre Dec. 3.
The production, which will run through Dec. 14, is penned by Minnelli and Tony winner David Zippel (City of Angels, The Goodbye Girl).
Directed and choreographed by Ron Lewis, the evening will feature conductor/drummer Michael Berkowitz and pianist/musical supervisor Billy Stritch leading a 12-person orchestra.
According to press notes, the show will boast "an incomparable Minnelli songfest including many of her personal favorites and signature hits, followed by a dance-filled tribute to the groundbreaking late-1940s nightclub act of Minnelli's godmother, Kay Thompson."
Minnelli will be joined onstage by Cortés Alexander, Jim Caruso, Tiger Martina and Johnny Rodgers.
Show times are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 PM with matinees on Sundays at 3 PM.
The Palace Theatre is located at Broadway and 47th Street. Tickets, priced $25-$125, will be available by calling (212) 307-4100 or (800) 755-4000. For more information visit www.lizasatthepalace.com.
Here is a sneak peek at the cast in a Friday morning rehearsal at Chelsea Studios:
By Matthew Blank27 Oct 2008Tony, Grammy, Oscar and Emmy Award winner Liza Minnelli is currently in rehearsals for Liza's at the Palace . . .!, a two-week concert engagement that will begin performances at Broadway's Palace Theatre Dec. 3.
The production, which will run through Dec. 14, is penned by Minnelli and Tony winner David Zippel (City of Angels, The Goodbye Girl).
Directed and choreographed by Ron Lewis, the evening will feature conductor/drummer Michael Berkowitz and pianist/musical supervisor Billy Stritch leading a 12-person orchestra.
According to press notes, the show will boast "an incomparable Minnelli songfest including many of her personal favorites and signature hits, followed by a dance-filled tribute to the groundbreaking late-1940s nightclub act of Minnelli's godmother, Kay Thompson."
Minnelli will be joined onstage by Cortés Alexander, Jim Caruso, Tiger Martina and Johnny Rodgers.
Show times are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 PM with matinees on Sundays at 3 PM.
The Palace Theatre is located at Broadway and 47th Street. Tickets, priced $25-$125, will be available by calling (212) 307-4100 or (800) 755-4000. For more information visit www.lizasatthepalace.com.
Here is a sneak peek at the cast in a Friday morning rehearsal at Chelsea Studios:
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Liza Minelli's "Liza's At The Palace" On Broadway - Open Rehearsal
Singer Liza Minnelli attends an open rehearsal for "Liza's at the Palace" on Broadway at the Chelsea Rehearsal Studios on October 24, 2008 in New York City.
(Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images North America)
(Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images North America)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
In Rehearsal: Liza's at the Palace...!
Featuring a 12 piece orchestra, Liza at the Palace...! features such hits as "Cabaret," "Maybe This Time" and "New York, New York." Also a part of the evening will be a tribute to Minnelli's godmother, Funny Face star Kay Thompson.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
LIZA as Norma Desmond! by Bradly Briggs
photoshop by samymiro 2008 ~ click image for full size!
Movie musicals in recent years have suffered and I believe it is because the lead characters have not been dynamic vocal artists. Sunset Blvd is a great story and sublime score and I believe the only performer around today to do justice to the lead is Liza Minnelli who has a strong & soulful voice and is a great dramatic actress and at this stage of her life I really feel that Liza is ready for her big close up...would earn her another Oscar and be a huge hit!
Thank you for your consideration!!!
Sincerely, Bradly Briggs
Movie musicals in recent years have suffered and I believe it is because the lead characters have not been dynamic vocal artists. Sunset Blvd is a great story and sublime score and I believe the only performer around today to do justice to the lead is Liza Minnelli who has a strong & soulful voice and is a great dramatic actress and at this stage of her life I really feel that Liza is ready for her big close up...would earn her another Oscar and be a huge hit!
Thank you for your consideration!!!
Sincerely, Bradly Briggs
Liza Remastered
antiMusic) On the off chance one of her fans stumbles in here by mistake. Here is some news for you: In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of their initial issue, Collector's Choice is pleased to present, for the first time ever, the CD debut of Liza Minnelli's entire catalog for A&M Records - restored and remastered for this new collection, in 24-bit digital splendor, directly from the original master tapes. Originally released from 1968 through 1972, these four albums, one single, and several rare outtakes represent a unique period in a legend's legacy. The street date is November 25.
A time when Minnelli was already past the stage of being an unknown or new artist -- but not quite the superstar she would become just as her association with A&M would end -- and her avalanche of awards began in earnest (including an Oscar for her starring role in the movie Cabaret, and an Emmy for her TV special Liza With a 'Z.') You might think of this historic 2-CD set as "Liza BEFORE The 'Z,'" or 'PRE-'Z.'"
This exclusive Collector's Choice 2-CD set features an informative essay from Liza's official webmaster, author - historian Scott Schechter, a full-color booklet with rare photos, and includes the studio albums Liza Minnelli (1968), Come Saturday Morning (1969), New Feelin' (1970), along with her first in-person solo recording Live at the Olympia in Paris (1972) -- discs that have never appeared on CD in the U.S. (and only the first and last LPs were on briefly-issued overseas compact discs, that fetch many hundreds of dollars on eBay when they appear). Hear Liza tackle songs with an unexpected contemporary pop-country-folk-Muscle Shoals beat, including numbers by Randy Newman ("Debutante's Ball"), John Denver ("Leavin' on a Jet Plane") and her husband Peter Allen ("Simon") -- along with yes, the expected tunes from the Great American Songbook, Hollywood, and Broadway.... including selections by her team of Kander and Ebb, and thus her hits "Liza With a 'Z,'" and, of course, "Cabaret."
This set is a must-have for all fans of music from the late 1960s into the early 1970s -- and of course, Liza Lovers will think they've died and gone to, well, Liza Land. Come to the Cabaret and celebrate this still acclaimed living legend at the early period of her acclaimed career.
A time when Minnelli was already past the stage of being an unknown or new artist -- but not quite the superstar she would become just as her association with A&M would end -- and her avalanche of awards began in earnest (including an Oscar for her starring role in the movie Cabaret, and an Emmy for her TV special Liza With a 'Z.') You might think of this historic 2-CD set as "Liza BEFORE The 'Z,'" or 'PRE-'Z.'"
This exclusive Collector's Choice 2-CD set features an informative essay from Liza's official webmaster, author - historian Scott Schechter, a full-color booklet with rare photos, and includes the studio albums Liza Minnelli (1968), Come Saturday Morning (1969), New Feelin' (1970), along with her first in-person solo recording Live at the Olympia in Paris (1972) -- discs that have never appeared on CD in the U.S. (and only the first and last LPs were on briefly-issued overseas compact discs, that fetch many hundreds of dollars on eBay when they appear). Hear Liza tackle songs with an unexpected contemporary pop-country-folk-Muscle Shoals beat, including numbers by Randy Newman ("Debutante's Ball"), John Denver ("Leavin' on a Jet Plane") and her husband Peter Allen ("Simon") -- along with yes, the expected tunes from the Great American Songbook, Hollywood, and Broadway.... including selections by her team of Kander and Ebb, and thus her hits "Liza With a 'Z,'" and, of course, "Cabaret."
This set is a must-have for all fans of music from the late 1960s into the early 1970s -- and of course, Liza Lovers will think they've died and gone to, well, Liza Land. Come to the Cabaret and celebrate this still acclaimed living legend at the early period of her acclaimed career.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
LIZA attends wedding ~Judge Judy Marries Michael Feinstein and his partner of 11 years, Terrence Flannery
Judge Judy officiated the A-list marriage between four time Grammy nominee, singer/pianist Michael Feinstein and his partner of 11 years, Terrence Flannery, on Friday in Los Angeles.
Broadway World reports:
The wedding ceremony, which is to be officiated by close friend Judge Judy Scheindlin, will take place on the couple's estate in Los Angeles. Feinstein and Flannery will celebrate their nuptials with 115 of their close friends, including Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, David Hyde Pierce, Doris Roberts, Joan Collins and Henry Winkler. There will also be special performances by Liza Minnelli and Barry Manilow in honor of the couple’s special day.
In spite of the much opposed Proposition 8, the initiative measure currently on the 2008 California General Election ballot entitled "Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry," the couple firmly believes that their blessed union will be legally recognized as long as they both shall live.
Feinstein, best known as the ambassador of the American Song book, began his career at the age of 20 when he was introduced to the great lyricist Ira Gershwin by the widow of the legendary concert pianist-actor, Oscar Levant. Feinstein became Gershwin's assistant for six years, archiving the extensive Gershwin works and gaining unprecedented access to numerous unpublished Gershwin songs, which he has since performed and recorded. Discovered by Liza Minnelli, his career took off after his Broadway show, Isn't It Romantic, which opened in 1986. Through his live performances, recordings, film and TV appearances and his song writing (in collaboration with Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Lindy Robbins and Carole Bayer Sager), he has become one of the premiere interpreters of American popular song.
Last update: 10-21-2008 09:51
Broadway World reports:
The wedding ceremony, which is to be officiated by close friend Judge Judy Scheindlin, will take place on the couple's estate in Los Angeles. Feinstein and Flannery will celebrate their nuptials with 115 of their close friends, including Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, David Hyde Pierce, Doris Roberts, Joan Collins and Henry Winkler. There will also be special performances by Liza Minnelli and Barry Manilow in honor of the couple’s special day.
In spite of the much opposed Proposition 8, the initiative measure currently on the 2008 California General Election ballot entitled "Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry," the couple firmly believes that their blessed union will be legally recognized as long as they both shall live.
Feinstein, best known as the ambassador of the American Song book, began his career at the age of 20 when he was introduced to the great lyricist Ira Gershwin by the widow of the legendary concert pianist-actor, Oscar Levant. Feinstein became Gershwin's assistant for six years, archiving the extensive Gershwin works and gaining unprecedented access to numerous unpublished Gershwin songs, which he has since performed and recorded. Discovered by Liza Minnelli, his career took off after his Broadway show, Isn't It Romantic, which opened in 1986. Through his live performances, recordings, film and TV appearances and his song writing (in collaboration with Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Lindy Robbins and Carole Bayer Sager), he has become one of the premiere interpreters of American popular song.
Last update: 10-21-2008 09:51
Monday, October 20, 2008
NEW LIZA COLLECTION CD...
LIZA news, the label Collector's Choice will release, for the first time on CD, Minnelli's entire catalog for A&M Records, which includes four albums originally released from 1968 through 1972, a single, and several outtakes. The two-CD set will hit stores Nov. 25, according to a press release.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Liza's At The Palace...!”
LIZA MINNELLI In Concert
Liza Minnelli will bring her unmatchable magic to Broadway, when she stars in her new show “Liza’s At The Palace…!” opening Wednesday, December 3rd (6:30PM) at the Palace Theatre (Broadway & 47th Street) for a limited engagement through December 14th. Produced by John Scher/Metropolitan Talent Presents & Jubilee Time Productions and directed and choreographed by Ron Lewis, the evening will feature an incomparable Minnelli songfest including many of her personal favorites and signature hits, followed by a dance-filled tribute to the groundbreaking late-1940s nightclub act of Minnelli's godmother, Kay Thompson. Gary Labriola will serve as Executive Producer.
Along with a twelve-man orchestra led by conductor/drummer Michael Berkowitz and pianist/musical supervisor Billy Stritch, “Liza’s At The Palace…!” will be highlighted with many of Liza’s showstoppers such as “Cabaret,” “Maybe This Time,” and “New York New York” – all written especially for her by the legendary Broadway song writing partnership of John Kander and Fred Ebb. For the first time onstage, Liza will pay an affectionate salute to her godmother, the late Kay Thompson who was a legendary performer (“Think Pink!” from “Funny Face”), author (“Eloise at the Plaza”) as well a gifted vocal arranger and Music Director/vocal coach at MGM Studios who worked with stars such as Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and Lena Horne. Supported by a quartet of dynamic singer/dancers, Liza will perform musical hits (with the original vocal arrangements) from Thompson's act including such numbers as “I Love a Violin,” “Clap Yo' Hands,” “Jubilee Time” and “Hello Hello”---set to brand-new staging and choreography by Mr. Lewis. Accompanying her onstage will be Cortés Alexander, Jim Caruso, Tiger Martina and Johnny Rodgers.
The concert performance will be scripted by Liza and Tony Award-winner David Zippel, and will be full of personal stories, anecdotes and heartfelt reminiscences embraced in a theatrical setting featuring scenery by Ray Klausen, costumes by Halston, lighting by Matthew Berman and sound by Matt Krauss.
Liza Minnelli was born in Los Angeles and made her screen debut as a toddler in the musical In the Good Old Summertime in 1949. One of the world’s best-loved entertainers, she won Tony awards for Flora, the Red Menace in 1965 and The Act in 1978, along with a third for Best Personal Achievement, resulting from her 1974 engagement at the Winter Garden Theatre. Nominated for an Academy Award® for The Sterile Cuckoo (1969), she won the best actress prize for her best-known film, Cabaret (1972), which also won her a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA. She won an Emmy for Liza with a 'Z' (1972) and was also the recipient of a Grammy Legend Award in 1989, making her one of the few artists who have won entertainment's top six awards. Liza has also been the recipient of three David di Donatello Awards – for The Sterile Cuckoo (1969), Cabaret (1972) and Lifetime Achievement (2002). Film credits include Charlie Bubbles (1968), Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon (1970), Lucky Lady (1975), A Matter of Time (1976), New York, New York (1977), Arthur (1981) Stepping Out (1991), and The Oh In Ohio (2006). Liza recently attracted an entirely new generation of fans with her acclaimed turn as "Lucille 2" on the Emmy-winning Best Comedy Arrested Development, and for her appearance on the chart-topping album The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance. For the latest on Liza, visit her website OfficialLizaMinnelli.com. For show information, visit LizasAtThePalace.com.
Ron Lewis has been a staple on the Las Vegas scene for decades and last choreographed Liza in her Tony Award-winning performance in “The Act” on Broadway. Having worked on over 80 productions, Lewis has directed/choreographed shows for some of the biggest names in show business including Anne Margaret, Debbie Reynolds, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Paul Anka.
“Liza’s At The Palace…!” will play the following performance schedule at the Palace Theatre (Broadway & 47th Street) : Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8PM with matinees on Sundays at 3PM. Tickets prices range from $125 to $55. (Upon special request by Liza--- $25 first row seats will be made available at box office by daily lottery.)
LIZA, PALACE COME FULL CIRCLE
Posted: 4:00 am
October 19, 2008
'UNTIL YOU play The Palace, you haven't played the top!" sang Judy Garland ages and ages ago.
ON JUNE 10, 2007, I was attending an AmFAR benefit in the Rainbow Room with the AIDS-fighting hero Kenneth Cole. Liza Minnelli joined us; she performed, she fooled around, she then sold one song, "Our Love Is Here to Stay," to big bidders who paid $50,000 to hear this number.
Liza was with a guy named Ron Lewis, and they were about to depart for South America on an adventure to bring to life a show about Liza's godmother, the famous performer Kay Thompson. I thought it was a great idea, but I wasn't sure if Liza could really make it happen. Way back in the mid-'50s, I'd seen the electrifying Miss Thompson and the dancing-singing Williams Brothers do their act in The Plaza Hotel's Persian Room. It was unforgettable. Miss Thompson was then already a legend, immortalized at MGM and later on TV's "Person to Person" by Edward R. Murrow.
This creative genius nurtured talent, wrote the "Eloise at The Plaza" books, influenced Judy Garland's latter-day performing style, and perhaps you recall her as the fashion editor who goes to Paris and sings "Think Pink" in the classic Fred Astaire-Audrey Hepburn movie "Funny Face."
Liza always worshipped her godmother, and in the days before the latter died in 1998, she took care of Kay personally, bringing her into her own apartment.
NOW IT'S all coming back together. Liza and her guys have been perform ing all over South America and in Europe, and on Dec. 3 they'll open "Liza's at The Palace" for the world to enjoy through Dec. 14. And yes, of course, we mean New York's Palace on Broadway.
Half of it will be a Liza concert, and half will be director Lewis' version of Kay and the Williams Brothers. (The Brothers are to be played by Jim Caruso, Johnny Rodgers, Cortes Alexander, Tiger Martina. Do I have to tell you that in real life, the original quartet produced the star Andy Williams?) The whole thing is backed up by the incredible Billy Stritch, produced by John Scher. Mr. Lewis has created all new innovative choreography, for there is unfortunately no film record of Kay and the Williams Brothers.
Liza is again following in her famous mother's footsteps (Judy at The Palace was a sensation, more than once!) But this time Liza is paying homage to another woman both she and Judy adored.
You gotta keep handing it to Liza Minnelli. Nothing keeps her down.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Liza to attend the wedding of MICHAEL FEINSTEIN to his longtime partner Terrence Flannery.
Liza is flying to California to attend the wedding of MICHAEL FEINSTEIN to his longtime partner Terrence Flannery. The couple are due to be married in Los Angeles on October 17, 2008. (Stephen Holden broke the news of his upcoming marriage in the NY TIMES, on September 1st, 2008)!
Liza~THE TODAY SHOW on NBC-TV, this Monday, October 20th
Liza is slated to be on THE TODAY SHOW on NBC-TV, this Monday, October 20th, 2008. (I've heard the 9-10 AM hour, and I've also heard the 10-11 AM hour, so .... The show airs from 7 to 11 AM if anyone REALLY wants to be diligent, but you should be fine from 9 to 11 AM) .... No singing scheduled for now, just an interview.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Photo Flash: Liza Minnelli Visits Blackhurst and Stritch at Metropolitan Room
Broadwayworld.com...
Thursday, October 16, 2008; Posted: 10:48 AM - by BWW News Desk
Last night, Liza Minnelli decided to treat co-workers Johnny Rodgers, Jim Caruso, Cortes Alexander and Tiger Martina to an evening of cabaret! The five-some took time off from rehearsals to cheer musical cohort Billy Stritch and Klea Blackhurst, who dazzled the crowd with an evening of Hoagy Carmichael songs at the Metropolitan Room. For the past two years, Minnelli and the boys have been performing a musical valentine to her godmother, entertainer Kay Thompson. The celebrated author of "Eloise," Thompson turned the nightclub world on it's ear with a musical act co-starring The Williams Brothers in the late 1940's and early 1950's.
Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch are currently celebrating the release of their new CD Dreaming Of A Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael with two weeks worth of performances at the Metropolitan Room. (34 West 22nd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues) from October 14 – 17 and November 19 – 21. Show times are Tuesday, October 14 at 7:00 PM; Wednesday, October 15 – Friday, October 17 at 9:45 PM; Wednesday, November 19 at 7:30 PM; Thursday, November 20 and Friday, November 21 at 9:45 PM. There is a $30 cover and a two beverage minimum. Please call (212) 206-0440 for or visit http://www.metropolitanroom.com/for reservations.
Last night, Liza Minnelli decided to treat co-workers Johnny Rodgers, Jim Caruso, Cortes Alexander and Tiger Martina to an evening of cabaret! The five-some took time off from rehearsals to cheer musical cohort Billy Stritch and Klea Blackhurst, who dazzled the crowd with an evening of Hoagy Carmichael songs at the Metropolitan Room. For the past two years, Minnelli and the boys have been performing a musical valentine to her godmother, entertainer Kay Thompson. The celebrated author of "Eloise," Thompson turned the nightclub world on it's ear with a musical act co-starring The Williams Brothers in the late 1940's and early 1950's.
Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch are currently celebrating the release of their new CD Dreaming Of A Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael with two weeks worth of performances at the Metropolitan Room. (34 West 22nd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues) from October 14 – 17 and November 19 – 21. Show times are Tuesday, October 14 at 7:00 PM; Wednesday, October 15 – Friday, October 17 at 9:45 PM; Wednesday, November 19 at 7:30 PM; Thursday, November 20 and Friday, November 21 at 9:45 PM. There is a $30 cover and a two beverage minimum. Please call (212) 206-0440 for or visit http://www.metropolitanroom.com/for reservations.
Liza in TODAYS NEWS...
October 16, 2008 --
LIZA Minnelli is on the straight and narrow. After a long public battle with substance abuse, Minnelli is in an outpatient program at the Caron Foundation on East 58th Street. Earlier this week Minnelli, during a break, dropped in next door to have lunch with one of the foundation's doctors in the private dining room at Club A Steak House. A rep for Minnelli said, "Liza proudly works on her sobriety every day. She's in rehearsals for her Kay Thompson tribute at the Palace, which debuts Dec. 3, and was at the Caron Foundation for an alumni reunion meeting."
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Liza Minnelli performs on Tuesday, Feb. 24. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers
The Best of the upcoming Phil season .. NancySTETSON nstetson@floridaweekly.com Every year, receiving the Philharmonic Center for the Arts's new catalog is cause for celebration.
The anticipation builds, and then, finally, one day, there it is in my mailbox.
Turning the glossy, full-color pages is like slowly unwrapping gifts, one at a time, the pages full of the promise of cultural satisfaction ahead.
And, for those of us who cover arts and entertainment for a living, it also gives us a good idea of what our upcoming year is going to be like.
The Phil just seems to offer more and more every year.
The anticipation builds, and then, finally, one day, there it is in my mailbox.
Turning the glossy, full-color pages is like slowly unwrapping gifts, one at a time, the pages full of the promise of cultural satisfaction ahead.
And, for those of us who cover arts and entertainment for a living, it also gives us a good idea of what our upcoming year is going to be like.
The Phil just seems to offer more and more every year.
This year, their lifelong learning workshops and seminars were so numerous (almost 150 adult education classes) that the Phil had to put them in a separate booklet, "You're Never Too Old (Or Young) To Learn."
Here's my highly subjective look at the upcoming season at the Phil: my personal favorites, and what I suspect will be highlights of the season.
Liza Minnelli performs on Tuesday, Feb. 24. I saw her last year at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers, and I was just blown away. I had never attended a concert of hers, and wasn't sure what to expect, whether she'd be at the top of her game.
Liza Minnelli ~ Feb. 24 She is.
Especially of note is the section of her show devoted to the Kay Thompson songbook, complete with old-school choreography with handsome backup singers/ dancers. A performer of the old school, she gives her all, and she entertains. It's impossible not to fall in love with her.
When she walked on stage my theater companion murmured, "Oh, she's just a little thing." At the end of her performance, he declared, "When she sings, she's 7 feet tall!"
Here's my highly subjective look at the upcoming season at the Phil: my personal favorites, and what I suspect will be highlights of the season.
Liza Minnelli performs on Tuesday, Feb. 24. I saw her last year at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers, and I was just blown away. I had never attended a concert of hers, and wasn't sure what to expect, whether she'd be at the top of her game.
Liza Minnelli ~ Feb. 24 She is.
Especially of note is the section of her show devoted to the Kay Thompson songbook, complete with old-school choreography with handsome backup singers/ dancers. A performer of the old school, she gives her all, and she entertains. It's impossible not to fall in love with her.
When she walked on stage my theater companion murmured, "Oh, she's just a little thing." At the end of her performance, he declared, "When she sings, she's 7 feet tall!"
Thursday, October 9, 2008
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