I SPIED ON THEM WHILE THEY READIED FOR TONY ~By CINDY ADAMS

June 8, 2009 -- THE Tonys. You watched the show last night. I worked the rehearsal yesterday morning.

So Liza's telling me: "I started out making scenery, painting flats. Being in a theater is the most exciting thing in my life." Midway a stranger interrupted to blaah endlessly on how thrilling to meet her in person. Eyes glazed over, Liza turned back to me with: "So, anyway, she gave him the $30,000." Staring at her, I asked: "What the hell are you talking about?" When the fan finally left, Liza grinned: "Years ago my godmother, Kay Thompson, taught me: 'When you need to shake some pest, just tell whomever you're with, 'So, anyway, she gave him the $30,000.' It gets you out of any corner."