Saturday, December 29, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Liza Minnelli Talks Smash Appearance, Arrested Development Return
http://www.accesshollywood.com/liza-minnelli-talks-smash-appearance-arrested-development-return_article_74194
First Published: December 21, 2012 3:39 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Liza Minnelli knows how to put on a show, but the stage queen isn’t planning a big bash for New Year’s Eve.
“Not really,” the Broadway legend said when Access Hollywood asked her on the “Smash” set if she had big plans for December 31. “No, I’ve had it with New Year’s (laughs).”
While she won’t be ringing in 2013 with a bang, she will be making a splash on “Smash,” which is gearing up to return for Season 2 in February.
Liza’s episode won’t air until late on in the spring, but she has been indulging in being around the “Smash” talent.
“It’s fun because I admire all of the people. And the directors are wonderful, and all the stars in this are just great, aren’t they? I have great fun watching it,” she told Access. “I’m a fan of the show.”
There’s another show Liza will be in in 2013 – “Arrested Development” – which will premiere its fourth season on Netflix. (She plays Buster’s cougar girlfriend, Lucille.)
“We finished shooting,” she said. “It’s really good… It’s fun to do.”
The “Smash” Season 2 premiere airs February 5 at 9/8c on NBC.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Liza Minnelli to Make Appearance on KATHY, 1/10
http://tv.broadwayworld.com/article/Liza-Minnelli-to-Make-Appearance-on-KATHY-110-20121220
According to the Huffington Post, Liza Minnelli will be the first guest on the new live version of Kathy Giffin's Bravo talkshow, 'Kathy'. Tune in on January 10 to watch the Broadway legend in action.
Click here to read the full article.
An acclaimed Boadway veteran, the actress was last seen onstage in Liza's at The Palace, for which she won a Tony Award. She has also graced the Broadway stage in Minnelli on Minnelli, Victor/Victoria, The Rink, The Act, Chicago, Jule's Friends at the Palace, Liza, Flora, the Red Menace and more. Her Off-Broadway shows include Best Foot Forward.
Minnelli's film credits include The Sterile Cuckoo, Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon, the film version of the musical Cabaret, for which she won an Academy Award.
Click here to read the full article.
An acclaimed Boadway veteran, the actress was last seen onstage in Liza's at The Palace, for which she won a Tony Award. She has also graced the Broadway stage in Minnelli on Minnelli, Victor/Victoria, The Rink, The Act, Chicago, Jule's Friends at the Palace, Liza, Flora, the Red Menace and more. Her Off-Broadway shows include Best Foot Forward.
Minnelli's film credits include The Sterile Cuckoo, Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon, the film version of the musical Cabaret, for which she won an Academy Award.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Liza Minnelli shows O.C. her life is still a cabaret...
http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/minnelli-380692-song-many.html
Judy Garland's hyper-talented daughter, 66, has suffered more than her share of travails over the years, the result of being in the spotlight practically since birth and, well, being Judy Garland's daughter: Four divorces, a boatload of personal demons, a bout of viral encephalitis in 2000 that nearly killed her.
KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Broadway legend sings Christmas concert with MenAlive at Segerstrom Center.
By PAUL HODGINS / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
By PAUL HODGINS / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
America loves its survivors, and there are few survivors more celebrated or worshipped than Liza Minnelli.
Judy Garland's hyper-talented daughter, 66, has suffered more than her share of travails over the years, the result of being in the spotlight practically since birth and, well, being Judy Garland's daughter: Four divorces, a boatload of personal demons, a bout of viral encephalitis in 2000 that nearly killed her. Anyone who has seen Minnelli perform (and she does so rarely in these parts) would probably agree with New York Times critic Ben Brantley: "Her every stage appearance is perceived as a victory of show-business stamina over psychic frailty. She asks for love so nakedly and earnestly, it seems downright vicious not to respond."
.bmp)
Judy Garland's hyper-talented daughter, 66, has suffered more than her share of travails over the years, the result of being in the spotlight practically since birth and, well, being Judy Garland's daughter: Four divorces, a boatload of personal demons, a bout of viral encephalitis in 2000 that nearly killed her. Anyone who has seen Minnelli perform (and she does so rarely in these parts) would probably agree with New York Times critic Ben Brantley: "Her every stage appearance is perceived as a victory of show-business stamina over psychic frailty. She asks for love so nakedly and earnestly, it seems downright vicious not to respond."
Minnelli's appearance on Thursday with MenAlive, Orange County's gay men's chorus, in the group's Winter Spectacular concert at Costa Mesa's Segerstrom Hall, was classic Liza in every respect: a mixture of the expected, the unexpected and the downright eccentric.
Of course, we were treated to the theme song from "Cabaret," the Kander and Ebb musical that transformed Minnelli from Broadway star to pop-culture icon when Bob Fosse's movie version opened in 1972. Minnelli no longer owns Sally Bowles' sinuous, chair-straddling moves, but the spirit and sauciness of the song are presented intact.
Composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb were Minnelli's touchstones and she was their muse for many years. At this stage in her long career, some of their songs are almost painfully poignant.
"But the World Goes 'Round" is probably the best example. It's hard to hear her deliver these lines without getting just a little teary: "Sometimes your dreams get broken in pieces/But that doesn't matter at all/Take it from me, there's still going to be/A summer, a winter, a spring and a fall."
Minnelli's voice was always a triumph of delivery over technique, and these days that's especially true. Suffering from a cold, she struggled with some of the high notes, even making light of the limitation. Rather than trying to hide or skate over her shortcomings, she celebrates them as the scars of living a tumultuous life.
With Minnelli, as with so many great Broadway stars, technical excellence is beside the point; in fact, it's the rough edges of imperfection that create the drama. And manufacturing a character and a mood are central to the success of every Broadway song. They were made to help tell a story, and Minnelli has always excelled at that.
The best such moment was her performance of "My Best Friend" from "Chicago."
On the surface, it's a light tune filled with false bravado, and I've seen it played that way. But Minnelli painted a detailed and nuanced picture of the scene for us, putting the song in chilling context.
Roxie has just been told she could hang for the murder she has committed, and the song is her way of talking herself back from the edge of the cliff. We were treated to a scene complete with two characters, introductory dialogue and the song, and for a minute or two we were transported completely into Roxie's desperate and delusional world. Minnelli's interpretation reveals the essence of her immense talent – a galaxy of complementary skills that work in synergy, making her one of the most powerful musical-theater stars you'll ever see.
Moments like that could make you forgive Minnelli's many weaknesses of technique and quirks of affect. But even at her best, she's not a relaxing performer, always interrupting herself, full of busy tics and asides, improvising in oddball ways that can even throw off her seasoned band, which is led by her longtime pianist, the low-key but sublimely talented Billy Stritch.
Minnelli's appearance was the second half of MenAlive's Winter Spectacular concert, and the 130-member men's choir provided some light accompaniment. Clearly, many of them were awestruck by the opportunity to stand on the same stage as Broadway royalty, but they didn't let such butterfly-inducing proximity undermine their professionalism.
The first half of the concert featured some holiday-season standards, a few comic numbers and some tastefully rendered classics. The evening began with "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" from "Elf." A septet of soloists fronted the choir in a number that showcased some real talent (this was the case with many numbers in the first half, although sadly the featured performers aren't singled out in the program).
The choir was well-rehearsed, carefully balanced and thoroughly choreographed on other numbers as well, some of them Christmas-y, others not so much: Steve Allen's "Cool Yule," "When You Believe" from "The Prince of Egypt," "Brotherhood of Man" from "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." Many of the songs were artfully arranged by the choir's assistant conductor and accompanist, Bob Gunn.
MenAlive artistic director Rich Cook led the evening with a steady baton. Silver-haired and avuncular, he epitomizes the group's cool élan. And Cook seemed thoroughly charmed by the Queen of Broadway, even as she upstaged him and his chorus. Other than Liza, who could pull that off?
Contact the writer: 714-796-7979 or phodgins@ocregister.com
Of course, we were treated to the theme song from "Cabaret," the Kander and Ebb musical that transformed Minnelli from Broadway star to pop-culture icon when Bob Fosse's movie version opened in 1972. Minnelli no longer owns Sally Bowles' sinuous, chair-straddling moves, but the spirit and sauciness of the song are presented intact.
Composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb were Minnelli's touchstones and she was their muse for many years. At this stage in her long career, some of their songs are almost painfully poignant.
"But the World Goes 'Round" is probably the best example. It's hard to hear her deliver these lines without getting just a little teary: "Sometimes your dreams get broken in pieces/But that doesn't matter at all/Take it from me, there's still going to be/A summer, a winter, a spring and a fall."
Minnelli's voice was always a triumph of delivery over technique, and these days that's especially true. Suffering from a cold, she struggled with some of the high notes, even making light of the limitation. Rather than trying to hide or skate over her shortcomings, she celebrates them as the scars of living a tumultuous life.
With Minnelli, as with so many great Broadway stars, technical excellence is beside the point; in fact, it's the rough edges of imperfection that create the drama. And manufacturing a character and a mood are central to the success of every Broadway song. They were made to help tell a story, and Minnelli has always excelled at that.
The best such moment was her performance of "My Best Friend" from "Chicago."
On the surface, it's a light tune filled with false bravado, and I've seen it played that way. But Minnelli painted a detailed and nuanced picture of the scene for us, putting the song in chilling context.
Roxie has just been told she could hang for the murder she has committed, and the song is her way of talking herself back from the edge of the cliff. We were treated to a scene complete with two characters, introductory dialogue and the song, and for a minute or two we were transported completely into Roxie's desperate and delusional world. Minnelli's interpretation reveals the essence of her immense talent – a galaxy of complementary skills that work in synergy, making her one of the most powerful musical-theater stars you'll ever see.
Moments like that could make you forgive Minnelli's many weaknesses of technique and quirks of affect. But even at her best, she's not a relaxing performer, always interrupting herself, full of busy tics and asides, improvising in oddball ways that can even throw off her seasoned band, which is led by her longtime pianist, the low-key but sublimely talented Billy Stritch.
Minnelli's appearance was the second half of MenAlive's Winter Spectacular concert, and the 130-member men's choir provided some light accompaniment. Clearly, many of them were awestruck by the opportunity to stand on the same stage as Broadway royalty, but they didn't let such butterfly-inducing proximity undermine their professionalism.
The first half of the concert featured some holiday-season standards, a few comic numbers and some tastefully rendered classics. The evening began with "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" from "Elf." A septet of soloists fronted the choir in a number that showcased some real talent (this was the case with many numbers in the first half, although sadly the featured performers aren't singled out in the program).
The choir was well-rehearsed, carefully balanced and thoroughly choreographed on other numbers as well, some of them Christmas-y, others not so much: Steve Allen's "Cool Yule," "When You Believe" from "The Prince of Egypt," "Brotherhood of Man" from "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." Many of the songs were artfully arranged by the choir's assistant conductor and accompanist, Bob Gunn.
MenAlive artistic director Rich Cook led the evening with a steady baton. Silver-haired and avuncular, he epitomizes the group's cool élan. And Cook seemed thoroughly charmed by the Queen of Broadway, even as she upstaged him and his chorus. Other than Liza, who could pull that off?
Contact the writer: 714-796-7979 or phodgins@ocregister.com
America loves its survivors, and there are few survivors more celebrated or worshipped than Liza Minnelli.
Minnelli's appearance was the second half of MenAlive's Winter Spectacular concert, and the 130-member men's choir provided some light accompaniment. Clearly, many of them were awestruck by the opportunity to stand on the same stage as Broadway royalty, but they didn't let such butterfly-inducing proximity undermine their professionalism.
Liza Minnelli performs with MenAlive at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa
The choir was well-rehearsed, carefully balanced and thoroughly choreographed on other numbers as well, some of them Christmas-y, others not so much: Steve Allen's “Cool Yule,” “When You Believe” from “The Prince of Egypt,” “Brotherhood of Man” from “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
.bmp)
Anyone who has seen Minnelli perform (and she does so rarely in these parts) would probably agree with New York Times critic Ben Brantley: “Her every stage appearance is perceived as a victory of show-business stamina over psychic frailty. She asks for love so nakedly and earnestly, it seems downright vicious not to respond.”
Props and costumes are an important part of the evening.
Liza Minnelli to return to Royal Festival Hall 40 years after Cabaret
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/news/liza-minnelli-to-return-to-royal-festival-hall-40-years-after-cabaret-8417296.html
Friday 14 December 2012 Robert Dex
Liza Minnelli is returning to the Royal Festival Hall 40 years after her last appearance there as part of a celebration of Cabaret-era Berlin.
The star appeared at the venue, on London's Southbank, in 1973 in a performance of her solo show Liza with a Z.
She said: "I'm always so excited to perform in London. I have so many friends and fans there I consider it my second home. And to be returning to the Royal Festival Hall after all this time is thrilling; I remember bringing Liza with a Z there in the early 70s and having such a swell time. So I can't wait to see all you guys again."
Minnelli, the daughter of The Wizard of Oz star Judy Garland, won the best actress Oscar for her performance as Sally Bowles in the 1972 film Cabaret which is set in Germany during the Nazis' rise to power.
Her concert, next March, will see her perform songs from the hit musical and is part of the Southbank Centre's Berlin in the '20s and '30s weekend which will also include a screening of the film.
Jude Kelly, artistic director of the Southbank Centre, said: "We are delighted to welcome back Liza Minnelli to the Royal Festival Hall to perform as part of our year-long The Rest Is Noise Festival. Fosse's Cabaret is one of the most iconic, intimate depictions of 1930s' Berlin and we are thrilled that the artist who so brilliantly gave life to the complex character of Sally Bowles can take part as we look back at this particular moment in history."
PA
She said: "I'm always so excited to perform in London. I have so many friends and fans there I consider it my second home. And to be returning to the Royal Festival Hall after all this time is thrilling; I remember bringing Liza with a Z there in the early 70s and having such a swell time. So I can't wait to see all you guys again."
Minnelli, the daughter of The Wizard of Oz star Judy Garland, won the best actress Oscar for her performance as Sally Bowles in the 1972 film Cabaret which is set in Germany during the Nazis' rise to power.
Her concert, next March, will see her perform songs from the hit musical and is part of the Southbank Centre's Berlin in the '20s and '30s weekend which will also include a screening of the film.
Jude Kelly, artistic director of the Southbank Centre, said: "We are delighted to welcome back Liza Minnelli to the Royal Festival Hall to perform as part of our year-long The Rest Is Noise Festival. Fosse's Cabaret is one of the most iconic, intimate depictions of 1930s' Berlin and we are thrilled that the artist who so brilliantly gave life to the complex character of Sally Bowles can take part as we look back at this particular moment in history."
PA
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Liza Minnelli and Alan Cumming Will Share Town Hall Stage
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/173101-Liza-Minnelli-and-Alan-Cumming-Will-Share-Town-Hall-Stage
By Andrew Gans
11 Dec 2012
By Andrew Gans
11 Dec 2012
The March 13 concert will celebrate Minnelli's 67th birthday. The duo previously teamed for sold-out shows in Fire Island.
Daniel Nardicio produces.
At Town Hall, press notes state, "these incomparable stars will duet on familiar songs from Cabaret and Liza will dip into her repertoire of signature songs known the world over. Alan will perform his renditions of songs – from Annie Lennox to his own original compositions. These two old friends will also interact on stage together—sharing stories, songs, and banter of their adventures in life and show-business."
The evening will be under the musical direction of Emmy-winning composer Lance Horne.
Tickets are $110-$200 and go on sale Dec. 12. To buy tickets visit www.lizaandalan.com.
Monday, December 10, 2012
LIZA ~ This year, Orange County spells Winter Spectacular with a ‘Z’
http://www.frontiersla.com/Features/Exclusive-Interviews/story.aspx?ID=1835813
This year, Orange County spells Winter Spectacular with a ‘Z’
Stephan Horbelt
12/6/2012
LIZA—if you name it, she’s accomplished it, and undoubtedly excelled at it. Her show business pedigree requires no enumeration, really, as her nearly five decades of accomplishments have been so very well-documented—and besides, who on Earth has the time to recall such a lengthy syllabus?
In short, Liza Minnelli is part of a select group of individuals whose accolades and distinctions not only span the gamut but have widened it as well. Bestowed with honors left and right—an Academy Award, a BAFTA, two Golden Globes, an Emmy, a Grammy Living Legend Award, four Tony Awards and copious nominations, to scratch the surface—it appears the only thing she has not attempted is the art of relaxation.
To this day—63 years after her first on-screen appearance, 47 years since her first Tony Award and 12 years in the wake of a potentially career-haulting bout of encephalitis—we’re still unable to count Liza down for the count. This month, the iconic performer returns to Southern California, performing with a full band and MenAlive, the Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus, in a Winter Spectacular at Segerstrom Hall that can only be described as fitting a living legend.
Liza began her career in the entertainment industry onstage, and while she has very successfully ventured into film and television—her celebrated performance in 1972’s Cabaret perhaps her most recognized accomplishment, with contributions to Arthur, Arrested Development, Sex and the City 2 and Saturday Night Live also among her résumé—it seems that Liza always returns to the artform that initially sparked her interest.
“I don’t know what keeps me coming back to the stage,” the living legend had to say over the phone while on a rehearsal break. “I just remember when I saw my first Broadway show and thought, oh man. See, I wanted to be an ice skater; then I saw Bye Bye Birdie and thought, maybe I’d rather do that. All the kids were in it and everything—it looked like such fun.”
The stage isn’t the extent of Liza’s upcoming work, however. Fans will be happy to hear that her plans to return to the small screen are definite as well. “I’m doing Arrested Development again,” she says, and while everything the 66-year-old entertainer relates to me comes across as lively and convivial, she seems particularly elated about returning to the critically acclaimed sitcom. “It’s such fun. It’s just wonderful to work with everybody again. That man [Larry David] is so wonderful.”
As someone who has garnered so many awards throughout the years, has broken so many box office records and has a litany of ‘firsts’ under her belt, I had to know whether there were any accomplishments that stood out as particularly meaningful for Liza.
“They all did. They’re so exciting at the moment,” she remarked. “Winning the Academy Award and singing next to my father were incredible. And all of the others. I remember them all very well.” One other night stands out in her mind—”I remember my first Tony Award. I didn’t have a dress, so I was wearing my agent’s dress when I won it. [Laughs]” How times have changed.
Earlier this year, Liza released the historic concert album Legends of Broadway: Liza Minnelli Live at the Winter Garden, marking the first time the entire 1974 concert had seen release. The show itself, dubbed simply Liza, was momentous, selling out an entire month’s run of concerts at the Winter Garden Theatre in 36 hours.
Asked what she remembers about that 1974 show, Liza recounted, “I remember how exciting it was, and I remember being with Fred [Ebb, one of the show’s songwriters] and Marvin [Hamlisch, the show’s musical director]—all of these wonderful people. What pops up the most is gratitude, and having worked with so many talented people, and always looking for the talent. I’m grateful. I don’t like ‘yes people’—I want to learn.
“I remember it was very exciting. It was wonderful. But yeah, I’m sure I was on top of the world, because that was a first. It was the first time I think an artist had performed in a Broadway house in a concert as a show.”
I would be remiss if I failed to mention in these pages Liza’s lengthy stint as a supporter of the world’s gay community and AIDS charities, support that Liza noted is motivated by “the people that I’ve lost, and my respect for them. And always fighting for the underdog. I just don’t think some things are fair.”
Speaking of the gay community, Liza’s upcoming performance with MenAlive is sure to be one for the history books. Asked what we can expect from the two-night holiday show, Liza remains brief and humble:—“A good show, I hope!”—as if there were any doubt. Expect a high-energy night filled with spectacular effects, dancers, glitzy costumes and over-the-top moments. Liza and her band will perform a full set of Broadway classics, pop standards and holiday tunes—many with the chorus accompanying.
Rich Cook, the founder and artistic director of MenAlive, has been working with Liza’s musical director Billy Stritch on the Winter Spectacular since June. “Liza decided what she wanted to do with the chorus, and Billy and I proceeded to work out the arrangements,” Cook tells us. “Some of her choices were classics of hers. Of course, ‘Cabaret’ is one of those. Then another she selected just for this show is ’It's the Holiday Season,’ written by Kay Thompson, her godmother. There are more of her classics we're doing together, but I can't give it all away!”
The MenAlive Winter Spectacular will be Liza’s first Orange County performance in nearly 20 years, and marks her first-ever performance with a gay men’s chorus—simply one more milestone under her belt. With all that Liza Minnelli has accomplished throughout the years—the accolades, the occasional setbacks and the industry landmarks—in many ways she has become a persona bigger than any one indvidual. Not simply a gay icon, she has become the embodiment of entertainment in any medium, a legend of dynamic proportions.
Asked whether she ever stops to contemplate the significance of all she’s accomplished, she very adamantly answers, no. “I think when you stop to think about it, you get satisfied. And if you get satisfied, I don’t think you work as hard. I’m grateful—extremely grateful. And the gratitude makes me always want to do better.”
MenAlive’s Winter Spectacular with Liza Minnelli comes to Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, Dec. 13-14, 8 p.m. For more info and to order tickets, go to SCFTA.org. Photo by Ruven Afandor.
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» Send to a friend
Stephan Horbelt
12/6/2012
LIZA—if you name it, she’s accomplished it, and undoubtedly excelled at it. Her show business pedigree requires no enumeration, really, as her nearly five decades of accomplishments have been so very well-documented—and besides, who on Earth has the time to recall such a lengthy syllabus?
In short, Liza Minnelli is part of a select group of individuals whose accolades and distinctions not only span the gamut but have widened it as well. Bestowed with honors left and right—an Academy Award, a BAFTA, two Golden Globes, an Emmy, a Grammy Living Legend Award, four Tony Awards and copious nominations, to scratch the surface—it appears the only thing she has not attempted is the art of relaxation.
To this day—63 years after her first on-screen appearance, 47 years since her first Tony Award and 12 years in the wake of a potentially career-haulting bout of encephalitis—we’re still unable to count Liza down for the count. This month, the iconic performer returns to Southern California, performing with a full band and MenAlive, the Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus, in a Winter Spectacular at Segerstrom Hall that can only be described as fitting a living legend.
Liza began her career in the entertainment industry onstage, and while she has very successfully ventured into film and television—her celebrated performance in 1972’s Cabaret perhaps her most recognized accomplishment, with contributions to Arthur, Arrested Development, Sex and the City 2 and Saturday Night Live also among her résumé—it seems that Liza always returns to the artform that initially sparked her interest.
“I don’t know what keeps me coming back to the stage,” the living legend had to say over the phone while on a rehearsal break. “I just remember when I saw my first Broadway show and thought, oh man. See, I wanted to be an ice skater; then I saw Bye Bye Birdie and thought, maybe I’d rather do that. All the kids were in it and everything—it looked like such fun.”
The stage isn’t the extent of Liza’s upcoming work, however. Fans will be happy to hear that her plans to return to the small screen are definite as well. “I’m doing Arrested Development again,” she says, and while everything the 66-year-old entertainer relates to me comes across as lively and convivial, she seems particularly elated about returning to the critically acclaimed sitcom. “It’s such fun. It’s just wonderful to work with everybody again. That man [Larry David] is so wonderful.”
As someone who has garnered so many awards throughout the years, has broken so many box office records and has a litany of ‘firsts’ under her belt, I had to know whether there were any accomplishments that stood out as particularly meaningful for Liza.
“They all did. They’re so exciting at the moment,” she remarked. “Winning the Academy Award and singing next to my father were incredible. And all of the others. I remember them all very well.” One other night stands out in her mind—”I remember my first Tony Award. I didn’t have a dress, so I was wearing my agent’s dress when I won it. [Laughs]” How times have changed.
Earlier this year, Liza released the historic concert album Legends of Broadway: Liza Minnelli Live at the Winter Garden, marking the first time the entire 1974 concert had seen release. The show itself, dubbed simply Liza, was momentous, selling out an entire month’s run of concerts at the Winter Garden Theatre in 36 hours.
Asked what she remembers about that 1974 show, Liza recounted, “I remember how exciting it was, and I remember being with Fred [Ebb, one of the show’s songwriters] and Marvin [Hamlisch, the show’s musical director]—all of these wonderful people. What pops up the most is gratitude, and having worked with so many talented people, and always looking for the talent. I’m grateful. I don’t like ‘yes people’—I want to learn.
“I remember it was very exciting. It was wonderful. But yeah, I’m sure I was on top of the world, because that was a first. It was the first time I think an artist had performed in a Broadway house in a concert as a show.”
I would be remiss if I failed to mention in these pages Liza’s lengthy stint as a supporter of the world’s gay community and AIDS charities, support that Liza noted is motivated by “the people that I’ve lost, and my respect for them. And always fighting for the underdog. I just don’t think some things are fair.”
Speaking of the gay community, Liza’s upcoming performance with MenAlive is sure to be one for the history books. Asked what we can expect from the two-night holiday show, Liza remains brief and humble:—“A good show, I hope!”—as if there were any doubt. Expect a high-energy night filled with spectacular effects, dancers, glitzy costumes and over-the-top moments. Liza and her band will perform a full set of Broadway classics, pop standards and holiday tunes—many with the chorus accompanying.
Rich Cook, the founder and artistic director of MenAlive, has been working with Liza’s musical director Billy Stritch on the Winter Spectacular since June. “Liza decided what she wanted to do with the chorus, and Billy and I proceeded to work out the arrangements,” Cook tells us. “Some of her choices were classics of hers. Of course, ‘Cabaret’ is one of those. Then another she selected just for this show is ’It's the Holiday Season,’ written by Kay Thompson, her godmother. There are more of her classics we're doing together, but I can't give it all away!”
The MenAlive Winter Spectacular will be Liza’s first Orange County performance in nearly 20 years, and marks her first-ever performance with a gay men’s chorus—simply one more milestone under her belt. With all that Liza Minnelli has accomplished throughout the years—the accolades, the occasional setbacks and the industry landmarks—in many ways she has become a persona bigger than any one indvidual. Not simply a gay icon, she has become the embodiment of entertainment in any medium, a legend of dynamic proportions.
Asked whether she ever stops to contemplate the significance of all she’s accomplished, she very adamantly answers, no. “I think when you stop to think about it, you get satisfied. And if you get satisfied, I don’t think you work as hard. I’m grateful—extremely grateful. And the gratitude makes me always want to do better.”
MenAlive’s Winter Spectacular with Liza Minnelli comes to Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, Dec. 13-14, 8 p.m. For more info and to order tickets, go to SCFTA.org. Photo by Ruven Afandor.
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Sunday, December 9, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Liza Minnelli to perform Christmas concert with OC gay men's chorus on 13 and 14 December
http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/liza-minnelli-perform-christmas-concert-oc-gay-mens-chorus061212
Tony and Oscar award-winning gay icon will sing in two concerts with California's MenAlive choir
Liza Minnelli sings two concerts with Orange County's premiere gay men's chorus, MenAlive, on Dec. 13 and 14.
Liza Minnelli sings two concerts with Orange County's premiere gay men's chorus, MenAlive, Dec. 13 and 14 at Costa Mesa's Segerstrom Hall. The legendary performer is the winner of four Tony Awards, an Oscar, a special "Legends" Grammy, two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy. We talked with Minnelli, who has earned the mantle Queen of Broadway over her lifelong career, about her upcoming concerts with the choir at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
The Orange County Register: Have you ever sung with a gay men's choir before?
Liza Minnelli: No, this is the first time. But they sing great! They're wonderful. I like the way they sound, their blend and sense of harmony and pitch.
Register: What will you sing?
Minnelli: I'll be singing a version of "Jingle Bells" that my godmother Kay Thompson did. It's terrific and kind of out there. It's been around for a while but it's not that well known. I'll also do some stuff of my last album ("Confessions," 2010) and a couple of surprises. I'm not going to tell you everything! The truth is I don't know right now.
Register: You're 66 and have survived some serious health issues. How do you keep on top of your game?
Minnelli: I think the trick is warming up well and knowing how to warm up. I had a very good teacher, a coach. I didn't need her until after I had encephalitis (in 2000). I had to re-train my voice to sing after that. I also had to learn how to walk and talk again. But I was determined. I'm a Minnelli.
Register: Do you have a favorite song?
Minnelli: I know so many songs. (My preferences) change. I really love (Kander and Ebb's) "The World Goes 'Round," that philosophy and how it changes from desperation to a kind of acceptance.
Register: You're known as one of the best song interpreters of your generation. What's your secret?
Minnelli: I want to move people – hopefully for the better. Sometimes people come in who have sadness. Maybe one great lyric by a wonderful composer can help them just a little. I think you always have to sing to that one person. Actually, you have to make each person think you're singing just for them.
Liza Minnelli: A life in show business
•Born March 12, 1946 in Hollywood to Vincent Minnelli and Judy Garland.
•At 3, Minnelli landed her first movie role in the final scene of the 1949 musical, "In the Good Old Summertime," starring Garland and Van Johnson.
•Her first adult professional role was in an Off-Broadway revival of the musical "Best Foot Forward" in 1963. She received the Theatre World Award.
•Performed with her mother at the London Palladium in 1964.
•Won a leading actress Tony Award in 1965 for "Flora the Red Menace." At 19 she was the youngest performer to win the prize.
•Her first album "Liza! Liza!" was released in 1964. It was quickly followed by "It Amazes Me" (1965) and "There Is a Time" (1966).
•In 1969 she received an Oscar nomination for her first film role, Pookie, in Alan J. Pakula's "The Sterile Cuckoo."
•Achieved international fame and won an Oscar playing Sally Bowles in Bob Fosse's film version of the Kander and Ebb musical "Cabaret" in 1972.
•Minnelli appeared in "New York, New York" with Robert De Niro in 1977, a film that gave the performer a famous signature song of the same name.
•Her co-starring role in "Arthur" with Dudley Moore in 1981 marked the end of the active part of Minnelli's film career.
•Minnelli returned to Broadway in 1997, replacing Julie Andrews in the title role in the musical "Victor/Victoria."
•In the last decade Minnelli has made appearances in several TV shows, including "Arrested Development," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and "Drop Dead Diva."
Contact the writer: 714-796-7979 or phodgins@ocregister.com
The Orange County Register: Have you ever sung with a gay men's choir before?
Liza Minnelli: No, this is the first time. But they sing great! They're wonderful. I like the way they sound, their blend and sense of harmony and pitch.
Register: What will you sing?
Minnelli: I'll be singing a version of "Jingle Bells" that my godmother Kay Thompson did. It's terrific and kind of out there. It's been around for a while but it's not that well known. I'll also do some stuff of my last album ("Confessions," 2010) and a couple of surprises. I'm not going to tell you everything! The truth is I don't know right now.
Register: You're 66 and have survived some serious health issues. How do you keep on top of your game?
Minnelli: I think the trick is warming up well and knowing how to warm up. I had a very good teacher, a coach. I didn't need her until after I had encephalitis (in 2000). I had to re-train my voice to sing after that. I also had to learn how to walk and talk again. But I was determined. I'm a Minnelli.
Register: Do you have a favorite song?
Minnelli: I know so many songs. (My preferences) change. I really love (Kander and Ebb's) "The World Goes 'Round," that philosophy and how it changes from desperation to a kind of acceptance.
Register: You're known as one of the best song interpreters of your generation. What's your secret?
Minnelli: I want to move people – hopefully for the better. Sometimes people come in who have sadness. Maybe one great lyric by a wonderful composer can help them just a little. I think you always have to sing to that one person. Actually, you have to make each person think you're singing just for them.
Liza Minnelli: A life in show business
•Born March 12, 1946 in Hollywood to Vincent Minnelli and Judy Garland.
•At 3, Minnelli landed her first movie role in the final scene of the 1949 musical, "In the Good Old Summertime," starring Garland and Van Johnson.
•Her first adult professional role was in an Off-Broadway revival of the musical "Best Foot Forward" in 1963. She received the Theatre World Award.
•Performed with her mother at the London Palladium in 1964.
•Won a leading actress Tony Award in 1965 for "Flora the Red Menace." At 19 she was the youngest performer to win the prize.
•Her first album "Liza! Liza!" was released in 1964. It was quickly followed by "It Amazes Me" (1965) and "There Is a Time" (1966).
•In 1969 she received an Oscar nomination for her first film role, Pookie, in Alan J. Pakula's "The Sterile Cuckoo."
•Achieved international fame and won an Oscar playing Sally Bowles in Bob Fosse's film version of the Kander and Ebb musical "Cabaret" in 1972.
•Minnelli appeared in "New York, New York" with Robert De Niro in 1977, a film that gave the performer a famous signature song of the same name.
•Her co-starring role in "Arthur" with Dudley Moore in 1981 marked the end of the active part of Minnelli's film career.
•Minnelli returned to Broadway in 1997, replacing Julie Andrews in the title role in the musical "Victor/Victoria."
•In the last decade Minnelli has made appearances in several TV shows, including "Arrested Development," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and "Drop Dead Diva."
Contact the writer: 714-796-7979 or phodgins@ocregister.com
PHOTO COURTESY © SONY MUSIC ARCHIVES
Sunday, December 2, 2012
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