LIZA - And her legs still look great

“LIZA’S AT THE PALACE”
starring LIZA MINNELLI

Reviewed by: Sandi "D"
December 2008

Watching a cult phenomenon such as Liza is mesmerizing and inspiring. No, she doesn’t have the remembered high kicks or high notes, but at age 62 she gives ‘em what she can and what they want! Often breathless and perspiring and in need of a few moments of recovery, it all doesn’t matter because Liza continues to be the sweetheart of live performance, the Queen of ‘Cabaret’- a munificent, unstoppable presence.

She’s a contradiction to an opening of “Teach Me Tonight,” for who could? Liza knows and understands every nuance of the how, what, where and when. Cleverly directed and choreographed by Ron Lewis, every strut, move, inflection and hand movement has something to say. Breathing hard after “If You hadn’t, But You Did” she affectionately says “I’m so glad you’re here.” Regaling the audience with stories of her childhood and entry into show business, she talks about the 70’s, replacing Gwen Verdon as Roxy Hart in ‘Cabaret’ for five weeks renewing the nostalgia with Kander & Ebb’s “Maybe This Time” and “Cabaret.”

“Palace Medley,” originally sung by mom, Judy Garland at the Palace, is given a new twist by David Zippel, John Kander and Billy Stritch. Right hand man Stritch, who has been with Liza for 17 years, plays her soul and secrets, she admits.

Act II was an ode to Godmother Kay Thompson whom she portrays as an extraordinary life force. Thompson was also the author of the “Eloise” books, vocal coach at MGM, a singer/dancer who took center stage in the 1957 movie “Funny Face” and songwriter of “Hello, Hello,” “Jubilee Time” and “I Love A Violin” all splendidly performed. Suffice it to say that the tribute to Ms. Thompson’s heyday at Ciro’s Nightclub on Sunset Blvd. is the highlight of the evening, as Ms. Minnelli and her super-slick quartet of modern jazz males deliver flawless singing and dancing production numbers together with cool vocal assist from Billy Stritch who is also tinkling the ivories. The high energy doesn’t stop there as Johnny Rodgers, Cortes Alexander, Jim Caruso, Tiger Martina and Liza continue non-stop with Gershwins’ “Clap Yo’ Hands’ at record speed. With slicked down hair, close harmonies and sharp choreographed moves, this quartet outdoes the Williams Brothers.

Yes, Ms. Minnelli’s vocal sh’s and raspy sounds are plentiful but it didn’t deter the audience from applauding wildly and giving standing ovations after just about every song. Liza is adored by her fans. The unending adulation that flows onto the stage is beyond love of celebrity. Liza channels her mother and, as such, is the only living connection to the powerful bond that was and continues to exist to Judy Garland.

Liza’s sequin costumes were vintage Halston and her legs…still look great.