A holiday season treat—or rather, Event – with more electricity and sparkle than was used by the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is the one and only Liza Minnelli.  It’s hard to imagine anyone getting a more love-filled and ecstatic welcome this December, with the possible exception of Santa Claus. Back on a Broadway stage, Liza, like Santa, delivered the goods and the goodies, but with four super singing/dancing fellows and a great band in lieu of reindeer and elves. On stage was history (salutes to legends who came before and her own ever-growing, warts-and-all legend) and magic (spelled c-h-a-r-i-s-m-a). Reports and reviews and rumblings from those in attendance on various nights indicate that there can be variations in vocal strength, stamina and audience interaction, but there’s clearly the witnessing of a real artist at work—and working super-hard, giving her all and maybe then some. After a long career and personal life with its ups and downs, singing songs of substance and knowing substance abuse, replacing hips and replacing husbands, this star shines on. Longer in the tooth, and shorter of breath at times, the lady is never short on star quality. If the big notes aren’t there, you notice she phrases especially well. If the dance steps can’t be dazzling or athletic, you notice she moves well or judiciously and deliciously, endearing herself to the audience. Actually, she’s pre-endeared; many come in with open arms and are leaping to their feet early and often, cheering and shouting out. “We love you.” And we do. Liza is exciting, Liza is show biz, and best of all, Liza is Liza the diva who shines as brightly as her sequins.

Her signature songs in her signature style make up a big chunk of the first act of the two-hour show. Yes, we get “Cabaret” and “Maybe This Time” and a few others, still vibrant, and ballads like “He’s Funny That Way.” Sure, Liza fans will recall them done years (and years) (and years!) before with more vocal power and sustained notes, even fearless abandon. Now, at age 62, there isn’t voice to burn, but few performers can be older timeless miracles like Marilyn Maye or Keely Smith. If there’s some labored breathing between songs (in the patter) and clipped notes and a performer pacing herself, such is life and its toll. We still get plenty of entertainment value. A highlight is the medley of songs of past Palace Theatre stars. It was once sung by Liza’s mother, Judy Garland, when she played the Palace. Charles Aznavour’s “What Makes a Man a Man?” is a nuanced, dramatic showpiece.

The second act, celebrating and recreating the nightclub work of her godmother, Kay Thompson, is absolutely sensational. Here the work of the supporting cast cannot be over-praised. With dazzling dance steps and spectacular, ringing harmonies, they’re smashing, dashing, smiling and beguiling. The quartet, recreating the famous Williams Brothers in their 1940s act, is made up of the excellent Cortes Alexander and Tiger Martina plus two multi-talented, charismatic guys especially known and admired in cabaret circles: Jim Caruso and Johnny Rodgers. Then, of course, there’s Liza’s frequent partner, the ever-sensational and musically creative Billy Stritch, no stranger to cabaretland. His musical supervision, piano playing and some vocalizing are all major assets. No surprise. Bandleader/drummer Mike Berkowitz has also become a more familiar face on the nightclub scene, as he leads the new Gene Krupa (tribute) band. Another cabaret graduate from the clubs is Matt Berman on lights. Seeing the fast-paced, happiness-infused and complex routines is the equivalent of an adrenalin rush as they go through their paces with panache and polish. When Liza exits for a costume change, they much more than hold their own with the song “Liza” (why not? Its lyrics were written by her godfather, Ira Gershwin).

Liza’s rapport with the audience is savvy and she acknowledges the more rabid contingent without letting it take over. She’s warm and funny, self-deprecating and appreciative. Ron Lewis’ direction and choreography are sharp and precise and the whole evening is a whole lot of wow. 

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
December 3, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org