The incomparable Miss Liza Minnelli

The incomparable Miss Liza Minnelli...

“It’s Liza with a z and not Lisa with an s” This line was from just one of a plethora of Kander and Ebb numbers that are associated with this most durable of stars. From the moment she was spotted arriving on stage, the largely LGBT audience were on their feet applauding Miss Minnelli. This, before she had even sung a note.

 Then, sing she certainly did. Not only sing but for a lady in her mid 60's, with 2 hip operations behind her, she moved extremely well. The movement was punctuated by taking well earned rests on her special director’s chair. Miss Minnelli went on to transform the expanse of The Bridgewater Hall into an intimate, jazz lounge.For all of her reputation as a ‘belter’ of songs such as, ‘Cabaret’ and ‘Maybe This Time’, Liza with a z, remember, is a 'classy ‘bird’ at heart. Beautifully supported by her small but very experienced musicians, Liza showed us that she also has a tremendous sense of the mellow.

I lost count of the actual number of standing ovations throughout this performance. The final one, with the obligatory, floral tributes, followed a haunting acapella version of I’ll Be Seeing You (in all the old familiar places). It was a truly stunning finale.

Whether it’s a 'z' or an 's', it was most certainly  Liza with a WOW.

See who else is coming soon

Published: 15-Aug-2011: (754)