Liza's New Show: Minnelli on Thompson

Just got back from seeing the incomparable Liza Minnelli perform at The Van Wezel in Sarasota, Florida. All I can say is: Wow! I thought last time she was here was the best I've seen her in the five years I've been a fan, but everyone in the audience agreed -- she's even better than she was a year ago! More thin (she's dropped a total of 30 pounds now!), way more energy, lots more dancing and in even better voice! Just incredible to see what you can do when you set your mind to it considering she was once diagnosed with encephalitis and told she would never walk or sing again much less dance and belt. She's such an inspiration.

Liza has been working on a new show that will pay tribute to the music of her godmother, Kay Thompson, which we were lucky enough to preview in the second act, complete with backup dancers and choreography. Liza dances so much she has to use a head set microphone for the first time since her days at Radio City in the early 90's!

In total, she did two 45 minute sets with a 20 minute intermission inbetween.

ACT ONE

I Can See Clearly Now/I Can See It
Old Friends
Here I'll Stay/Our Love Is Here To Stay
Come In From The Rain
Sara Lee
You've Let Yourself Go
He's Funny That Way
What Did I Have That I Don't Have?
Cabaret

ACT TWO

Look for the Silver Lining (Hum/Intro)
Hello, Hello/Howdy
Jubilee Time
Louisiana Purchase
Basin Street Blues
Clap O' Your Hands
Liza (sung by "The William Brothers")
Look for the Silver Lining (Reprise)
I Love A Violin
But the World Goes 'Round
Theme From "New York, New York"
My Shining Hour

This new material of Kay Thompson's is PERFECTLY suited for Liza. It's just all so fast though! You know, Kay did it when she was a lot younger. That Liza can pull it off at 60 years old is just amazing. There's TONS of dancing! LOTS of choreography! It's very reminiscent of the Broadway show Minnelli on Minnelli -- but in stronger voice and better shape now. Was a real treat and I hope she keeps at honing the show and makes it a full-on production. Their hard work is really paying off. She is currently working with "the good people over at" Showtime to make it a live televised concert, DVD, CD and tour.