2012 Tony Awards Clip Countdown - Day 1: The World Goes 'Round Liza

Today we are kicking off BroadwayWorld's month-long salute to the 2012 Tony Awards with a clip sure to set even the bleakest, darkest and blandest of nights alight - Liza Minnelli capping off the most spectacular opening number in Tony Awards history, the 2009 Tony Awards opening number, with a little aid from Elton John, Dolly Parton, Sutton Foster, Brian d'Arcy James and many more.  Billy Elliot to WEST SIDE STORY to GUYS & DOLLS to HAIR to SHREK to NEXT TO NORMAL, this clip has it all!

Comprised of the casts of every new Broadway musical of the 2008-2009 season and then some, the opening number of the 2009 Tony Awards shot into the stratosphere when the solo spot light shone on the one and only star of stars - the incandescent, effervescent and iconic Liza Minnelli. Launching into the Kander & Ebb barn-burner penned for Martin Scorsese's NEW YORK, NEW YORK in which she starred, Liza sings what she recently informed me during her extensive InDepth InterView - available here - is her absolute favorite of the countless classic songs she has sung and introduced over the fifty years of her unparalleled career; one written to her specific and large set of skills. As if knocking one of the best showstoppers from two of Broadway's most terrific tunesmiths out of Radio City Music Hall - and out of the world itself, as it were - was not enough to make this clip absolutely riveting in its sheer razzle dazzle power alone, Liza then leads the entire company of hundreds of performers in the HAIR anthem "Let The Sun Shine In" to thrilling, spine-tingling effect. Yes, indeed - today's clip is the absolute perfect way to start our salute to Broadway's night of nights - this year on June 10 - by highlighting not only the reigning mascot of Broadway at her very, very best - lest we forget, she would go on to win her umpteenth Tony Award later that night for LIZA'S AT THE PALACE - but this stunning showpiece also shows off some of the finest Broadway performers to grace the stage, as well, and acts as a reason to celebrate in itself; featuring the accomplished and impressive casts of the then-running musicals HAIR, SHREK, GUYS & DOLLS, WEST SIDE STORY, NEXT TO NORMAL and many, many more. 

So, set your 2012 Tony Awards season off on the right foot with this toe-tapping, jaw-dropping ten-minute Tony extravaganza topped off by the one and only Liza With A Z - reminding us all why there is nothing bigger or brassier or better in the whole universe than a true triple-threat talent.

Part 1

Part 2

As a special bonus, check out this clip from nearly twenty years ago, the 1993 Tony Awards, which also features Miss Minnelli, this time sharing the stage with her inimitable sister, Lorna Luft, in a medley of sister-themed songs done with the stylishness and pizzazz only the daughters of Judy Garland could possibly put forth - and put over - with ease, aplomb and then some.

So, what is your favorite Liza Minnelli performance on the Tony Awards to date? There are so many countless flawless examples that it is very likely she will be appearing on this countdown again in the next 30 days. Stay tuned to see!