Liza Minnelli Receives Rave Review for Rhode Island Concerts; Broadway Next

Currently playing Rhode Island through Sunday at the Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Center, in an unofficial out of town tryout before her Broadway engagement, Liza Minnelli received a rave review from The Providence Journal adding to the anticipation from her Broadway fans.

Rick Massimo writes "Singing like a grande dame and jumping around like someone half her age, Liza Minnelli began a four-night stand at the Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Center last night with a preview of the show that’s coming to New York next month, and she proved that the fundamentals — her gutsy, brassy, strong voice and her irrepressible enthusiasm — were still in place."

Click here for the full review.

Due to overwhelming demand, "Liza's at the Palace...." the newshow starring  Liza Minnelli announced recently that it will play an additional two weeks of performances at Broadway's Palace Theatre (Broadway & 47th Street). 

With an opening set for December 3rd (6:30PM), Miss Minnelli will bring her unmatchable magic to Broadway for an engagement now scheduled to play through December 28th---surpassing the originally announced closing date of December 14th. Included in the extension, is a special holiday matinee at 3PM on December 24th.

The show will be produced by John Scher/Metropolitan Talent Presents & Jubilee Time Productions and directed and choreographed by Ron Lewis, the evening will feature an Minnelli songfest including many of her personal favorites and signature hits, followed by a dance-filled tribute to the groundbreaking late-1940s nightclub act of Minnelli's godmother, Kay Thompson. Gary Labriola will serve as Executive Producer.

Along with a twelve-man orchestra led by conductor/drummer Michael Berkowitz and pianist/musical supervisor Billy Stritch, "Liza's At The Palace...!" will be highlighted with many of Liza's showstoppers such as "Cabaret," "Maybe This Time," and "New York New York" - all written especially for her by the legendary Broadway song writing partnership of John Kander and Fred Ebb.

For the first time onstage, Liza will pay an affectionate salute to her godmother, the late Kay Thompson who was a legendary performer ("Think Pink!" from "Funny Face"), author ("Eloise at the Plaza") as well a gifted vocal arranger and Music Director/vocal coach at MGM Studios who worked with stars such as Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and Lena Horne. Supported by a quartet of dynamic singer/dancers, Liza will perform musical hits (with the original vocal arrangements) from Thompson's act including such numbers as "I Love a Violin," "Clap Yo' Hands," "Jubilee Time" and "Hello Hello"---set to brand-new staging and choreography by Mr. Lewis. Accompanying her onstage will be Cortés Alexander, Jim Caruso, Tiger Martina and Johnny Rodgers.

The concert performance will be scripted by Liza and Tony Award-winner David Zippel, and will be full of personal stories, anecdotes and heartfelt reminiscences embraced in a theatrical setting featuring scenery by Ray Klausen, costumes by Halston, lighting by Matthew Berman and sound by Matt Krauss.

Liza Minnelli was born in Los Angeles and made her screen debut as a toddler in the musical In the Good Old Summertime in 1949. One of the world's best-loved entertainers, she won Tony awards for Flora, the Red Menace in 1965 and The Act in 1978, along with a third for Best Personal Achievement, resulting from her 1974 engagement at the Winter Garden Theatre. Nominated for an Academy Award® for The Sterile Cuckoo (1969), she won the best actress prize for her best-known film, Cabaret (1972), which also won her a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA. She won an Emmy for Liza with a 'Z' (1972) and was also the recipient of a Grammy Legend Award in 1989, making her one of the few artists who have won entertainment's top six awards. Liza has also been the recipient of three David di Donatello Awards - for The Sterile Cuckoo (1969), Cabaret (1972) and Lifetime Achievement (2002). Film credits include Charlie Bubbles (1968), Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon (1970), Lucky Lady (1975), A Matter of Time (1976), New York, New York (1977), Arthur (1981) Stepping Out (1991), and The Oh In Ohio (2006). Liza recently attracted an entirely new generation of fans with her acclaimed turn as "Lucille 2" on the Emmy-winning Best Comedy Arrested Development, and for her appearance on the chart-topping album The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance. For the latest on Liza, visit her website www.OfficialLizaMinnelli.com

Ron Lewis has been a staple on the Las Vegas scene for decades and last choreographed Liza in her Tony Award-winning performance in "The Act" on Broadway. Having worked on over 80 productions, Lewis has directed/choreographed shows for some of the biggest names in show business including Anne Margaret, Debbie Reynolds, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Paul Anka.

"Liza's At The Palace...!" will play the following performance schedule at the Palace Theatre (Broadway & 47th Street) : Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8PM with matinees on Sundays at 3PM. Tickets prices range from $125 to $55.

Upon special request by Liza--- $25 first row seats will be made available at box office by daily lottery.

For more information and tickets by phone Tickets: 212-307-4100 or 800-755-4000 or log onto: http://www.lizasatthepalace.com

Photo credit: Rick Day