Liza Minnelli News

Today we have a super-special triple-focus Flash Friday dedicated not only to two of the top-tier talents in the entertainment history ever - Judy Garland and Michael Crawford - but, also, to the ever-lasting entity through which they are now, forever, inextricably linked - THE WIZARD OF OZ. Of course, Judy Garland famously starred in the original 1939 film adaptation of the L. Frank Baum children's classic, but, just this past year, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice and Jeremy Sams adapted the classic film for the stage to much success and added a number of significant new songs to the Harold Arlen/E.Y. Harburg score. Be sure to catch my exclusive InDepth InterView with Michael Crawford that went live earlier this evening to read all about the new stage spectacular, as well as his affection for Judy Garland in the original film and some of his own favorite Christmas and holiday songs. Additionally, next Tuesday GLEE will be paying tribute to Judy Garland in the form of a mid-1960s-style TV Christmas special homage, so now is certainly as good a time as any to look back at the unparalleled performance of Garland in THE WIZARD OF OZ - for which she won a juvenile Academy Award - as well as her 1963 Christmas special which featured guest performances by Mel Torme, Liza Minnelli and more! So, make this a truly Mikey & Judy holiday season - as opposed to Mickey & Judy one - with this spotlight on Michael Crawford and Judy Garland and both their OZ-ian and Christmas connections - and a GLEE-ful surprise or two, too. After all, 'tis the season!

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Broadway veteran Sammy Davis Jr.'s life story will be turned into a stage show in the near future. The announcement was made today, December 28, by Entertainment Studios on what would have been the entertainer's 86th birthday.

Producers Hal Luftig and Scott Sanders have announced additional casting and the creative team for the new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's landmark musical EVITA, opening April 5, 2012 at the Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway). Previews begin Monday, March 12, 2012. Joining the previously announced stars of EVITA - world renowned music artist Ricky Martin as Che, Olivier Award-winning Argentinean actress Elena Roger in her Broadway debut as Eva Peron and Tony Award-winner Michael Cerveris as Juan Peron - are Max Von Essen as Magaldi, Rachel Potter as the Mistress, and Christina DeCicco as the alternate/standby for Eva Peron. Alternate performances to be announced.

Ryan Landry and the Gold Dust Orphans hope to start a new holiday tradition with the reprise of last year's hit 'Mrs. Grinchley's Christmas Carol' at Theater Machine at the Ramrod Center for the Performing Arts. This is not your grandfather's Dickens or your children's Dr. Seuss, but features the usual cast of characters with a twist.

The Martha Graham Dance Company (Janet Eilber, Artistic Director; LaRue Allen, Executive Director) will have a special engagement at The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue (at 19th Street) NYC; March 13-18, 2012.

Joe's Pub has announced the following upcoming events.

The Town Hall, Broadway's landmark theatre and concert venue, (123 West 43rd Street) announces its 91tst Anniversary season with a star-studded lineup that includes some of the biggest names in television, theatre and music.

The Town Hall, Broadway's landmark theatre and concert venue, (123 West 43rd Street) announces its 91tst Anniversary season with a star-studded lineup that includes some of the biggest names in television, theatre and music. Headliners include Grammy nominated musician David Bromberg with the legendary Allen Toussaint as a special guest, the acclaimed musical comedy troupe Capitol Steps, The Soul of Cuba: Sierra Maestra, Tony Award® winner Lea Salonga, Tony Award® Winner and 30 Rock star Jane Krakowski, Grammy Award® Winners Loudon Wainwright III, Judy Collins and Madeleine Peyroux.

En 1977, el consagrado director Martin Scorsese estreno "New York, New York" de la mano de Robert De Niro y Liza Minnelli como protagonistas. La historia se narra a partir del fin de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Los americanos lo celebran y en pleno festejo el saxofonista Jimmy Doyle (De Niro) y Francine Evans (Minelli) comienzan un romance lleno de complicaciones a la vez que se convierten en pareja artistica.

The premiere of a new Lady Gaga music video is always a cause celebre for entertainment lovers of any sort, but earlier today Gaga gave us a truly theatrical - and totally, wildly, adorably surreal - early Christmas treat of epic proportions in the form of the short film "Marry The Night". Part TOMMY, part David Lynch-ian fever dream, part throwback music video, with the rest unmistakably, unquestionably and undoubtedly all Gaga. Directed by Gaga herself, the "Marry The Night" music video puts into question the term itself - much like Kanye West's exquisite mini-movie musical treatment of eight of his songs from his Grammy-nominated opus MY BEATIFUL DARK TWISTED FANTASY in the form of the "Runaway" short film/music video from late last year - and, now, once again, Gaga has redefined not only the genre she is working in, but the entire music and theatre game itself. Daring, edgy, avant garde and more bizarre than anything you are likely to see at any multiplex this weekend - let alone on sweet, safe Broadway - the "Marry The Night" film is nothing short of Gaga firing on all axels - in this case, literally - and setting the stage afire with her fierce, determined conviction to following her own oh-so-idiosyncratic vision through to its ultimate - and oft-ugly; and, just as often, gorgeous - end. Actually, ends are what this video is about in many ways - from asses to hosannas. This isn't your mama's music video - or Madonna's, either (a trait which has been ascribed to Gaga videos past) - but what it is is the most over-the-top theatrical and unabashedly excessive - and best - music-related film of the year. Just don't call it a music video.

Birdland (315 West 44th Street - between 8th & 9th Avenues) is set to present The Birdland Jazz Party with The Birdland Jazz Quartet featuring guest vocalist William Blake on Sunday December 4th at 6pm.

Contra Costa County's only professional orchestra, California Symphony, presents its first annual Holiday Pops Spectacular, featuring soprano Tina Lloyd Meals and Voices of Musica Sacra Chorus.

Kritzerland is set to present a new Broadway Cast Recording of THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE.

BONNIE & CLYDE is currently playing at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. The show began previews on Friday, November 4th and opens tonight, December 1st!

Take another trip over the rainbow with Judy Garland in a new cabaret concert specifically designed for the beautiful cabaret room at Tom Rolla's Gardenia.

On Sunday November 27, vivacious Lyn Stanley made her much anticipated cabaret debut @ Sterling's Upstairs @ Vitello's to an enthusiastic crowd. Stanley is a champion ballroom dancer, who at the advice of musician Paul T. Smith, made a dynamic transition to singing. Stanley has just the right style for night club work. Not unlike Peggy Lee, she is sensuously alluring, and when she performs numbers like 'Fever' or 'Do Right', Lee's first big hit, she really hits the mark. It's her emphasis on the lyrics that truly gives her delivery its flair.