Interview: The Legendary Lorna Luft on Her Return to Feinstein's/54 Below and the Importance of Gratitude

Legendary television, stage and film actress and singer Lorna Luft returns to Feinstein's/54 Below this October with a brand new show, To "L" and Back! The evenings are an opportunity to say thank you and celebrate all of the goodness that life has to offer. Join Luft, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in standing together when it comes to the unpredictable ride of life and savoring the joyful moments.

BroadwayWorld had the incredible opportunity to speak with Luft before her upcoming shows about the importance of gratitude in everyday life; discovering her own strength and offering hope to others; and the release of her new book, in partnership with Jeffrey Vance, A Star Is Born: Judy Garland and The Movie that Got Away, as it coincides with the premiere of the latest film starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga!

In your new show, To "L" and Back! gratitude is a major theme. Can you talk about how that will be expressed over the evenings?

With October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and thinking about my own battle and suffering a brain tumor five months ago, I reflected on all the support I had. I received so many messages and had so many people reach out - they all took the time and I wanted to have the opportunity to say thank you! For women who are going through treatment, this is my way of letting them know that I stand with them.

What are some of the greatest lessons that you've learned about yourself and your own strength?

Once you get that diagnosis, you have to decide how you are going to deal with it. It's so important to find the positivity within yourself. I wake up grateful every single day and find the joy in discovering something new. I have found that just living in the moment is key - - trusting the serenity that comes from the people who are there to love and support you. It's really about "Yes, you can!" and refusing to give up.

How does it feel returning to the stage at Feinstein's/54 Below?

This upcoming run at Feinstein's/54 Below will be a magnificent opportunity to gather with my friends and celebrate life! It's always like going home again when I'm at 54 - everyone who is involved there is wonderful and truly understands what cabaret is - at one time, being a dying art. With cabaret, you are standing there as yourself and there's no room for hiding - - it's an incredibly honest, vulnerable and moving experience.

To "L" and Back! will also let people know that I have a sense of humor. No matter how awful what you are going through is, always remember that you will laugh again. It's important to remind ourselves of that.

Do you have any advice for young artists, trying to break into cabaret and find their voices?

I'm always so excited to see the new artists - it's their turn! My advice is to just be honest with what you are expressing and realize that the audience came to see and hear what is familiar. Give them what they want!

Your new book, A Star Is Born: Judy Garland and The Movie that Got Away, in partnership with Jeffrey Vance, recently came out. What has it been like to finally be able to tell that story?

The experience has been everything I could only imagine! I began writing years ago and waited for the right time. I wanted people to learn about the all of the versions of the movie that led up to the current release with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. I'm excited to share family photos and all of the history. (Luft's mother, Judy Garland, was nominated for an Oscar for her iconic performance in the 1954 version.)

I've received so much support, and love that the new movie is bringing an important love story to the future - - one that many of us can relate to. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper are the real deal and tell the story with such integrity and honesty - - I am their cheerleader!

To view the schedule for To "L" and Back! and to purchase tickets, visit: 54Below.com/Feinsteins

Photo: Courtesy of Feinstein's/54 Below