Review: The Indomitable Trevor Ashley Gives Sydney A New Look At His Famous Alter Ego In LIZA'S BACK (IS BROKEN)

Thursday 8th September 2016, 8pm, Hayes Theatre, Potts Point

Multi award winning Trevor Ashley, one of the busiest men in Australian musical theatre and cabaret returns to Sydney with his fabulously irreverent homage to Liza Minnelli with LIZA'S BACK (IS BROKEN). Capturing Ms Minnelli's iconic voice and mannerisms, the audience is given an insight into how the "girl with an interesting face" would have presented some of musical theatre's greatest roles, had she not turned them down.

With Liza's name in lights, big lights, and a 7 piece band complete with Perspex baby grand piano, the tone is set for a fabulous night and the audience is definitely not disappointed. With fresh new wig of the famous jet black close cropped hair and Liza's signature sequined pants and oversized top, Ashley creates a larger than life image of the diminutive star.

The two act show, conceived by Trevor Ashley and written by Ashley and Phil Scott is filled with fabulous references to Ms Minnelli's life, loves, highs and lows and drops numerous names along the way. Ashley's admiration for the mega star is clear as he manages the line between poking fun at the celebrity and presenting her with a sensitivity and humanity. In addition to capturing her iconic speech pattern and sound, his big bold vocals are perfect to the point of believing you are listening to the real thing. Ashley has an exuberant energy as he gives everything of himself for the performance and his dance set for Music and The Mirror choreographed by Cameron Mitchell is divinely hilarious. Famous songs have been wonderfully "Liza-fied" with jazz twists and new interpretations and Scott and Ashley have selected some not-so-obvious songs from major musicals to keep the audience guessing.

In addition to the marvellous impersonation of Ms Minnelli, Ashley also shows that he's just as adept at capturing her famous mother, Judy Garland. This added treat is hopefully an insight into a future show from Mr Ashley and his tribute to her iconic movie and Broadway's subsequent prequel is fabulous.

LIZA'S BACK (IS BROKEN) is a must see show for everyone. For Liza Minelli fans, this is fantastic. For Trevor Ashley fans, he just gets better and better. For musical theatre fans, this is a fabulous glimpse of favourite shows being reimagined and given the Ms Minnelli treatment. Whilst reports indicate the current season at Hayes Theatre is sold out, check with the theatre for any last minute returns or secure a ticket to the return season at the Sydney Opera House.

LIZA'S BACK (IS BROKEN)

Hayes Theatre

Thursday 8 September - Sunday 18 September 2016

Performances: Tues & Wed 7.00pm | Thurs - Sat 8.00pm | Sun 6.00pm

Prices: Tues - Thurs $69.00 | Fri - Sun $79.00

Concession prices not available

Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes including interval

Sydney Opera House: The Studio

Dates: Friday 11th and Saturday 12th November 2016 at 8:15pm

Tickets: Tables $95.00/Reserved Seating $85.00

Bookings: (02) 9250 7777 sydneyoperahouse.com (tickets go on sale Thursday 15 September at 9am)

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