Liza Minnelli News

One of the biggest downers perpetrated by American culture is the characterization of Labor Day weekend as the 'unofficial end of summer.' But given what has passed for cabaret entertainment-at least the shows I was able to attend--since the 'unofficial start of summer' on Memorial Day weekend, the end of summer can't come soon enough. But my dismay over the hours lost watching average shows this season was tempered a bit by the pride and joy I felt watching the June performances of three strikingly attractive and talented 30ish brunettes with powerhouse voices-- Jackie Kristel, Karen Gross and Jodi Beck, who all staged entertaining shows as spring was turning to summer.

Yesterday, Liza Minnelli, who received an Academy Award for her now-iconic portrayal of Sally in Bob Fosse's 1972 movie adaptation of CABARET told E! News exclusively that she gives a thumbs up to the casting,

Apropos of the show's most famous song and its opening lyrics, this September is precisely the time to remember the longest running show in American theatre history, THE FANTASTICKS, especially as it celebrates its 20,000th Off-Broadway performance on September 15.

THE FANTASTICKS, the world's longest running musical, will celebrate a record breaking 20,000th New York performance, on Sunday, September 15, 2013, announced producers Catherine Russell and Al Parinello. The milestone will mark the first time a production (on Broadway or Off-Broadway) has ever reached 20,000 performances and will be commemorated in a month long celebration that includes performing at Broadway in Bryant Park and Little Italy, and with The Museum of The City of New York's future cyber gallery highlighting the history of the production. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you highlights of the current cast in action!

'Judy and Liza Together Again', starring internationally acclaimed entertainers Rick Skye and Tommy Femia, named 'BEST DUO'in 2012 by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC), has been EXTENDED AGAIN through the Summer Season at Don't Tell Mama's (343 West 46th Street). Teaming up for an evening of 'Just POW!', these MAC and Bistro Award winning performers pull out all the stops, singing classic solo's, parodies, duets and just plain whooping and hollering by the greatest mother/daughter team in show biz history in 'a high energy evening with an abundance of laughs!' (Edge) . The gaiety continues with performances on:

The Actors Fund, the nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment, will present the 2013 edition of Nothing Like a Dame: Lorna's Pink Party, a benefit for the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative and the Dr. Philomena McAndrew Fund of Tower Cancer Research Foundation. This highly anticipated event, starring entertainment legend LORNA LUFT with her special guest LIZA MINNELLI will take place for two nights only on Monday, October 14th at 7 pm, and Monday, October 21st at 7 pm, at Birdland, 315 West 44th Street, New York City.

Roundabout Theatre Company has officially announced that Oscar nominee Michelle Williams will star for the first time on Broadway as 'Sally Bowles' in its upcoming production of Cabaret. She will take the stage at Studio 54 alongside Alan Cumming as the Emcee, reprising the role that won him a Tony Award in 1998.

The biggest day of the year for Broadway fans will include one-of-a-kind opportunities to own a part of theatre history or to step into the footlights as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS presents the 27th Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction (#bwayflea).

As BroadwayWorld reported last night, Oscar nominee Michelle Williams will star for the first time on Broadway as 'Sally Bowles' in Roundabout Theater Company's upcoming production of Cabaret. She will take the stage alongside Alan Cumming as the Emcee at Studio 54 in 2014, co-directed by Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall. In the videos below, Williams shows off her pipes in My Week with Marilyn and and some of her other previous roles. How do you think she'll fare in a Broadway musical?

A lineup of top entertainers including, Julie Andrews, Lucie Arnaz, Tony Bennett, Tim Conway, Tina Fey, Rashida Jones, Vicki Lawrence, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Martin Short, Rosemary Watson and others will salute Carol Burnett at the 16th Annual Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. The evening will pay tribute the humor and accomplishments of Carol Burnett, and will be taped by WETA Washington, D.C. as Carol Burnett: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize. The program will air on PBS stations nationwide November 24, 2013 (check local listings). Artists are subject to change.

West London's Tabard Theatre presents the world premiere of Richard Harris' new play, Liza Liza Liza from tonight, 4 - 29 September 2013. The production is directed by Kenn Oldfield.

The New York Times reports that Oscar nominee Michelle Williams will star for the first time on Broadway as 'Sally Bowles' in Roundabout Theater Company's upcoming production of Cabaret. She will take the stage alongside Alan Cumming as the M.C. at Studio 54 in 2014, co-directed by Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall. Roundabout is expected to make an official announcement soon.

The Crazy Coqs October schedule begins with Steven Brinberg, who returns following his sell-out show earlier this year with Simply Barbra (October 1- 5), followed by Les Miserables actress and singer Frances Ruffelle and her show Paris Original (October 8 - 12). New York singer-pianist Billy Stritch performs his show I've Got Your Number - The Jazz of Cy Coleman (October 15- 19). As part of the London Festival of Cabaret, Karen Kohler and KT Sullivan will duet together in their show Vienna to Weimar (October 22- 26) followed by KT Sullivan with Rhyme, Women and Song (October 29 - November 2).

Broadway's Terri White will perform 'From Blues To Broadway' at the Arthur Newman Theater in the Joslyn Center today, September 1, 2013 at 2 PM.

Performers Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch return to their regular spot at Bemelmans at The Carlyle Hotel with their evening of swinging standards tonight, September 1 then running every Sunday in September, from 9pm - 12 midnight.

Maverick Concerts, the oldest continuous summer chamber music festival in America, announces the next concert in its 'Jazz Festival at the Maverick' series. Singer-songwriter Marc Black will be joined by pianist, composer and producer Warren Bernhardt. The program celebrates the release of their recently recorded duet CD, Champions of Love. The concert is tonight, Aug. 31, at 8:30 p.m.

Performers Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch return to their regular spot at Bemelmans at The Carlyle Hotel with their evening of swinging standards on Sunday, September 1 then running every Sunday in September, from 9pm - 12 midnight.

Gay resort Fire Island was abuzz as Broadway legend Carol Channing arrived Friday to perform Saturday night at Cherry Grove's Ice Palace. The 92 year old showbiz legend was part of Daniel Nardicio's Icon Series. Last year Nardicio paired Alan Cumming with Liza Minnelli, this year Channing performed with cabaret performer Justin Vivian Bond. Scroll down for photos from the concert!

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra today announced the cast for On Broadway with Kander & Ebb: Celebrating Chicago, Cabaret and All That Jazz, a world premiere pops production of music from legendary and award-winning composers, John Kander (b. 1927) and Fred Ebb (1928-2004). Created by ISO Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, On Broadway with Kander & Ebb opens the Indianapolis Symphony's Printing Partners Pops Series for the 2013-2014 season on Friday andSaturday, Oct. 4 and 5, at the Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis.