Liza Minnelli is many things. A great singer and entertainer. A survivor and a link to the golden age of Hollywood. I had the pleasure of seeing her perform on Tuesday 27th May, in the last of her three London performances.The show was in two distinct parts. The first half being a selection of showstoppers such as "Cabaret"and "Maybe This Time". The second half being a tribute to her godmother, the late Kay Thompson who was vocal arranger and vocal coach at MGM Studios working with stars such as her Mother, Judy Garland. Liza, supported by a quartet of singers, performed highlights from Thompson's act with the Williams Brothers, including such numbers as "I Love a Violin", "Clap O’ Your Hands", and "Hello Hello".
This was a very traditional and personal show, with songs and reflections on her career and Godmother. It was schmaltzy and at times gushing, but her audience and die hard fans lapped it up. This was old school entertainment, which regardless of it's packaging, ultimately centred on a single persons ability to sing and entertain. And she did. This was a rare opportunity to see what being a true star is about. Despite the years and the hard road that Liza Minnelli has trod, she is still one of the most engaging and skilled vocalists alive. She has real star quality. Furthermore she is the real thing. A survivor from an era that will soon be lost in time all together. Yes, up and coming artists can cover this material, but they will not have lived through those times.
I've seen many artists perform live over the years, but this is the first time that I have seen someone who has the title and in my opinion, the status of "Star". A superb 100 minutes of classic song and dance, from a great performer.
XoD.
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