BWW Interviews: The Legendary Liza Minnelli on Broadway Memories, Wild Nights at Studio 54 & New Concert!

Liza Minnelli, winner of four Tony Awards, an Oscar, a special "Legends" Grammy, two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy, is one of the entertainment world's consummate performers. In film, on stage and in television, Liza has won critical acclaim, a multitude of fans, and high recognition from her show business peers. In short, she is the true definition of the word 'superstar'. 

Born to actress/singer Judy Garland and film director Vincent Minnelli, Liza began her professional career at the age of 16 in an Off-Broadway revival of the musical “Best Foot Forward.” Numerous memorable Broadway performances followed, including “Flora the Red Menace,” “Chicago,” “The Rink,” “The Act,” and “Victor/Victoria.” Liza has also starred in several feature films including “New York, New York,” “Arthur,” “The Sterile Cuckoo” and the Academy Award-winning “Cabaret.”

Minnelli made a triumphant return to Broadway in 2008 with “Liza's at the Palace ...” which went on to win the Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event. In between her many TV and film roles, Liza has never stopped touring at some of the world's most prestigious venues and has long been considered one of the most exciting and entertaining concert performers. At 65-years-old, she is as committed, spirited and enthusiastic about her craft as ever! 

Recently, Ms. Minnelli took an unfortunate fall and broke her foot and is temporarily confined to a wheelchair. However, in true show-biz style, she refuses to disappoint her fans and will still perform her high energy show next Saturday evening, February 4th at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ. (visit njpac.org for details) As the steadfast entertainer told me herself, "Nothing stops me!"

Liza took a moment out of her busy schedule to speak with BWW about her upcoming concert, her favorite Broadway memories and the real story behind those 'wild nights' at the legendary Studio 54 during the 1970's.

I want to start by thanking you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. 

Oh no, don't be silly - Thank you!

Let's start by talking about your upcoming show at New Jersey Performing Arts Center next week.

I know I am so excited!

What types of songs do you plan to sing in the show?

Well the show's called 'Confessions'. So they're songs that mean a lot to me. And some of them are a little risqué and some of them are just funny and some are sad you know - it's all wonderful songs that I've found for this album I just did called 'Confessions'. Also, at one point in the show I'm gonna try to do 'Liza With a Z', but I can't dance because I've got pins in my leg and it's broken in three places. But you know, nothing stops me!

Well I remember your dance scene in the recent 'Sex and the City' movie and you were certainly able to move for that!

Oh thank you!

I know that you are going to be appearing in an upcoming episode of TV Land's 'Hot in Cleveland'. Was that filmed yet?

No, I haven't done it yet.

Have you ever worked with Betty White before?

No but I feel like I know her. I'm around her a bit and I'm just such a fan. And it should be wonderful. I go out around the 12th of February to film that.

Looking forward to that!  I recently saw an interview with Mary J. Blige in which she said of you, "A person knows when they're listening to Liza Minnelli sing - there's only one Liza", which is certainly true. You have such a unique vocal style...

Oh thank you!

You're very welcome. Were there any early influences that helped you create your authentic style?

What it was was that I was always a dancer you know, but I really only learned to sing because I wanted to go on Broadway - that lit my whole body, when I saw Broadway shows. So, when I found what I consider, and what people call 'my style', was when I saw (French singer, songwriter and actor) Charles Aznavour, who was a great actor in his time, that's what it was all about for me. For instance, the woman who's singing a particular song, take any song, I try to imagine, what color hair does she have? What does she look out the window and see? The city? The country? What's happened up to that point when she sings these words? And so it's different characters when I sing, and I have a character breakdown of each song. It's funny!

Caryn Robbins is a features editor for BroadwayWorld, covering TV, flm and the best of Broadway theater.

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