New York critics and theatre audiences fell under the spell of Liza Minnelli's unmatchable magic when she returned to Broadway's legendary Palace Theatre and played a recent sell-out engagement. Now, music lovers around the world will get the same chance as "Liza's at the Palace..." the new original cast recording of her incomparable show was released on February 3rd, 2009.
Liza Minnelli kicked-off the new release with a 'singing & signing' event at the Lincoln Triangle Barnes & Noble store, she was joined by her Broadway co-stars (who are also featured on the cd), Johnny Rodgers, Cortes Alexander, Jim Caruso and Tiger Martina. The legendary Billy Stritch led the evening on piano as musical director, BWW TV was there to cheer along as the iconic Minnelli made the night a special standing room only event!
Helmed by veteran music producer Phil Ramone, the two-CD set captures Liza at her inspired best-with the first CD (Act I) featuring her signature hits and personal favorites followed by the second CD (Act II) a rousing tribute to the groundbreaking late-1940s nightclub act of Minnelli's godmother, Kay Thompson.
Along with a twelve-man orchestra led by conductor/drummer Michael Berkowitz and pianist/musical supervisor Billy Stritch, "Liza's At The Palace...." is highlighted with many of Liza's showstoppers such as "Cabaret," "Maybe This Time," and "New York New York" - as well as songs by Charles Aznavour, Roger Edens, John Kander, Johnny Rodgers, and Billy Stritch.
For the first time onstage and now on the recording, Liza payed an affectionate salute to her godmother, the late Kay Thompson who was a ground-breaking vocal arranger and musical director/vocal coach at MGM Studios. Supported by a quartet of dynamic singer/dancers, Liza performs musical numbers (with the original vocal arrangements) from Thompson's historic act with The Williams Brothers. Songs include "I Love a Violin," "Clap Yo' Hands," "Jubilee Time," and "Hello Hello".
The original Broadway concert was produced by John Scher/Metropolitan Talent Presents & Jubilee Time Productions and directed and choreographed by Ron Lewis. Gary Labriola served as Executive Producer.
This edition of BWW TV is produced/edited by James Sims and reported by Eddie Varley. For more information visit, www.officiallizaminnelli.com.
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