Cabaret: noun-a spot that is open late at night and that provides entertainment (as singers or dancers) as well as dancing and food and drinkOh...what a night! I saw Liza's At The Palace starring Liza Minnelli on-Broadway last night, December 9th. Ron Lewis, the director and choreographer was in the first row. We had unbelievable center orchestra seats. Candice Bergen was seated behind me. Denise Rich was one row to the side. Our friend, Ron de Salvo, was there with his ole chum, Tommy Tune (the recipient of 9 Tony Awards, more than anyone else). Who knows who else was there that I did not recognize. I saw the actors Jane Krakowski and Don Amendolia.
Liza was in top form as she aligned her music with a tribute to Kay Thompson, her Godmother, mentor and well-known MGM creative consultant and performer. She cracked a few jokes about how she used to sing a lot of songs about falling in love but now sings about falling 'out of love' which led to her singing "If You Hadn't, But You Did".
I liked when she sang CABARET. I felt a tad guilty since I have yet to see that 1972 film where she won an Academy Award for her legendary performance. I did see CABARET on Broadway twice (once with Alan Cumming starring and once with Brooke Shields starring), so that accounts for something.
When Liza sang the Al Jolson classic "Mammy" every audience member could visualize her mother, Judy Garland, looking down with happiness. It was especially touching when Liza told of a story about her Godmother, Kay Thompson. Kay had introduced her to three closet doors and asked Liza to open each one. The first door had wallpaper surrounded with views of Rio de Janiero, Brazil, a beautiful, awe-inspiring sight to be seen. The second door had an amazing view of the Champs-Elysees leading to the Eiffel Tower, one of Liza's most favorite places on earth.
"Okay, now look at the last door that is my most favorite on earth," Kay said.
Liza opened closet door number three and there was a mirror. For the first time, Liza disclosed that she saw the wonder of herself.
After the show our friend, Ron de Salvo, arranged a late night supper at the popular Hell's Kitchen restaurant ORSO at 322 W. 46th Street. The supper group included me, Alan Freiman, Ron de Salvo, Tommy Tune, Don Amendolia and Todd Anthony. As we walked into the restaurant Tommy was greeted by Lauren Bacall (known as Bette to her dearest friends). She was seated at the next table. Would it ever end? What a wild theater outing. It was perfect for Alan and I since we would be leaving NYC in two days. It was an ideal way to close our chapter on this electric city (until we return in March 2009).
During supper we talked more about the fabulous energy of Liza. She was on-stage, sober, older and pleasantly full of pizzaz. I just joined the Official Tommy Tune fan club, too (www.tommytune.com). Tommy shared some scoop about his Broadway Theater production (1982-1984) "NINE" that is being directed by Rob Marshall into a feature film next year (2009) with an extraordinary cast. Javier Bardem was tapped and set for the lead role. After he won his Supporting Actor Oscar things had changed; whereby, Daniel Day Lewis got the part. The cast seems unbelievable and I will be first in line to see this one:
www.imdb.com/title/tt0875034/
The comaraderie continued outside the restaurant when we bumped into one of the sidekick Andy Williams' brothers, Jim Caruso, who was one of the dancer, singer performers on-stage with Liza. Jim was on his way to Bar Centrale to meet a friend. We gave Jim is well-deserved "kudos". We all bid farewell at the corner of 8th Avenue and 46th Street.
During the subway ride home I recalled these words from Liza while on-stage,
"You are my family."
I could still faintly hear Liza singing in my mind...
"New York New York"...
Start spreading the news,
I'm leaving today.
I want to be a part of it, New York, New York.
These vagabond shoes,
Are longing to stray,
And make a brand new start of it
New York, New York
I want to wake up in the city that doesn't sleep,
To find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap.
These little town blues,
Are melting away.
I'll make a brand new start of it,
In old New York.
If I can make it there,
I'll make it anywhere,
It's up to you, New York, New York.
New York, New York.
I want to wake up, in the city that doesn't sleep
To find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap
Creme of the crop and the top of the heap.
My little town blues
Are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it,
In old New York.
If I can make it there,
I'll make it anywhere,
Come on, Come though, New York, New York.
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