Will it be a car crash concert? That was the thought that was going through my head when I booked tickets for Liza Minnelli.
Having seen various performances on TV in the past, I must say they have not been the best, but could forgive because it's the Queen of Cabaret.
I couldn't have been further from the truth, in fact it was one of the highlights of my concert going life.
From the moment the music struck the cords to New York, New York to the finale and encore, it was a sheer delight to see Liza back to how we know and love her.
Appearing at the back of the stage, looking stunning, when the curtain was raised to a standing ovation, one of many throughout the night. During the first half we were entertained with the old classics Liza is known for and also her dry sense of humour. During Cabaret she got to the point "that's what comes of too much pills and liquor" and stopped and shrugged her shoulders, as if to say been there, done that... but look at me now!
We were also given little stories about how some songs came about, Maybe This Time was put into the film as they wanted another love song.
During the second half, she paid tribute to her godmother and mentor, Kay Thompson. With four backing singers, she sang and danced through a 40's style cabaret act.
The finale had to be New York, New York which was amazing, and Liza shared with the audience that the song was written for her and here we all were thinking it was Frank Sinatras'.
Of course, the whole theatre didn't want this to finish, but it had to. After various curtain calls, Liza came back and did one final song which she said she hadn't planned as she had run out of songs she was able to do. At this point the whole band had gone. There she was, singing alone and unaccompanied....Liza is definately back.
You could tell she was enjoying being back on stage which made it even more special for the audience, as with every cheer and ovation she just seem to be so appreciative and humbled by the whole experience. There was a point where a member of the audience shouted out the music was too loud and she couldn't be heard (but we all know that one). She apologised, explaining there were problems with the sound, next you know things have been put right and she could be heard so clearly.
It was an experience I'm glad I didn't miss, to see such an icon on stage, live is going to stay with me for a long time!
