Liza with a Z

When I first viewed this TV concert in 1972 I thought it the best TV concert ever. Nothing in the intervening 28 years has done anything to change my mind. Liza and director-choreographer Bob Fosse are at the peak of their respective careers and it shows in this luminous performance. I still hope for its return to video in some format.

i was lucky enough to have seen the show when it was originally broadcast. I have been looking for a copy of this show either on VHS or Video Disc. But have not been able to achieve my goal. Anyway, I remember that I was impacted, I fell in love with Liza that very first time, what a woman, Energy, Charisma, strength, voice. I remember watching her sing every song, I used to know all the lyrics of all her songs, and even remember some of the steps. It was the best show I ever saw, and actually have not been able to see another show like that. I've seen Madonna or Cher live, but they can't compare with Liza and her voice. I saw her live years later here on my hometown, she is still great, but I think that this is her best concert ever.

It would be difficult to imagine another performer on the planet capable of accomplishing what Liza Minnelli achieved in her riveting hour-long performance of "Liza with a Z." In its beautifully restored version, this stunning television showcase, originally broadcast on May 31, 1972, is now available for a new generation of viewers.

The expression "triple threat" is used in the theatre for those gifted performers with skills in singing, acting, and dancing. Liza Minnelli is at the top of her game in all three areas in this knockout performance. With the brilliant choreography of Bob Fosse and the electric feeling of a live audience at New York's Lyceum Theatre, this was a spellbinding and virtuoso performance. While not listed in the credits, the dancing ensemble also deserves kudos for their supporting contributions to this singular and indeed historic concert.

Among all of the dazzling numbers, including "Bye, Bye, Blackbird" and Liza's "Cabaret" medley, my favorite selection was the most personal and introspective, a quiet love monologue adapted by Liza from one of Charles Aznavour's songs, "You've Let Yourself Go." The song is a confession of a wife to her husband about the rather mundane and unexciting state of their relationship. Liza's interpretation, including her raw emotions and the coloring of the words, was unforgettable in its honesty and simplicity. This song and the other dynamic numbers reveal the range of Liza's performing abilities in a show for the ages!

Liza/Z is great! Really good bonus features. The Toronto Film Fest alone, proves that Liza is still sharp as a whip! That said, she did forget that at the beginning of Son of A Preacher Man - Fosse was paying tribute to Ailey with those "Revelations" arms. And I'm still trying to find out the name of the male singer that starts Preacherman.

As much as I'm thankful for the careful restoration of this major event, I still feel that an integral part of the show has been slighted: the dancers! I really wish someone had bothered to list the dancers in the credits. While a few names are mentioned, surely the overall group should be known as more than just "the kids". I understand that 1972 was a long time around, but surely someone remembers all of their names. In fact, I would have enjoyed seeing Liza in a room with the some of the dancers - sharing memories. (I know Candy Brown is still around)

I saw this for the first time on TV when I was a child. I remembered liking it a great deal-I think it was the first time I'd seen Liza Minelli. Watched it again today on Showtime and was amazed! Liza was fabulous-and the whole thing seemed so undated-that was a real surprise. Bob Fosse's choreography is still so modern looking and sexy. Halston's costumes were gorgeous and even when he put her in knickers (which believe it or not were IN for about 5 minutes during this time) she still doesn't look dated-you just think "Wow, I didn't remember KNICKERS looking that amazing"! The only thing that looks time-warpish is the hair and facial hair of her backup dancers. The guys have big, fluffy mustaches and it looks like she is being backed-up by 1970s porn stars. Other than that this special could have been done yesterday. The decision to do it live was perfect-Liza starts off quiet, and she just does a slow burn. By the end of the show her hair is plastered to her head with sweat and she is just burning and glowing and brilliant. An artist at the peak of her powers. Liza is just as talented as her famous mother, I think. She has all of Judy's raw talent & her incredible vulnerability, but with Liza you also get sex-I had forgotten how very sexy she was. By all means watch this special on Showtime or rent the DVD-you will not be bored.