Our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine Miller found this beautiful concert, “Liza with a Z” and she shares her recent encounter with John Kander who wrote most of Liza Minnelli’s songs and special material. There’s a touching tribute to Jule Styne, and another wonderful Randie sidebar, plus more streaming entertainment for your enjoyment.

Liza with a Z

From 1972, one of the greatest concerts, ever!  “Liza With a Z”, starring Liza Minnelli, singing and dancing, truly at the top of her game, at age 26. Directed by Bob Fosse, they are an incomparable combination.  This concert, filmed at the Lyceum Theater, was written by Kander and Ebb, with costumes by Liza’s great pal, Halston. A must not miss, as Tomatoes will adore seeing the Liza that was.

Sidebar: I was shocked to see Liza appear on the Oscars, obviously in failing health, in a wheelchair, accompanied by Lady Gaga. I found it to be an awkward and sad moment, and an appearance that did not need to happen. Most of us, I believe, would prefer to remember her in her prime.

The legendary John Kander and me

Sidebar too: My heart be still! Just his past Monday Night, I ran into the incomparable legendary, prolific tunesmith, John Kander, at Birdland. He wrote most of Liza Minnelli’s songs and special material.  At 95-years-old he is still sharp as a tack!

A Delightful Tribute to Jule Styne

From 1990, the Kennedy Center Honors, Jule Styne segment, a delightful 20 minute tribute to the legendary and prolific Broadway and movie composer (“Gypsy”,  “Funny Girl”, “Bells Are Ringing”, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”). Some of the greats performing in honor of Jule: Tyne Daly (who was then starring in “Gypsy”, singing “Some People” and looking and sounding great), Hal Linden, Maureen McGovern, Jack Jones, Tommy Tune, Ann Reinking and Jerome Robbins. An absolute joy!

Sidebar: Jule Styne and I both belonged to the Friars Club. One day at lunch, he was at the next table… I was dying to talk to him (he wrote my 2 most favorite shows), but I was so intimated by this very short man’s genius, that I actually couldn’t get the words out, and never got to meet my musical hero!  Many years later, when speaking with my mother, she indicated that he was a very warm and friendly man… She said: “As a matter of fact, your father, Sidney Chaplin and Jule Styne went to the track together, (and bet on the horses, in the mid1960’s)…. Your father actually loaned Jule Styne some money, which he didn’t pay back.” Many years later, I ran into his widow and told Margaret Styne this story, to which she replied: “Knowing my husband, I’m sure it’s true!”.  If only I had known, I would not have been as intimated and would have mustered up the courage to meet him!

The Cast of the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel at 92Y

A joyful panel, which took place recently at the 92nd Street Y… “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” cast in a panel discussion: Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Shaloub, Marin Hinkle, Michael Zegen, Luke Kirby and Caroline Aaron, in conversation with Jackie Clark. They are all quite delightful talking about behind the scenes of Season 4! Mrs. Maisel fans will find this discussion delightful. I can’t wait for Season 5 which will, unfortunately, be their last season!

Rodgers and Hart Tribute

A total musical treat with the best of the best of Broadway — The second of a 2 part Tribute to Rodgers and Hart with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, which aired on PBS-TV in 2002, starring showstoppers: Audra McDonald, Lillias White, Rebecca Luker, Douglas Sills,Ron Raines and Mary Testa.. A must see concert that I know Tomatoes will love.