Liza Minnelli (Tour – Manchester)

The irrepressible Miss Liza Minnelli arrived at the Bridgewater Hall and within a few seconds of appearing on stage, held the majority of the audience cradled in the palm of her hand.

Opening the show with a powerful rendition of Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Miss Minnelli proved from the outset that she has lost none of the magnetism or power of performance that have made her an international star for the last forty years.  The voice might have lost a little of its range, but she can still belt out a song like there is no tomorrow.

The show is a compilation of some of the star’s favourite songs from her back catalogue, and includes a a number from Chicago as well as a couple from her most famous role in Cabaret, alongside such memorable tracks as “Liza With A Z” and “New York, New York.”

She is supported by a six piece band including American jazz pianist Michael Renzi, with whom she performs a beautiful version of “Every Time We Say Goodbye.” However, the most touching number in the show must be “Maybe This Time”, from the film of Cabaret, and performed with such feeling that the entire audience understands her emotions.

In this era, where celebrity is clamoured for by untalented ‘wannabe’s, to stop and listen to someone with Miss Minnelli’s talent, and with her unashamed love for both music and performance, is the experience of a lifetime.

– Helen Jones