Review: Liza's at the Palace....

A Legendary Night of Good
She looks good, she sounds good and she reflects a lot about a woman who was very good to her making for, yes, a very good night at the theater.

She's Liza Minelli in a triumphant return to Broadway for her song and dance variety show Liza's at the Palace... at the Palace Theater through Dec. 28.
It's not exactly a Broadway show, but Liza's not your typical performer. Receiving a standing ovation at the start of the show (and burst of enthusiastic standing ovations after every number from ardent fans sitting in the first few rows), Minelli, directed by Ron Lewis (who also choreographs), entertains with long list of dramatically acted songs including some trademarks like "Cabaret" and "New York, New York." She's backed up by a quartet of Johnny Rogers, Cartes Alexander, Jim Caruso, Tiger Martina and a terrific orchestra led by conductor/drummer Michael Berkowitz and the excellent Billy Stritch (who leaves the piano to ham it up with the boys in one number).

The second half of the program is a dance-filled tribute to the late-1940s nightclub act of Minnelli's godmother, Kay Thompson, who was a ground-breaking vocal arranger and musical director/vocal coach at MGM Studios (and also the author of the "Eloise" children's books). Songs include “I Love a Violin,” “Clap Yo’ Hands,” “Jubilee Time,” and “Hello Hello."

Ray Klausen's sparkling backdrops, lighted by Matt Berman, give the production a Las Vegas feel. Minelli appears in a number of sparkling pantsuits and an unfortunate selection of a mini-skirt tunic top with over-the-knee boots for one segment (costume design is unattributed).

One audience member wondered at intermission whether anyone under the age of 50 would even know who Kay Thompson or Liza Minelli are. I hope so. Besides giving a solid night of entertainment, Minelli stood on the stage as proof that you can triumph over circumstances. It also is really nice to hear her speak so lovingly of her mother (the legendary Judy Garland)and of Thompson. Stories about how Garland and Thompson cried into a powder puff while watching Minelli on stage and how Thompson stood by Minelli and made her believe in herself are truly touching and evidence of the good in people.

Take your kids. You'll be entertained by a good performer and the kids will learn a lot about how to be good to each other.

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• Minor language
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