I wish they would release better quality versions of televison specials of the time and a bit later. Would love to have a legit copy of Shirley Maclaine's show that was broadcast on HBO in the early 80's.
I just read the Ethel Merman biography. It talks about her going to see "Judy's girl in her new show". The book says that Merman said out loud during the show, "She's ^&*( lip synching!"
Liza was partying pretty heavy at the time and at some performances, when she wasn't up for the choreography, she'd just go off and Michelle Craig would come out and dance the number. And when her voice wasn't up to it, they'd roll the tape. It was a mess. A pal who was in the show said they wouldn't even go to their dressing rooms when they got to the theater. They'd hang onstage until it was confirmed that Liza was going to show up and there'd actually be a performance.
In Chicago we had the world premier. It was called SHINE IT ON I still have the playbill. Being a LIZA fan I went, so excited. She had longer hair and the whole show and costumes were different than what it would become later. It had a story, kind of, girl from rural goes to city to make it big. Like New York New York. Well 3 hours into it people were leaving, I know they are previews but they were nailing scenery together while she was singing and it was a MESS. It was so bad they cut her hair changed her costumes to Halstead and made it a night club act. It was not good to begin with and was worse later. Barry who was in it. Did not even notice. It was all LIZA. I love this lady with all my heart. Have seen her grow into a wonderful singer and actress. Have met her in person at a "Metropolis" frangrance for men (aweful stuff) I wish someone would guide her now to just go back into acting. Her singing is over. we all remember how great she was and is as a person. go out in style. Do more films. LIZA you always will be number 1 diva and star. But go out in style PLEASE......
Talk to Ken Davenport or start a Kickstarter campaign; I'm sure there must be a few people out there who don't realize what a flop a revival of this would be.
Barry Nelson was who. He was quite adept at comedy, but his role in The Act was of little consequence. Still, he performed his assignment smoothly and professionally. I wouldn't have blamed him if he wished he were back in such former successes as The Moon Is Blue, Mary, Mary, and Cactus Flower. I wished he could have been back in them, myself, and that I could have been in the theatre watching them!
"Liza was partying pretty heavy at the time and at some performances, when she wasn't up for the choreography, she'd just go off and Michelle Craig would come out and dance the number. And when her voice wasn't up to it, they'd roll the tape. It was a mess. A pal who was in the show said they wouldn't even go to their dressing rooms when they got to the theater. They'd hang onstage until it was confirmed that Liza was going to show up and there'd actually be a performance."
Saw it in Chicago, as SHINE IT ON, and in New York, as THE ACT. Add my voice to the chorus--a terrible show with a few excellent numbers and a memorable star. Maybe the numbers could be recreated in some kind of revue or concert. Beyond that, there's nothing there.
Poor Liza. People always like to make up ****. Two weeks ago the sound board went kaput right before her hollywood bowl concert was about to start. Because of this the show was 40 minutes late. The poor woman got on the PA system to announce of the technical difficulties and that it "wasn't her" and she was "chomping at the bit to go on". Still all the queens started with the cocaine jokes and some of the gay blogs started saying that she just could not be found for showtime. None of it true. But give it time and someone will tell it as truth and swear they were there.