Time Magazine Reviews Liza's at the Palace

[PalJoey]

Posted: 12/13/08 at 10:45am

Like the New York Times, it damns with faint praise and praises with faint damns.

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Indeed, a Liza Minnelli concert is never about musicality so much as it is about the psychodrama of watching showbiz's most famous high-wire act try to make it to curtain call without a visit from the EMS unit. Even the minimal choreography — lots of arm-thrusts and quick-marches across the stage — seems to wear her out. In between songs she gasps for air and grabs for her bottle of Gatorade as if she were an NFL cornerback returning to the bench after a 60-yard interception run. Halfway through the two-and-a-half-hour concert she pulls out a chair and plops down into it for a couple of numbers. We catch our breath along with her.

But hey, she's a trouper. The luxe, schmaltz-encrusted voice that seems constantly on the verge of either laughter or hysterical tears doesn't really seem to connect with the specific lyrics she's singing, but they're expressing something — if only her fierce love of performing and need for affirmation. The concert is testament to the power of an indomitable star of diminishing powers who still has enough adrenalin, musical instincts and smart packaging to get up there and demand our love. Maybe she even deserves it.
Liza Minnelli Onstage: Resistance Is Futile

[Brick]

Posted: 12/13/08 at 12:12pm

"Maybe she even deserves it."

All right, Mr. Zoglin. She does or she doesn't. Have some balls and say she doesn't if that's what you mean!

What a snarky, irritating review. Holden at the Times was critical of her shortcomings, but in a matter-a-fact way. This guy clearly felt the need to play devil's advocate to the screaming crods surrounding him. Putz.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/13/08 at 3:24pm

The put down of her dancing is especially vicious-spirited, because everyone knows she's had replacement surgery. And how many dancers still dance with athleticism at 62? Chita was still in her prime, and and Judith Jamison, okay. But really, this sort of bitchery is boilerplate.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/13/08 at 3:24pm

The put down of her dancing is especially vicious-spirited, because everyone knows she's had replacement surgery. And how many dancers still dance with athleticism at 62? Chita was still in her prime, and and Judith Jamison, okay. But really, this sort of bitchery is boilerplate.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 12/13/08 at 5:52pm

Say it again, Auggie.

Updated On: 12/13/08 at 05:52 PM