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LIZA MINNELLI REVIVES HER GREATEST LIVE PERFORMANCE

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14 MARCH 2006

The comeback phenomenon is nothing new in the world of showbiz, with innumerable stars having resurrected their careers after long spells in hiatus. Silver screen icon Liza Minnelli has now taken the trend to a new level, however, by reviving a specific performance.

Over 30 years have passed since the legendary performer wowed TV audiences and critics alike with her live special Liza With A 'Z'. And the glamorous actress had plenty of reason to smile on Monday night, when she turned out for an exclusive screening of the show, which is now experiencing a full-blown renaissance.

Liza picked up an Emmy for her performance in the concert, which was filmed on Broadway in May 1972. At the time she was the toast of Tinseltown thanks to her Oscar-winning turn in Cabaret, so she didn't need to think twice when the film's director Bob Fosse suggested they collaborate on a groundbreaking new production.

"There had been talk about me doing a television special," recalled the enduring star. "Back then, when you did a TV special, they usually teamed you up with someone else, and the whole thing was done on videotape to perfection. But people were really talking about Cabaret at this point, so Fosse said 'We should do this – but we should do it our way'."

The end result was a high-octane extravaganza that would break all the rules of TV production. The director decided to focus only on Liza and film the event with eight cameras, which was a first for network television. By breaking from the norm of drafting in several other stars, the filmmaker also gave his leading lady the chance to showcase the full range of her singing, acting and dancing talents.

Liza With A 'Z' received a rapturous reception when it was screened at the Toronto Film Festival last year, and producers have now decided to give the concert another airing on primetime TV and release a newly-remastered DVD.

"With all the attention Liza With a 'Z' is getting, I feel like I've come home again," said the woman at the centre of everyone's attention. "This is what I love doing - the dancing, the singing. This is the kind of work I always loved doing. This is where I belong."