Liza's At The Palace

“Liza's At The Palace...!”


LIZA MINNELLI In ConcertLiza Minnelli will bring her unmatchable magic to Broadway, when she stars in her new show “Liza’s At The Palace…!” opening Wednesday, December 3rd (6:30PM) at the Palace Theatre (Broadway & 47th Street) for a limited engagement through December 14th. Produced by John Scher/Metropolitan Talent Presents & Jubilee Time Productions and directed and choreographed by Ron Lewis, the evening will feature an incomparable Minnelli songfest including many of her personal favorites and signature hits, followed by a dance-filled tribute to the groundbreaking late-1940s nightclub act of Minnelli's godmother, Kay Thompson. Gary Labriola will serve as Executive Producer.
Along with a twelve-man orchestra led by conductor/drummer Michael Berkowitz and pianist/musical supervisor Billy Stritch, “Liza’s At The Palace…!” will be highlighted with many of Liza’s showstoppers such as “Cabaret,” “Maybe This Time,” and “New York New York” – all written especially for her by the legendary Broadway song writing partnership of John Kander and Fred Ebb. For the first time onstage, Liza will pay an affectionate salute to her godmother, the late Kay Thompson who was a legendary performer (“Think Pink!” from “Funny Face”), author (“Eloise at the Plaza”) as well a gifted vocal arranger and Music Director/vocal coach at MGM Studios who worked with stars such as Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and Lena Horne. Supported by a quartet of dynamic singer/dancers, Liza will perform musical hits (with the original vocal arrangements) from Thompson's act including such numbers as “I Love a Violin,” “Clap Yo' Hands,” “Jubilee Time” and “Hello Hello”---set to brand-new staging and choreography by Mr. Lewis. Accompanying her onstage will be Cortés Alexander, Jim Caruso, Tiger Martina and Johnny Rodgers.
The concert performance will be scripted by Liza and Tony Award-winner David Zippel, and will be full of personal stories, anecdotes and heartfelt reminiscences embraced in a theatrical setting featuring scenery by Ray Klausen, costumes by Halston, lighting by Matthew Berman and sound by Matt Kraus.



In other news, the Krupa date at Iridium was amazing. Full houses for both shows. And, they want the band back for New Year's Eve, so stay tuned. In attendance were members of the Liza troupe, Butch Miles and some old friends from long ago. Hilary Kole was our amazing "chick singer" and Frank Perowsky came in and did some Krupa Quartet numbers. Don't miss the next one!!!



Worked with Billy Stritch on Friday at the Metropolitan Room with Klea Blackhurst. They did their Hoagy Carmichael Show...fun to do and play. I'm on the record but I'd never done a gig with them until Friday.



And Saturday we were in Princeton, NJ at the McCarter Theatre performing with Christine Ebersole and Mr. Stritch. 2 Shows, great music and wonderful audiences. John Arbo was the bass player both nights and I really enjoyed working with him, too.

Wed and Thursday this week we're in the studio with Ms. Minnelli and then
off to Santa Rosa, Ca. on Friday for Opening concerts of the new Pops Season.

Italy tour with Liza...

Come see us.

Ciao!

Mike Berkowitz

October 8, 2008

Hello World.

Just back from a quick Press tour of Rome with Liza Minnelli to publicize the upcoming Italian tour. Saw some of the sights, including Liza at the Trevi Fountain, did two Television Shows with her and had too much to eat. More about the upcoming Italian tour next time. In other Liza news, we're going to be in Woonsocket, RI in late November for 4 days or so as a tune up for a very probable Broadway run. All will be announced very soon when the ink is dry on the page.

Don't forget: THE GENE KRUPA BAND with HILARY KOLE is at IRIDIUM Tuesday, October 14th for two shows, 8:30 and 10:30 pm. Great band, great singer, great music. If you're reading this page, you should come on out and see us in person. Never know who might show up that night.

Also, we are doing a Tribute To Gene Krupa in honor of his 100th Birthday on January 13th, 2009 at Iridium. GK's birthday is January 15, 1909 so we're as close as the booking would allow.
Special guests and a big celebration for the Man who started it all, Gene Krupa, America's Drumming Man.

Santa Rosa, Ca. October 25/26. Opening Night for the new Season with the Santa Rosa Symphony. Mancini Magic!!! Cecil Welch, Steve Dokken, Joe Thalken and me on the Podium. The best music anywhere.


Coming up: Liza in Italy news...Liza on Broadway news...Krupa Band tour of Florida...Krupa Band dates with The Four Freshmen and Jack Jones...Symphony Pops dates...and pictures!

See you around,
Mike Berkowitz

Can you name the 3 drummers in the picture? Send me your answers at berkowitz66@msn.com