LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY – Review by Liz Whittemore

Any Broadway baby knows the effervescent energy of EGOT superstar Liza Minnelli. Her ceaseless pizzazz oozes off stage with a special something no one else has since matched. What lies behind the awards and tabloid fodder is one of the most beloved talents to grace the stage and screen. Bruce David Klein’s outstanding documentary, Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, puts the star back on screen and forever in our hearts.

Liza’s father, Vincente Minnelli, was one of the greatest Hollywood musical directors. He imbued his perfectionism and love of dance. Of course, we all know Liza’s mother as the darling over the rainbow, Judy Garland. Born to famous parents, Liza learned at a young age how fame can lift you, break you, or both.

The film is a curated collection of sit-down interviews with the lady of the hour, friends, and new, never-seen-before footage of Liza’s life. The film begins in earnest in June 1969, after Judy’s death. At 23, Liza’s essence began to form alongside the musical star, author, family friend, and close mentor, Kay Thompson. Despite her underlying envy for Liza’a fresh-faced talent, Kay molded the larger-than-life Minnelli we adore. Charles Aznavour, dubbed “The French Frank Sinatra,” taught Liza how to act through a song. She credits him with curating her sound. Bob Fosse and Cabaret and the subsequent Oscar put her on another level.

Fred Ebb and John Kander honed the art of communication in Liza. Ebb’s honesty, much like Fosse’s, and his understanding that Judy Garland’s stardom was a gigantic, often ominous cloud hovering over Liza. The infamous tape of Liza and Judy at the Palladium speaks volumes. Judy’s cringeworthy and heartbreaking behavior in those moments tells you everything about the dynamic between mother and daughter. Garland was not to be shown up on stage.

Liza With A “Z” combined Ebb and Fosse’s talents to showcase her legendary abilities. She, Kander, and Ebb have created innumerable hits throughout the years, breaking new ground and giving audiences some of the most celebrated musical numbers in musical theatre history.

Liza’s iconic style comes from Halston. He gave her the sequins and the confidence, and she gave him a magical kinship. Beyond the clothing and Halston’s Studio 54 parties, they were muses for one another. Liza understood who to keep in her company. Whether friends, colleagues, or musical geniuses, they elevated each other.

Minnelli speaks about her battles with addiction. She owns her denial in the 70s, accepting her childhood trauma and her genes. The emotional, physical, mental, and financial stress manifested first in alcohol. Minnelli openly discusses her complicated relationship with her mother’s demons. Her stay at Betty Ford allowed her to be different, giving hope to others struggling.

Liza’s love life has been a laundry list of Hollywood’s who’s who. Minnelli doesn’t enjoy speaking about her numerous relationships, but the biggest takeaway from the film is the unconditional adoration that remains between her and her partners. (Except for David Gest, so say all.) Liza loves with her whole heart.

But who is Liza Minnelli? Michael Feinstein and Mia Farrow delve into the purity of their friendships. Darren Criss recalls an evening that ended with them singing together and her acute ability to make you feel like you’ve been friends forever. Her genuine spirit flows from the words of her friends.

Liza has not lost her superb storytelling abilities. She is as brassy and dazzling as ever. Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story is a joyous tribute to a legend. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll belt out the lyrics. It has all the elements of a winner, just like Liza.