As Liza matured professionally and personally into adulthood she achieved a good measure of independence and self confidence. Judy, however, was less and less able to sustain her professional life and family's financial security. Despite this the family supported each other and coped in adversity.
In November 1964, Judy introduced Liza to singer Peter Allen. Peter proposed to Liza at London's Trader Vics restaurant. However, Liza had to return immediately to New York for a series of auditions for the Kander and Ebb show "Flora the Red Menace" - a musical satire about an innocent girl in the 30's depression, who, without realising it get's involved with a communist cell as well as romantically with a man. Liza commented "I wanted to do Flora so badly that I just kept auditioning" I kept going back, they couldn't get rid of me." The show opened on 11th May 1965.
Variety reported "Miss Minnelli has intriguing stage presence, a good voice and compelling manner". Life reported "leading the cheers was Judy herself, wearing diamonds, black chiffon, and wet eyes. At the party after the show Judy walked from table to table obviously happy but still crying, she was so proud." Time Magazine remarked Liza puts vocal muscle and wistful appeal into her spindly role.
Life Magazine made another but ironic observation "Judy's image faded and Liza's came into focus".
The show received little acclaim itself but Liza got the 'best actress in a musical' Tony award.
In November 1965, Judy married Mark Herron. Judy continued to make TV and concert appearances but was battling with personal demons including prescribed drugs and financial problems.
Liza starred in ABC's television production of "The Dangerous Christmas of Red Ridinghood" and then went on to make a series of cabaret appearances.
In 1966, Liza returned to London to appear at "Talk Of The Town", record the award winning LP "There Is A Time" and later to work in her first film "Charlie Bubbles" staring Albert Finney.
Liza enjoyed her stay in London commenting "There is nothing as crazy as London is now" (referring to the swinging sixties).
In 1967 Judy and Liza teamed up again on stage during Judy's final engagement at the Palace, Liza sold over ½ million copies of her LP "Liza Liza" and she married Peter Allen. Judy and Vincent attended the wedding.
In 1968 Judy coached Liza on the film set of "The Sterile Cuckoo" which won liza an Oscar nomination. The New Statesman remarked "This girl is not her mothers daughter for nothing..."
Liza's marriage was not working so separated from Peter. It was put down at the time to difficulties arising from professional commitments. Liza quickly moved on to make her next film "Tell Me That You Love Me Junie Moon". Judy returned to London for an engagement at "Talk Of The Town" with her new boyfriend Mickey Deans. They decided to settle and marry, which they did in March 1969. Liza could not attend the wedding as she was in the middle film production. She called Judy and said "sorry mama but I promise I'll come to the next one".
Regrettably Judy died in June 1969, so was not around to see many of Liza's successes including her Oscar winning performance in the film "Cabaret". Today Liza continues to entertain on stage, television, on CD albums and on film. Celebrated performances have included the TV special "Liza With A Z", the film "New York, New York", the world 'stepping out' concert tour, Minnelli on Minnelli Broadway show and recent Royal Albert Hall 'Liza's back' concerts.
People can drawn parallels between Liza and Judy e.g. an ability to overcome adversity, bounce back, give spectacular performances, and reach the heart of an audience. All said, Liza has cast her own unique super-nova in the history of entertainment alongside her mother and father's celestial light.
home