My Friend Liza Minnelli is Getting a Documentary – Hopefully, It’s as Unforgettable as Her Last Wedding!
Glittering and all that jazz
Almost every living thing has been featured in a documentary — except perhaps for two poodles on a road trip outside Yosemite. Enter Liza Minnelli. Loved by all, possibly even Putin himself.
She once expressed, “I haven’t been out of it since kindergarten. I just keep moving forward.”
Together at Joan Rivers’ funeral at Temple Emanu-El, she declared: “MY funeral better be just as grand.”
On one occasion, she was enjoying a cigarette on my terrace, reminiscing about her last wedding, while oddly sharing pictures of herself with Joel Grey between puffs.
There was a moment when Liza and Gina Lollobrigida — good friends and dental patients of our East Side’s Dr. Marc Lazare — searched for a leading man for a revival of “The Rose Tattoo” at one of his parties.
In 1984, she paid tribute to Ethel Merman at the Shubert and presented Shirley MacLaine with the title of Woman of the Year.
She also honored Chita Rivera at some event, released an album with Gene Simmons of Kiss, and while Mia Farrow waited for her in an East Side eatery, she was at home doing embroidery.
What I cherish most is her last wedding — her partner had more mascara on than I did.
The ceremony was delayed and ran over time because Maid of Honor Elizabeth Taylor couldn’t find her shoes — she had left them at the hotel.
Elizabeth insisted the couple rent a plane to fetch the shoes, so she ended up wearing slippers.
Liza last minute decided to skip the headdress, while Marisa Berenson held the lengthy train of her Bob Mackie gown.
Natalie Cole performed “Unforgettable,” which truly was a fitting title for the occasion, as I know because I was a bridesmaid. I was also instructed to bring a blue garter, as one might expect.
During a visit to Liza’s East Side apartment, there were more Andy Warhols on the walls than there was any paint. Dogs were everywhere. My housekeeper recalls one visit to my home.
She wasn’t allowed to smoke. She smoked anyway. She was meant to diet but ended up consuming an entire pack of cigarettes along with cookies.
So, do I love her? Absolutely. I still love her and always will.
Stage work takes its toll
The NY Post’s Steve Cuozzo, whose insights extend beyond typical real estate:
“Hospitality workers face nearly $15 in congestion fees every time they work to uphold this city we cherish.
“Shifts often end in the early hours, with no mass transit options available. They drive to work.
“The Broadway Association is seeking to mitigate that toll, closely monitoring its impact on Times Square and tourism.
“Those mouths will certainly open wide if the predicted disaster by economists comes to fruition.”
As a refined soul, I simply wanted to bring this to attention.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Broadway Association, it strives to enhance our Theater District. Just last week, there was a luncheon at Sardi’s celebrating Cuozzo and NY1’s Frank DiLella. Steve began as a copy boy; Frank as an intern.
Meanwhile, ticket prices are escalating faster than egg prices.
A heartfelt thank you to Miranda, Steve, Keith, Kelly, and all the Posties who reached out, offered their support, and even sent food. I truly needed it and am immensely thankful. A shout out to the Cardinal who mentioned he sent some GodBlessYous my way. His Eminence recently visited friends — many suffering from remnants of our pandemic.
I am grateful. And, in the meantime, if you’re not fond of this column — keep it to yourself or share it with your priest.
