Maria Tran: Liza Minnelli - Amongst my Idols

Date: 2 Nov 2009
Time: 8-9.30pm
Location: Sydney Entertainment Centre

“Liza Minnelli? Who’s that?” I enquired over the phone during my work break.

“She’s some big person. One of those people you must see before you die kind of thing” said Andy.

And that was how is was. I did my google search to find out that she looked like someone from the rocky horror show. Bob cut, thick lashes, wrinkly neckline. Probably in her 50s and still singing. I might have seen her a couple of ads recently and maybe a billboard or two, but who knows unless your over 50s right?

“ I got tickets to her show hun” Andy continued.

“So you in?”

Body combat or old lady drone? Hmmm….kicking butt is so tempting but spending some time with the man is no negoitation.

Fast tracked: In the City

6.00pm and I’m in the city and having teppanyaki with Andy.

7.00pm – we are at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, seat 15&16 and row 8 seating. The space started to fill up. We are talking about over 10,000 seating and there’s sheer excitement in the air. As I looked around, I begin to feel slightly uneasy; everyone else was predominately white, anglo and middle aged. TV host Kerry Anne was a couple of rows ahead of us. But, wow! We were definitely in one of the best seats section. A position that costs $280 p.p. (Ouch!).

Liza Minnelli was some sort of superstar, but unfortunately for me, I never knew. This iconic figure was like the equivalent to Jackie Chan, minus the stunts, except she can pull off some heavy hip movements for her cabaret style choreography – with all the shine and shimmering razzle dazzle.

Some songs I’m slightly familiar with, while the majority is new to me. But one thing for sure, she has sheer X factor glowing out of her. I was mesmerised, fixated on such a figure. Her genuineness, her optimism, her gratitude for her band, her pianist, her fans was evident. 3 times did the crowd gave her a standing ovation and she did several encores and belted it out from the bottom of her heart.

The power of one person that cause thousands of others to be touched by the emotions that she delved into such as love and empowerment was truly spectacular.

I sat there in the darkness, watching Liza on the massive screen and wondered about my own “Factor”.

I know its in there somewhere, waiting to come out and shine too. Right now its in study mode, watching, observing the world in delight, searching for more X factor kinds of people to rub off on.

Liza Minnelli X factor
1. Be comfortable with yourself. Whatever look, size, circumstances you are in, find your personal power and flaunt it.
2. Be honest. She was sure honest! When we was tire, out of breath, however she felt, she communicated it.
3. Be passionate about what you are doing.

LIZA MINNELLI, currently 63 years of age, is an American singer and actress of film, stage and television.
THE AUSTRALIAN: Liza Minnelli an 'old broad' worth grabbing

BEFORE THE EVENT: DINNER @ Chi Ban Japanese Teppan-Yaki BBQ Restaurant

355 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000 (02) 9283 4628.