LIZA WITH A “T”

(Tonya Koenderman)

Excellent and fitting tribute to an iconic star. (Review by Keith Millar)

I have long been a massive Liza Minnelli fan. Many years ago I dragged my wife on a mad overnight trip, which we could not really afford, to see her perform live at the Sun City SuperBowl – and I would be embarrassed to mention how many times I have seen her in the movie Cabaret.

So it would need quite a performance by Tonya Koenderman in her tribute show to Liza Minnelli, Liza with a“T”, to impress me. Well, impress me she did. She ticked every box in her outstanding impersonation of the great star. She displays the same waif-like vulnerability, the wicked sense of humour, and the sultry sexiness which made Minnelli such an appealing personality. She has also perfected all the quirky moves and mannerisms Minnelli employed on stage.

Then there is the voice. Koenderman is a slightly-built person – as is Liza Minnelli herself – yet she has a fabulously powerful singing voice. Her diction is remarkable and her intonation perfect. At times she sounds so much like Minnelli that it is enough to send shivers down your spine.

Koenderman performs an exciting selection of some of Minnelli’s best music. Included amongst others are Some People, Old Friends, Ring Them Bells and, from Cabaret, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time and Life Is a Cabaret. Highlights are a haunting version of Charles Aznavour’s Quiet Love and to my mind one of the best tunes ever written, New York, New York.

In between the music, Koenderman chats about Minnelli’s sometimes difficult life. She tells the story of her close relationship with her father, the influence her mother, Judy Garland, had on her life, her many relationships and her struggles with alcohol and drug abuse.

Koenderman performs to first-rate and sometimes very lavish backtracks. While this works well, I could not help wondering if perhaps a more personal piano accompaniment may not have been better at an intimate venue like the Rhumbelow Theatre.

Liza with a “T” is an excellent and fitting tribute to an iconic star who possibly never reached the heights her prodigious talent seemed to indicate. Tonya Koenderman has performed this show to much acclaim around the country over the years. Her performance is impressive and moving, and more so last night as, despite suffering from a gastric bug, she still gave 100%. One could say that she has Liza down to a tee!

Liza with a "T" will have two performances in Pietermaritzburg today (March 8) at the Allan Wilson Shellhole at 14h00 and 18h30. The production returns to Rhumbelow Durban on March 13 and 14 at 20h00 and March 15 at 14h00 and 18h30.

The venues open 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner. Bring food picnic baskets. A bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Tickets R120 (R100 a ticket for block bookings of eight or more). There is limited secure parking and booking is essential through Computicket or contact Roland on e- mail roland@stansell.za.net or 082 499 8636. For more information visit www.rhumbelow.za.net– Keith Millar

(NB: Braais will be available at Rhumbelow Durban for those who wish to cook some meat)