Judy and Liza are back—and dynamite

*****Do you love “Cabaret”? I am not talking the actual Musical, but in fact, the concept of going to a club, having a drink, and watching a performer bring you quality entertainment. That is Cabaret, and in Chicago, we have lots of hidden gems. Today, Jane and I were invited to our old friend Nancy Hays special Mother’s Day celebration of Judy Garland and Liza Minelli’s 1964 concert at the London Palladium.

She did two shows, the erraly show, a brunch show at Le Piano on Glenwood in Rogers Park ( this is the old Theo Ubique location) and then the show moved to a unique new space, called The Fulton Street Collective, located at  1821 West Hubbard Street, third Floor. The building  must have been a warehouse at one time and has been restructured with artist’s studios and on the third floor, what they refer to as a Cabaret with comfy chairs and a small bar area ( drinks were very affordable, and while they do not have a lot of choices, the selection offered worked to perfection. The important part of the afternoon was the show we were treated to.

Nancy has been doing Judy Garland for years and her real daughter Mary Heffernan, who has her own career, has recently joined with her to take on the role of Judy’s daughter, Liza Minelli. What a duo! While we have seen Nancy do Judy over the years, today was our first glimpse at Mary and to be very honest, she truly brings more energy tot he “dynamic Duo” that we were treated to today. The songs are those that made Judy famous and of course, Mary did Liza’s hits

With a drummer, a young lady that does clarinet and sax with great sound and of course, a musical director Robert Olis ( always a pleasure to watch him work) these two ladies sparkle and bring great music to the audience for close to two hours. Tunes like “Who’s Sorry Now”, “Together” ( from Gypsy), , medleys including “Smile”, and a special medley that started with “Happy Days Are Here Again”. Of course, they do “Chicago”, and it would never be a Garland /Minelli show without “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”.

While the two shows are over and this Mother/Daughter combo enjoyed a truly wonderful Mother’s Day together ( the audience was in heaven as well), I wanted you to be aware that Nancy hays is back with her Judy show and we will advise you when they find another venue that has the space for this wonderful performance. Meanwhile- Chicago has a great deal of solid Cabaret performances in the city and burbs. Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights is a great spot and I understand that there is even a cabaret set-up at Rockwell on the River, located at 3057 N. Rockwell. In fact, this Tuesday, a major show- www.rockwellontheriver.com

“From Chicago to Paris, With Love and Saturday night ( the 17th) The Haven in Bronzeville presents Re-imagining Cabaret-the Bronzville Edition. www.blackvoicescabaret.org