For those who know Liza Minnelli primarily as Lucille 2 on Arrested Development, Showtime is about to reveal why the now dissipated diva is a living legend: Just watch Liza With a “Z,” Showtime, premiering on Saturday, April 1. Today people think of Minnelli, the daughter of show business royalty Judy Garland and Vincent Minnelli, as an over-the-hill performer whose life is plagued by inconsistent performances, health catastrophes, and marital woes. Back in Spring 1972, when Liza With a “Z” was filmed at Broadway’s Lyceum Theater, Liza was young and glamorous, at the top of her game.  Directed by another show business legend, Bob Fosse, the NBC-TV Special showed Minnelli at her best (and there was none better), singing and dancing to the music of Kander & Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago), as well as joking, and reminiscing her way to an Emmy Award.  Liza also has an Oscar and multiple Tony Awards.

The program hasn’t been broadcast since NBC-TV’s re-airing in September, 1973.  Throughout the 1980s, the false rumor persisted that the landmark special had been lost.  Gratefully, it was not.  For the Showtime airings, Liza With a “Z” has been restored, digitally re-mastered, and will include previously deleted scenes.  If you’re not a Showtime subscriber, not to worry.  The DVD will be released on April 4.

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