Staying Power (2001-2011)
It has been a decade since “Imagining Liza” was published and
what a decade it has been for all of us, particularly Liza herself.
“Imagining Liza” concludes with Liza’s last performances of “Minnelli on Minnelli,” her marvelous tribute to her father Vincente Minnelli. Liza was in pain and had to cancel her tour after taking the show to San Francisco. Her pain this time
was her left hip and would in time necessitate another hip replacement.
It would take a while for Liza to recuperate not from just surgery but a series of health issues including encephalitis of the brain while convalescing in Florida and even weight gain.
As her fans waited and wondered she seemed to slowly recover, lost weight and even marry for the fourth time. It seemed near impossible that she was able to return to Broadway in “Liza’s Back,” but somehow she did it. Work and performing is Liza’s tonic and what she was born to do.
As the decade progressed Liza never stopped, despite a divorce,
lawsuits, and then the loss of her dear “Pappy,” her devoted musical director and drummer, Bill LaVornga in 2007. Liza fans were extremely saddened by Bill's death. He was such a friend to Liza fans, and we, who had the pleasure of knowing him, loved his openness and wonderful ability to tell stories of his interesting life.
The last time I saw Bill LaVorgna personally was the fall of 2006. We were sitting around the pool at Harrah’s Rincon near San Diego when Bill strolled out to the pool area. We waved and invited him to join us at a table where we were about to eat lunch. Bill not only sat down with us but, as I wrote at the time, regaled us with stories about everything from Liza and David Gest (“ I never heard of the guy until Liza called and asked me to walk her down the aisle”) to Bill’s passion for deep sea fishing. Our conversation lasted through our lunch and later I realized we had talked for nearly two hours. What a gift for this longtime fan. When I learned about Bill’s heart attack, I was very concerned and called Gary Labriola to see how Bill was doing. He quickly said, “It doesn’t sound good.” What a life “Pappy” led and what a loss for Liza and all whose lives he touched. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to have known such a talented, charismatic and friendly man. Over the years I had become as much a Bill LaVorgna fan as I was a Liza fan. To me they were nearly inseparable: a very special team.
Liza’s comedic talent was showcased in the popular TV series “Arrested Development,” and a younger American generation discovered Liza. But it wasn’t only American youth who were discovering an entertainment legend, but European and Australian youth as well. Orders for “Imagining Liza” came in from many countries and suddenly I found myself emailing with fans from the U.K., Germany, Hungary and Norway. An American serviceman ordered my book for his wife, a fan who was on a tour of duty in Iraq.
Once her health permitted Liza had gone back on the road with an international concert schedule, which would tire a twenty year old. And she’s still at it to this day. Despite those who kept telling me that her singing voice was gone and she should no longer be performing, I kept reading mostly excellent reviews of her shows from Europe to Australia. Perfect pitch or not, Liza’s ability to entertain an audience defies description. Her fan base remained loyal for the most part and her audiences didn’t seem
to care if she could no longer hit the highest notes of her standards.
In the last several years Liza has continued her touring schedule, recorded the delightful album “Confessions” with Billy Stritch, while recuperating from a full knee replacement, helped design and promote her own line of clothing and jewelry for the Home Shopping Network, and received numerous accolades and awards from various organizations both at home and abroad. I have read and watched in wonder.
Liza has been interviewed numerous times and in many interviews credits her natural curiosity for keeping her going and active. I can identify….if I hadn’t been curious about things I would never have met Liza, written my books, nor even learned to use a computer, and now an ipad and iphone!
Liza Minnelli is an inspiration to all who have followed her life and career --- she’s definitely a survivor with incredible spirit and stamina despite physical handicaps. She has again and again proven her staying power.
In 2009 Liza’s longtime fan, author and historian Scott Schechter died of a heart attack. His death was a shock to the fan community and a tremendous loss. Scott was a “walking encyclopedia” of both Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli history, and he had written two books based on his amazing knowledge and research of both superstars. Liza respected Scott and gave him the honor of creating her first official website which included her welcome message , appearance and concert schedule, photos, latest news, and even an occasional Q&A with Liza. Scott was determined to create such
a website for Liza and her fans. His efforts were so appreciated.
I am sorry I never met Scott in person, but we shared many an email, and I supported his efforts. Liza acknowledged his passing with a kind message expressing her appreciation for his friendship and work.
Liza chat lists continue on the internet, like the original “love_liza@yahoogroups.com, but the old “Limelight on Liza” fan club was retired when its president Suzan Meyer retired. The ability of fans to communicate instantly on the internet changed everything.
In the summer of 2010 Liza’s longtime road manager and sometime producer Gary Labriola died quite unexpectedly. His passing came as yet another loss for Liza and her fans. Gary’s death was a shock to all who knew him. In fact, I even questioned
the news when it was first reported by a fan from Australia. Like Bill, Gary left an adoring family in his home state of Florida.
It was a sad time for all us who knew Gary and his role in Liza’s life and career. I will certainly never forget how caring and friendly he was to this fan over the years. I wrote about both Bill LaVorgna and Gary Labriola in “Imagining Liza,” and I have
to credit them for making my backstage experiences very special.
When I first met Liza, I was thirty-nine. I’m now almost seventy-two. We don’t travel as much as we used to and I haven’t had the opportunity to see Liza or watch her perform in a long time, but the next time she comes to our part of California, I certainly hope to be there continuing to applaud.
Beverly Fauvre
La Quinta, CA
Fall, 2011
