Liza Minnelli absent from Carnegie Hall tribute; Richard Simmons tale featured

Die-hard fans were disappointed that Liza Minnelli did not attend the Carnegie Hall tribute 'Liza! at 80: A Celebration in Song and Dance' last week. Andrew Rannells had apparently hinted to Andy Cohen on 'Watch What Happens Live!' that Liza might be there, which raised hopes among attendees.

Rannells did appear onstage for the Transport Group’s tribute, joined by Mario Cantone, Robyn Hurder and Kristin Chenoweth. Also missing was Minnelli’s longtime accompanist Billy Stritch, and some fans speculated it was due to friction between him and Michael Feinstein.

Donna Murphy forgot some lyrics to 'Colored Lights' from Minnelli’s Broadway show 'The Rink' and had to start over, but still received a standing ovation. The evening’s standout moment came from Julie Halston, who recounted attending a Barbra Streisand concert with Liza in the ’90s alongside her late husband, NYC radio legend Ralph Howard — and finding a weeping Richard Simmons trying to get backstage to give Streisand a doll he had made.

United States, New York City

liza minnelli, carnegie hall, andrew rannells, andy cohen, kristin chenoweth, billy stritch, michael feinstein, donna murphy, julie halston, richard simmons