With style and panache, Liza Minnelli returns to Los Angeles on March 17th at the Million Dollar Theatre to tell her story and perform live in a truly special event.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 03-12-2026
“It’s time to tell the truth and help people heal, as we all can, one day at a time.”
— Liza Minnelli
For the first time in fifteen years, the incomparable Liza Minnelli returns to the Los Angeles stage for an exclusive, one-night-only evening of conversation, music, and unforgettable showmanship. On Tuesday, March 17, at the historic Million Dollar Theatre, the legendary performer will celebrate the launch of her highly anticipated memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!. It is no small thing to have an Emmy, an Oscar, a Tony, and a Grammy Legend Award on her mantelpiece at home.
Born into Hollywood royalty as the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, Liza has spent her entire life in the spotlight. However, her journey to legendary status was paved by her own grit and singular talent. Indeed, she was never afraid to strike out on her own.
In 1961, she made the bold move to New York City to forge her own path in musical theatre. The gamble paid off: she became the youngest person ever to win a Best Actress Tony Award, signaling the arrival of a rare talent.
From the smoky intensity of her nightclub acts to her Oscar-nominated turn in The Sterile Cuckoo and her definitive, Academy Award-winning performance in Cabaret, Liza didn’t just step out from the starlight of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli — she cast a brilliant light of her own.
Indeed, she became a force of nature as both a singer and an actress. Moreover, she journeyed through life with her passionate fans like an open book, a public reveal marked by both spectacular triumphs and deeply personal struggles.
At nearly eighty years old, Liza remains “raw, strong, sexy, hilarious, and heartbreaking.” Her memoir and this special appearance reveal the intimate truth behind the “veil of joy” she has maintained since age sixteen, when she famously decided that “sympathy is my mother’s business; I give people joy.”
That joy, while genuine, was often a shield. For the first time, she is opening up about the reality of living with substance use disorder — a genetic inheritance she has battled with remarkable transparency — as well as the heartbreak of multiple miscarriages, the sting of broken marriages, and the constant hum of chronic anxiety.
With her signature ability to poke fun at herself, she reflects on a life of “high kicks, face-plants, and hell-raising,” proving that her capacity for love and laughter remains undiminished. Her story is a testament to survival and supreme artistry, as well as to her deep commitment to human rights activism. She remains a symbol of endurance, showing the world that even after the most public “face-plant,” it is possible to get back up, adjust the sequins, and keep swinging for the rafters.
The Event: An Evening of Conversation and Song
This rare appearance, presented by How To Academy, will feature:
- In-Depth Conversation: Moderated by her co-writer and longtime collaborator, Michael Feinstein.
- Special Guest: A panel discussion featuring Vanessa O’Neil, granddaughter of Judy Garland and niece of Liza.
- Live Performance: The evening will culminate in a rare live musical performance by Minnelli herself.
Presented by How To Academy, the event reflects the organization’s mission of bringing audiences into meaningful conversation with influential voices from across the worlds of culture, literature, politics, and the arts. Through its international programming, How To Academy has become known for hosting engaging discussions and special appearances featuring some of the most compelling thinkers and performers of our time.
By bringing a legendary figure like Liza Minnelli to the historic Million Dollar Theatre, How To Academy continues its tradition of creating memorable evenings that blend storytelling, insight, and live performance. In doing so, the organization is helping redefine the space where education, culture, and entertainment meet.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
- Location: Million Dollar Theatre, Los Angeles
- Tickets: Available at howtoacademy.com/liza
Note: Each ticket includes reserved seating and an autographed copy of Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!
