Customer Reviews

Live at the Palace

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The prejudice against Shirley MacLaine's performance in the 1969 film of "Sweet Charity" has always mystified me. Okay, so she wasn't Gwen Verdon - who was? She contributed, in a scene of almost unwatchable pain and desperation, one of the most shattering moments in post-war cinema. She was charming, sweetly funny, vulnerable and heart-breakingly hopeful. She sang with humor, gusto, and intense, if delicate, emotion. And she danced the hell out of those great, knock-knee'd Bob Fosse numbers. If her Charity isn't the finest performance in a movie musical since Judy Garland and James Mason slashed the heart in "A Star is Born," I don't know what is. All of what Shirley MacLaine can do best is in that movie, and in this great 1976 live recording. Parts of the extravaganza may feel a bit overdone, a touch self-conscious (if not downright self-congratulatory), and the often effective Cy Coleman arrangements may occasionally border on aggressive showbiz-iness. But Shirley MacLaine's electric gifts shine through. If she hasn't got you by the time she gets through her passionate, whirl-wind rendition of "She's a Star," you're probably beyond gettin'. So, now that Shirl is finally on CD ... Decca - where's that "Sweet Charity" soundtrack?

This was one of my favorite LP's when it first came out. I gave it away to a friend and always regreted it. Now it's back on CD. What struck me was Shirley's joy in performing and how that came through on this recording. I don't think there are any other Shirley MaqcLaine CDs out there, so the more reason to experience this one. This is what entertainment is all about. Enjoy.

This album is a must for Shirley MacLaine fans! Her sparkling personality shines through each song she sings and each monologue she shares with the audience. One can only wish this dynamic performance was available on video.In my mind's eye I can almost see Shirley dancing as she performs at the Palace.

Shirley is amazing on this recording. Being a long time fan of her career this CD is quite a treat for me. I have the LP but having it on CD is great! I'm so amazed and glad that they decided to release this!.... now we just have to wait for the video!

I had the record and prayed it would come out on a CD and it has!
This live performance can be listened to again and again. Like Liza Minnelli's live performances, Shirley Maclaine uses her acting skills as she sings and likes to become different characters in each song. She's funny, she's sad, she's [beautiful], she's joyful. Her choice of material is outstanding. I love this CD!

What a thrill!! Shirley's LIVE At The PALACE CD ready for the thousands of fans looking for it. It was issued some years ago but not in the states. I had to get it off of EBay....and payed well....dearely fot it.

Now it's about time it's here...and ready to Dance. This CD carries the true essance of Shirley's "Gypsy" style entertainment. Singing, Dancing...it's all here.

It is to bad we cannot see the wonders of shirley's dancing on this CD. But the energy is alive and well. THIS IS A MUST HAVE!!

This new reissue of Shirley MacLaine's album 'Live at the Palace' is a fantastic testimony to Ms MacLaine's musical talents (which aren't lauded nearly as much as her acting talents).

Ms MacLaine mounted her own solo show at the Palace Theatre in 1976, resulting in this live recording. She sings most of her numbers from the film version of SWEET CHARITY (in which she memorably starred) including "My Personal Property", "I'm a Brass Band" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now". She also sings the title song from IRMA LA DOUCE (although the film version is devoid of any musical moments), and delivers a reminisce of her favorite acting role - in 'Some Came Running' - before sliding into a rendition of "I'm a Person Too".

Ms MacLaine also talks about subbing for Carol Haney in the Broadway production of THE PAJAMA GAME, which catapulted her to stardom. It's obvious that dear Shirley is having a marvellous time here. I urge Broadway fans to snap this up; this is yet another lovely reissue from the good folks at DRG.

It is hard to be unbiased about this CD. I was at this concert in 1976. Proceeding her arrival in New York, there was such an excited buzz about Shirley Maclaine returning to the New York stage. The show was getting rave reviews in London and, specifically, Shirley was getting high praise for her dancing and the intimacy that she brought to what was essentially a cabaret act in a large space. The CD captures all of that excitement and intimacy. Admittedly, no one goes out to buy a Shirley Maclaine album for just the singing as you would a Liza Minnelli or Barbra Striesand concert album. However, the choice of her song material and her spirit are so uplifting and riveting. I found myself stopping and just staring at the feeling that came out of my speakers from emotional pieces that she sang like "I'm a Person, Too" and smiling as i imagined how Shirley's hips must have been swirling as she sang "HEY, Big Spen-dah!" ANd the price was perfect! Live at the Palace

We went to Shirley M.'s live show about 20 years ago and tremendously enjoyed ourselves. Around then we purchased the disk that we played numerous times. With the change from longplay discs to CD's the disc ended up where they all do..in a box in the garage... Now the CD came out, I bought it and since played it 50 times...great show, great songs, great atmoshphere..

I encourage any fans of live performance artists and entertainers alike to add to this to your collection. Since seeing Shirley live these days is a rarity; this might be the closest we can get. Her stirring renditions of, "If My Friends Could See Me Now," & "She's a Star," get you going and you will be humming and singing them to yourself for a week! Shirley is an often forgotten "triple threat!" But she pulls out her triple threats and treats you to a unique trip into Shirley's world of song, dance, and acting. I also hope that DRG Records is able to put together a release of this show on DVD/VHS format or another of Shirley's live shows. I hope many people buy the live CD sending the message that Shirley is loved and that we want more! Shirley proves she is a seasoned pro and before she became a Steel Magnolia she proved her talent and grit on stage was solid as steel as well! Enjoy Shirley Maclaine Live At the Palace!