A 'Lucky and Excited' Liz Callaway Returns to Boston Area for Concert February 22

"I still feel lucky and excited when I get to do a concert," says Tony Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Liz Callaway. The last time we spoke was in advance of her November 2021 Quincy appearance and we were just barely emerging from the pandemic after a long shutdown with no live in person entertainment for nearly two years. The experience has really affected Callaway deeply. "I feel like every time I get to sing in person is a gift. A lot of singers, we took for granted that we would always be able to do what we love, and the pandemic was a real challenge."

Callaway has enjoyed a long career as a Broadway actress, concert performer, film actress, recording artist and television show host, having appeared in her first Broadway show, the original 1981 production of "Merrily We Roll Along" at the age of 19. She's appeared in a total of six Broadway shows, creating the role of Lizzie in "Baby" for which she received her Tony nomination, and creating the role of Ellen in "Miss Saigon." She was one of the longest running actresses in the role of Grizabella in "Cats,' having performed the role for five years. She has legions of fans from having performed the singing voice of "Anastasia" in the Disney animated film. Her solo cabaret and concert performances and recordings have won MAC Awards, and she won the Emmy Award for her television show "Ready to Go," which was filmed in Boston and broadcast on WNEV-TV, a CBS affiliate, from 1987-91.

"I still get stopped and recognized for that show," remarks Callaway almost unbelievably. "I loved my three years in Boston," says Callaway as she readies to return to the area for the first time in nearly four years. John McDonald and JM Productions, who brought Callaway to Quincy in 2021 is bringing her back in "Liz Callaway In Concert" on Saturday February 22 at the majestic Church of the Presidents in Quincy, MA. Callaway admits, "it's exciting for me to sing in the Boston area again."

EDGE caught up with Callaway while she was in Nashville getting ready to be a guest performer at a private event there. The conversation ranged from talking about her show, to topical events happening in the world today, to her recent recordings.

EDGE: You are in Nashville for a private gig. When is that?

Liz Callaway: Tonight (laughs). I was just getting some air and taking a walk and listening to music to get in the right place. I'm a surprise guest for a private event celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Nashville Rep Theatre Company.

EDGE: Will you be a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll?

Liz Callaway: Probably not. A little Broadway a little bit Rock and Roll. I'll be singing from "Anastasia" and singing "You've Got A Friend," two songs I may do in Quincy. Definitely "Anastasia."

EDGE: You've been touring the country and the world, often promoting your new recording "To Steve with Love: Liz Callaway Celebrates Sondheim." In that concert and on the recording, you perform the brilliant Sondheim parody "Another Hundred Lyrics," with hilarious lyrics by Lauren Mayer. Might you throw this number into your Quincy show?

Liz Callaway: I still sing that song and most likely I will do that in Quincy. I have so many ways I set up the song, sometimes like I'm forgetting the real words, and Alex Rybeck (her longtime musical director and accompanist) doesn't always know how I'm setting it up until the moment, because I decide right before I sing it how I will set it up. We've been together so long; he just rolls with it. People who don't know the song still appreciate how many words I sing at very quick speed.

EDGE: Who will be accompanying you in Quincy.

Liz Callaway: Alex will be in Quincy with me. He will also play for Jason Graae later in that same series.