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.

EDGE: I love the video clip on your website of Ann (Hampton Callaway, Liz's sister) and you sitting at the piano singing "Come in From the Rain." Aside from how beautiful it sounds, the love between the two of you is palpable. When will the two of you come to Boston again to perform together?

Liz Callaway: We are so overdue. We must work on that. In the "Sibling Revelry show," the "Huge Medley" is even huger now. I'm so glad I'm coming back to Boston myself. I know a lot of people.

EDGE: You've often performed with Gay Men's Choruses across the country. Do you have any concerts lined up with any Gay Men's Choruses for this coming Pride month?

Liz Callaway: Not for this year's Pride month. I do have something not yet confirmed later in 2025. I hope it happens because it would be very cool. My concerts, although, I often think about what is happening in the world. I want to entertain. But also be aware of what is going on. Putting a program together, there is a lot that goes into it.

EDGE: In your recordings an concerts, you mix a healthy dose of pop songs in with your Broadway repertoire. Tell us about what appeals to you about singing pop songs.

Liz Callaway: The fun of singing pop music is making the songs theatrical and finding the story. And I love the arrangement that Alex did of "Eleanor Rigby"/"Walk On By."

EDGE: You return to Crazy Coqs in London in March. How will you tailor your show for the London audience?

Liz Callaway: I'm very excited for that. I love to sing a lot of Sondheim in my program, and the last time I performed in London I did 6 sold out Sondheim concerts. The London audience loves Sondheim and story songs. I will be doing a nice amount of Sondheim. I'm using a wonderful pianist from London. I love singing for a London audience. They are smart and receptive. I love London.

EDGE: You've performed the role of Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard" in regional theatre. Have you seen the current production of Sunset Boulevard, and if so, what have you thought about it?

Liz Callaway: I did see it, and I really enjoyed it. I know people love it or hate it. I thought it was fascinating. Nicole Scherzinger was great. That's what is great about theater or art, what one person loves, another may not.

EDGE: A portion of the proceeds of your Quincy show are being donated to LA Fire victims Bill and Lindsay O'Toole, Bill being a Quincy native whose family who has lost their entire home in fires. You've been posting a lot about the tragic wildfires in LA. How do you feel about John McDonald's plan to help this Quincy family that has suffered this tragic loss.

Liz Callaway: I think it is fabulous. It is so important that we all help in any way we can. I am planning on talking about it and singing a song of hope in the program directed at the LA fires. I'm so happy that he's doing that. It's great the audience will know that in addition to attending a great concert, that they are doing something to help. There are so many people who have lost everything. It is so heartbreaking, and it will take a really long time for people and businesses to come back. It's not over. It's just beginning, so we have to do what we can. I put out a single in December with guitarist Peter Calo, "There is Still My Joy," and that was before the fires, and that song may appear in Quincy. It is a beautiful song and it is timeless written by Melissa Manchester/Beth Neilson Chapman/Matt Rollings. Songs may resonate with people at different parts of their lives, and that song was written in the early 1990's and still resonates.

JM Productions presents "Liz Callaway In Concert" on Saturday, February 22, 2025, 8 PM at Church of the Presidents, 1306 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA,02169. Tickets are $40-$60. For reservations, visit: https://brushfire.com/jmproductions/jmproductions/593681