It can be strange to think of Chicago as a musical that struggled to find an audience. John Kander, Frank Ebb, and Bob Fosse's musical about murderous women gaining notoriety and fame in 1920s Chicago has been playing on Broadway for fifteen years. The film adaptation in 2002 won six Academy Awards and both the film soundtrack and revival cast recording won Grammy awards. Yet, back when the show originally premiered in 1975, audiences weren't as fond of it. The show received mixed reviews because of the minimalist approach to the material. Kander, Ebb, and Fosse pushed a Brechtian effect onto the show, breaking the fourth wall to address the audience directly. Combined with the subject matter, it was hit or miss with the audiences. It was also overshadowed by another iconic musical released that season: A Chorus Line.
When the show was struggling at the box office, original Roxie Hart Gwen Verdon faced an unexpected medical complication; she swallowed a feather during the finale number. This required surgery and an extended recovery time. Somehow, Liza Minelli was able to offer herself up as a five week replacement Roxie Hart.
This temporary casting change was enough to kick the show into high gear. Despite Liza's desire not to have her participation publicized, all of the major news programs covered her opening night. The papers were talking about the casting weeks in advance and Liza's run as Roxie almost sold out entirely before she even stepped on stage for the first time.
A major part of her performance was captured on film for Sammy Davis Jr.'s variety show. Director/Choreographer/Writer Bob Fosse decided that Liza should sing the big first act duet "My Own Best Friend" by herself for the show. Judging by this performance, it was a wise decision.
There's so much I can say about that vocal. Liza is acting the song. She's not just acting it: she's interpreting it. This is not the Roxie Hart that people expect. There's a sense of sweetness and vulnerability to the performance that isn't often explored in the character, let alone during this song. Her vocal technique is excellent and she's clearly living for the chance to sing this song.
For a comparison, here's what "My Own Best Friend" normally sounds like.
It's a great song that can be performed many different ways.