New York, NY -- How does an actress portraying Liza Minnelli capture the performer's persona? Practice, practice, practice.

Stephanie J. Block plays a cabaret of different Minnellis from 1964 to 1991 for the Broadway show, "The Boy From Oz."

The musical depicts the life from boyhood to death of Peter Allen, Minnelli's ex-husband, and according to Block, the role calls for a more "private, intimate" side of Minnelli, rather than the "showy, powerhouse Liza we know."

To prepare for the role, Block spent months watching early footage of Minnelli appearing on her mother Judy Garland's TV show, "The Judy Garland Show," and listening to old Minnelli music recordings.

Block's homework never ends: She met Minnelli in person for the first time a few weeks ago.

Block says Minnelli is "the most loving, touching, feeling woman in the world," which has already worked its way into the act.

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