Liza Minnelli famously said, “It was no great tragedy being Judy Garland’s daughter.” Yet judging by her showbiz start at age three, struggles with drugs and drink, and multiple marriages—most recently to the putty-faced producer David Gest—it sure hasn’t been a cakewalk. But she’s a survivor, as proven by her recent Broadway comeback. How Liza with a Z went from near ruin to revival.

STEP 1
Never say die
Despite being whupped by viral encephalitis in 2000, Liza refuses to accept that she may spend the rest of her days in a wheelchair.

STEP 2
Play ball
In a symbolic gesture to bolster Gothamites after 9/11, Minnelli belts out her iconic “New York, New York” at a Mets game on September 21.

STEP 3
Give ’em what they want
To mark her return to health, Minnelli stages a 2002 revue called Liza’s Back, which The New York Times says is “certain to be legendary.”

STEP 4
Ditch the baggage
Minnelli begins divorce proceedings against prince of weird David Gest in 2003. He slaps back with a $10-million suit, claiming she once beat him.

STEP 5
Join a cult (show)
Minnelli recoups much-needed cred in 2004 with a stint on the sitcom Arrested Development, playing Buster Bluth’s vertiginous lover.

STEP 6
Know who your friends are
She adds a Vanguard Award from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation to her Emmy-Grammy-Oscar-Tony collection.

STEP 7
When in doubt, stick to what you know
Minnelli reprises “New York, New York” on the nationally broadcast Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular.

STEP 8
It’s all in the eyes
In a match made in eyeliner heaven, Minnelli contributes vocals to “Mama,” a single by kohl-loving emo rockers My Chemical Romance.

STEP 9
Explore franchise opportunities
In a dramatic turn, Minnelli plays the mother of a slain child star on Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

STEP 10
Court the youth vote
The Bob Fosse acolyte ends a three-show run on the red-hot reality series So You Think You Can Dance in 2007

STEP 11
Seriously, ditch the baggage
Countless accusations later, Minnelli’s divorce is finally settled. Gest is now free to return to oblivion.

STEP 12
Seize the moment
In November 2008, Minnelli releases The Complete A&M Recordings, a collection of pivotal albums from her salad days.

Liza Minnelli checks in to Roy Thomson Hall on April 7. $59.50–$189.50. 60 Simcoe St., 416-872-4255, www.roythomson.com.