Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Liberace headed for Broadway?

Liberace

As the highest paid entertainer in 1955 making $50,000 a week at the Riviera, Liberace paved the way for a generation of marquee entertainers who would draw thousands of people to the Strip with just a mere flashing of their names in lights.

Liberace

Liberace arrives at one of his shows at the Las Vegas Hilton, in an extravagant horse-drawn carriage. The singer's lavish costumes and stage props were funded by his $125,000 weekly salary. Launch slideshow »

Liberace, who died in 1987, may be poised for Broadway.

The Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts, founded by the legendary showman to promote arts in future generations, has announced a project by producer/lyricist Barbara Carole Sickmen of New York City.

The Foundation announced that Sickmen has an exclusive right to create, produce and present a Broadway musical play based on the life and career of Liberace.

In the past, the Foundation has endorsed impersonators and revues. “Liberace, The Musical: I’ll Be Seeing You” marks the first endorsement of a Liberace-based musical.

“The Foundation is excited to endorse this very worthy project, written by Ms. Sickmen, as it promises to celebrate the colorful life of Liberace in a truthful, respectful, and candid portrayal of this gifted entertainer,” said Jack Rappaport, Board Chair of the Foundation. “This original musical seeks to present the true story of a kind, giving, and accomplished artist. The Foundation is confident it will help resurrect interest in Liberace as a legendary entertainer and allow us to continue to celebrate his legacy through the awarding of scholarships to deserving students across the U.S. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships.”

The creative team will include composer Marvin Hamlisch ("Chorus Line"), playwright Roger O. Hirson ("Pippin") and Sickmen.

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