Ivoryton Playhouse to Present LIBERACE!

On October 28th, the Ivoryton Playhouse will be putting on the glitz with Brent Hazelton's remarkable new musical play, LIBERACE!, a moving and highly entertaining tribute to the performer and musician famous for his charm, flamboyance and glamour. LIBERACE! relives the highs (and lows) of his prolific life, with a rollicking piano score spanning classical and popular music from Chopin to "Chopsticks," and Rachmaninoff to Ragtime.

LIBERACE! gives audiences the unique opportunity to take a look at one of Milwaukee's most remarkable and talented native sons. The show explores how a classically-trained pianist evolved into the larger-than-life persona lovingly known as "Mr. Showmanship." Audiences will discover the private man hidden behind all of the glitz and glamour. Liberace's career spanned four decades of concerts, recordings, television, motion pictures, and endorsements. At the height of his fame from the 1950s to the 1970s, Liberace was the highest-paid entertainer in the world, with established residencies in Las Vegas, and an international touring schedule. He was recognized during his career with two Emmy Awards, six gold albums and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Liberace lived a life of flamboyance, flash, and lavish costumes and in this funny and touching tribute, the virtuoso musician gets one last chance to glitter and shine as he tickles the ivories through many of his favorite songs, including "I'll Be Seeing You," "Three Little Fishies," and "The Boogie Woogie."

This loving tribute to Liberace was written by Milwaukee Rep Associate Artistic Director Brent Hazelton, with original music direction and composition by Jack Forbes Wilson. This production is directed by the Playhouse Artistic Director, Jacqueline Hubbard and stars Daryl Wagner* in this iconic performance as the man who defined four decades of music and pop culture.

Wagner has an impressive career as Liberace, playing him for over 20 years across the world in the renowned "Legends In Concert" show, as well as many productions that he arranged and produced himself. Speaking of his early career in musical theatre, Wagner says, "I left a lucrative review called "Hello, Hollywood" and ended up in, where else, in Las Vegas. The showrooms were flooded with stars, huge orchestras and some classy and great night clubs and restaurants. My first job was in one owned by the great Liberace and he was my first employer in town. I played piano and sang in the lounge of the Tivoli Gardens and it was a time to remember and celebrate. It turned out bizarrely prescient as this man was to have a major role in my future career!"

LIBERACE! opens at the Ivoryton Playhouse on October 28th and runs through November 15th, 2015. Performance times are Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm.

Tickets are $42 for adults, $37 for seniors, $20 for students and $15 for children and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org (Group rates are available by calling the box office for information.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.

*denotes member of Actors Equity

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