Theatre

Ben, Virginia and Me: The Liberace Musical

Monday, April 17
7:30 PM
 
Imagine a young pianist from a modest home in Wisconsin in the post Depression-era on a fascinating, surprising journey that  results in superstardom. Roger O. Hirson, book writer (Tony Nominee for Pippin) and Barbara Carole Sickmen, lyricist/composer, have written an original musical play, Ben, Virginia and Me: The Liberace Musical - a fascinating tale of love, ambition, optimism, truth, friendship, strength, and redemption.   
   We follow Walter Valentino Liberace as he leaves home to pursue his dream of showmanship, fearful that revelation of his sexual orientation could destroy his burgeoning career. In the early 1940s, fate places him in the path of a notorious gangster, Ben Siegel, and Ben's girlfriend Virginia, who believe his outstanding talent is just what is needed for their fabulous Las Vegas hotel “The Flamingo.”
   When Siegel makes him an offer he can't refuse, Walter faces the proposal with much trepidation but finally makes a decision that will change his life forever. He is introduced to a world of glitz, glamour, and talent - Sophie Tucker, Rock Hudson - that transforms this young man into the flamboyantly costumed showman the world came to love.  
   Director/Choreographer Paul A. Stancato (national tours: Flashdance, The Lion King, The Wedding Singer) and Music Director Jesse Warkentin (national tours: Wicked, Cinderella) round out the creative team. A full-scale production is scheduled at the NYMF this summer.