Recently, I was invited to the cabaret performance of pianist Philip Fortenberry of “Jersey Boys” for his debut of “Liberace and Me” Cabaret Performance at Liberace Museum Showroom.  It was at this time that I remembered conversations I had with friends from other cities about looking for places that local performers entertain in Las Vegas. They are accustomed to cabarets in New York City, Minneapolis, San Francisco and other metropolitan areas.  These friends were shocked at the lack of cabarets and other nightspots for performances outside of the Las Vegas Strip.

 

So, first we must say a BIG thank you to the Liberace Museum for being more that a place to showcase memorabilia.  This organization, under the guidance of R. Darin Hollingsworth, president of the Liberace Foundation and Museum, the board of directors and the staff, is keeping the memory and purpose of Liberace alive by offering live entertainment and place for performers to sing, play and keep the music alive.  They have created a showroom to enjoy the best of Las Vegas entertainment.  Liberace would be proud.

The first performer at the showroom you must experience is Fortenberry, a solo pianist and improvisational composer in his new intimate acoustic cabaret-style piano performance, “Liberace and Me,” for a limited engagement.

 

The second performers to enjoy are vocalist Bruce Ewing, with musical director Joey Singer at their CD Release Concert for the new Christmas CD, “Remembering to Dream” on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the showroom. This is a free event and donations will be accepted to benefit the Liberace Foundation & Family Promise of Las Vegas.  CDs will be available for sale at this concert.

 

If you miss that performance, their second CD Release Concert will be held on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. at the Community Lutheran Church, 3720 E Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89121. This is also a free event with donations accepted. CDs will also be available for sale at this concert.  For more information, visit www.BruceEwing.com or BruceEwing@gmail.com for this event.

 

 

 

“Liberace and Me,” was conceived and written by Fortenberry in honor of the spirit and legacy of Liberace and the impact he had in Fortenberry’s life and career, growing up in Mississippi and showing musical talent at the age of four.  Fortenberry opens his show with Liberace’s signature arrangement of “Chopsticks,” while seated at Liberace’s own nine-foot Concert Grand Baldwin.  He pays homage to Broadway and spoke about opening a show on Broadway the same night that “Cats,” some “little” strange musical with people wearing cat costumes opened. Fortenberry couldn’t believe his show closed while “Cats” continued for years, but he admitted that he even played in the show along with other Broadway productions and national tours such as "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Saturday Night Fever,” “Ragtime,” “Seussical The Musical,” “Sideshow,” and “The Lion King.” No tribute to Mr. Showmanship would be complete without a rendition of Liberace’s famous, “I’ll Be Seeing You” which Fortenberry performed flawlessly.

 

 

“I’m an enthusiastic supporter of Liberace and his legacy,” Fortenberry said.  “His unique artistry influenced my journey as a musician, and many other entertainers, so these performances are an expression of my commitment to the Liberace Foundation’s mission, my love of improvisational performing, and a way of giving back to both encourage and promote aspiring artists everywhere.”

 

“We’re thrilled to have Philip’s captivating gift of talent, music, and time, and especially his willingness to fully embrace the Liberace mission,” Hollingsworth said. “Philip’s vision as our artistic director, his collaboration, and introductions to so many other Broadway entertainers that now call Las Vegas home have helped us create a very special cabaret venue for other artists that we hope ultimately will carry on in the coming years.  And, this is an unforgettable entertainment experience that comes straight from Philip’s heart to the hundreds of locals and tourists that visit our Museum every month.” 

 

“Liberace and Me” is presented in the 75-seat Cabaret Showroom at the Liberace Museum, 1775 E. Tropicana Ave. at Spencer.  Performance time is at 1 p.m. three days a week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.  Tickets are $17.50 per person and reservations are recommended. Fortenberry’s performances will be dark Dec. 23-Jan. 4. Tickets may be purchased online at www.Liberace.org, by phone at 798-5595 ext. 14, or at the Liberace Museum store cashier, based upon availability.  Museum store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.  Group discounts of 15 tickets or more may be booked by calling 798-5595 ext. 13.

 

Fortenberry's photo credit is Kevin Stout

Liberace photos credit is Liberace Foundation