Liberace Foundation and Museum management, with volunteer support from members of the Broadway-Las Vegas Theatre community, including Philip Fortenberry and Keith Thompson, both conductors of "Jersey Boys" and long-time Broadway musicians, are spearheading the expansion of live cabaret entertainment with the renamed 86-seat The Cabaret Showroom at the Liberace Museum, and a gala charity benefit concert set for Wed., Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. Their goal is to raise monies to establish a "Cabaret Fund," which will technically upgrade and maintain the Cabaret and make it a more viable performance venue for aspiring artists.
"As the theatre community of Las Vegas grows, many performers find themselves longing for the nurturing artistic environment of the cabaret rooms of New York and Los Angeles, so they've begun to discover the Cabaret at the Liberace Museum as a jewel of a performance venue just moments from the Strip," said Fortenberry, an accomplished composer and concert pianist who performs his own critically-acclaimed show on location each week. "The Cabaret at Liberace provides such a uniquely intimate and alternative venue for performers who 
find themselves in Las Vegas, wanting to spread their artistic wings and share their gifts and talents with the public."
"Jersey Boys" star Erich Bergen recently presented three sold out performances of his own cabaret show to benefit the Liberace Foundation, and he along with Museum staff recognized the tremendous need for professional sound and lighting for the room. "So with Erich as a catalyst, my long-time friend and colleague Keith Thompson agreed to co-chair and produce a fundraiser-concert we've named "Sounds, Lights and Cabaret Nights: The Show Must Go On! Many performers from the Broadway-Vegas productions will perform to help the Foundation raise monies for the Cabaret. Too, we're excited to share with a new generation of performers who will discover first-hand the legacy of Liberace's generosity and his joy of developing and nurturing new and aspiring young talented artists and entertainers," added Fortenberry.
Entertainers scheduled to appear at the event include Fortenberry, former Liberace protégé Domenick Allen, headliner Clint Holmes, comedienne Vicki Van Tassel, Erich Bergen, Travis Cloer, Rick Faugno, Kristofer McNeeley and Carly Thomas Smith all of "Jersey Boys," Kristen Hertzenberg and Joan Sobel of "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular," Tyler Williams from "Le Reve," singer and cabaret artist Ali Spuck, and Christopher Joel Carter, featured pianist at M Resort and winner of the Showmanship division of the 2008 Liberace Piano Competition. Tickets are $125 per person, and to buy, call 702-798-5595, ext. 13 or e-mail info@liberace.org. Residents and local businesses are encouraged to support the event through cash or in-kind donations in care of the Liberace Cabaret fund.
"We are, too, inviting and encouraging Nevada public and private schools to consider the Cabaret Showroom as a free performance venue and a showcase opportunity for school-aged students who are aspiring musicians and artists," said Jack A. Rappaport, Chair of the Board of Directors, Liberace Foundation for the Performing Arts.
Fortenberry continues by popular demand his three-day weekly "Liberace and Me" acoustic cabaret-style piano performance at Liberace's nine-foot Concert Grand Baldwin inside the Cabaret. He weaves the music around his own life story and personal journey as a pianist from rural Mississippi to Broadway, from recitals and talent shows, to command performances for royals and dignitaries. One of the many highlights of Fortenberry's performance is his spontaneous creation and offering of an original "Portrait in Music" as an improvisational gift to the audience in the moment. Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday at 1 p.m., and tickets are $17.50.
Ali Spuck, a Los Angeles Ovation nominated singer and actress, presents her new "Ali Spuck: HERE I AM" cabaret performances every Sunday at 2:30 p.m., featuring a journey of music and comedy inspired by her experiences, family and friends. Song selections include classic Broadway, new contemporary cabaret hits, and the romantic Gershwin songs from the Golden Age of music. Produced by Vs. a Rock Cabaret and Principle Productions, and ticket price is $15. For more information, visit www.alispuck.com.
John Kaye and The Coalition will perform a one-night-only show at 8 p.m. on Sat., July 25. Kaye, son of Norman Kaye and nephew of Mary Kaye of the legendary The Mary Kaye Trio, brings his unique style, described as acoustic, rhythm and blues, soul, and smooth jazz, plus some of his father's original songs. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at door.
"Vs. a Rock Cabaret" debuted in May and the next event will be held on Sunday, Aug. 5, at 10 p.m. with theme "1967 versus 1987." Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Spuck created the concept, and together with singer Keely Vasquez of "Ultimate Manilow," they host the new monthly cabaret concept to showcase top talent from some of the biggest shows in Las Vegas, including "Jersey Boys," "The Lion King," "Phantom-The Las Vegas Spectacular," plus the Las Vegas-based a capella group Mosaic, winner of MTV's "Top Pop Group." Visit www.vsrockcabaret.com.
Tickets for all Cabaret Showroom at the Liberace Museum entertainment may be purchased by phone 702-798-5595 ext. 14, or in person at the Liberace Museum store cashier. Reservations are recommended. Museum store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The glittering Liberace Museum remains one of the city's entertainment icons with its rich history showcasing the illustrious career of Liberace, an entertainer and philanthropist who for 47 years performed for millions of fans, royals and dignitaries around the world. The Museum, now open seven days a week at 1775 E. Tropicana Ave. at Spencer, is a significant funding source for the Liberace Foundation, created in 1976 by Liberace, and supported solely by private donations from individuals, businesses, fan clubs, and admirers globally. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. For more information and to become a supporter of the Liberace Foundation, call 702-798-5595 ext. 16, e-mail info@liberace.org, or visit the website, www.Liberace.org.
