Hamlisch and Hirson to Collaborate on Broadway Bound Liberace Musical

The Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts (www.Liberace.org), founded by legendary showman Liberace to promote arts in future generations, is proud to announce and endorse a collaboration with producer/lyricist Barbara Carole Sickmen of New York City and has granted to Ms. Sickmen an exclusive right to create, produce, and present a Broadway musical play based on the life and career of Liberace.

"Liberace, The Musical: I'll Be Seeing You" marks the first endorsement by the Foundation of any Liberace-based musical. The Foundation has in the past endorsed impersonators and reviews, which have proven successful for both the Foundation and performing artist.

It is anticipated that the creative team will include composer Marvin Hamlisch (Chorus Line), and playwright Roger O. Hirson (Pippin), as well as Ms. Sickmen, who has written the original concept and lyrics.

"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 Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts. "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."

"Ms. Sickmen's vision through lyrics and music promises to bring to Broadway the story of this most fascinating showman," Rappaport said. "We are always pleased to partner with entities that keep the legacy alive and further the Foundation mission. We have agreements with many friends, including tribute artists and artists presenting musical reviews of Liberace's work. These shows have played throughout the world, and one is considering playing New York City. However, Ms. Sickmen's work promises to be the first full-scale Broadway production and we are very excited."