Liberace is one of the most easily forgotten Vegas performers. In his glory days of the 50s-70s he owned Vegas with his flashy clothing and cheeky humor. There was no issue with his flamboyant demeanor. No gay bashing- hell it’s as if no one noticed he was gay. The blue haired old ladies would scream in delight as he played his rhinestone encrusted piano.
Personally, I loved his attitude. What a smarmy dude waving his giant rings and such. He always had a boy toy carrying the train made of fur. He has ended up back in popularity after the HBO film ‘Behind The Candelabra’. He was the brightest and he was snuffed out the fastest. The Liberace Museum in Vegas shut down and all his dazzle was put in storage- no one was interested anymore. Unlike Rat Packers- he had no pop culture appeal.
But let’s bring him back as a ‘limited engagement’ Visitors to the six-week exhibition at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas will be able to gaze upon Liberace’s glittering piano, trademark European candelabras, and so-called Rhinestone Roadster, an old-time car decked out in faux gemstones.
Also on display are the custom-made cowboy boots, sequined jumpsuits and jewel-and-ermine capes that powered Liberace’s catchphrase, “My clothes may look funny but they’re making me the money.
The Cosmopolitan seems to attract a hipper crowd so the kitsch of this should be a draw. Hurry though, it only runs to January 2 and it has the odd hours of operation of 3-10pm.