Liberace Refuses To Perform

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28528, 6 March 1958, Page 11

Liberace Refuses To Perform

(Rec. 11 p.m.) SYDNEY, March 5.

Police moved in to control a booing matinee audience here today when the American pianistshowman, Liberace, refused to perform.

Clad in gleaming white coat and black trousers, Liberace had walked on stage to a fanfare and introduction and then announced that he would not play. Liberace read from a prepared statement complaining about a Sydney Court injunction against him playing music from the musical “My Fair Lady,” the music for which has not been released in Australia. Breaches of the injunction could bring a six months’ gaol sentence. Liberace said he was being prevented from playing music which was written by two fellow countrymen, Lerner and Lowe, and the numbers were among the most popular in the United States.

“Since I am an American in Australia I am expected to perform music of my country, for which I am noted, but now I have to obey the laws of your country,” he said. “If necessary I will call upon the government of the United States to assist me in my defence. “Until I am once again permitted to perform any and all music of my country without further restrictions, I am compelled by my American convictions and beliefs to refuse to give any further performances in your country. I am truly sorry.” Liberace said. Liberace featured some of the music from “My Fair Lady” in his earlier Sydney show and also in Melbourne. He said he regarded it as an integral part of his show, and he did not intend to continue his performance if he could not use

the “My Fair Lady” selection. He, classed the action taken against his performance—by the music publishers, Chappell and Company—as “communistic.” Grey - headed grandmothers joined in a loud demonstration, booing Liberace, who refused to return to the stage. The show was cancelled, and the audience of more than 1000 people, mostly middle-aged and elderly women, was told all money would be refunded.

After they had clapped for about half an hour, still hoping the show would continue, the musical director, Denis Collinson, of Sydney, appeared on the stage and announced that Liberace “felt very strongly about the matter.” and did not intend to play. Nearly an hour after Liberace’s dramatic announcement many of the audience milled around the Trocadero entrance.

One irate old gentleman violently whacked with his umbrella a cardboard replica of Liberace in the theatre entrance.