A Vegas Revue with the Nassau Pops

Enjoy some Las Vegas-style entertainment this weekend, courtesy of the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra. Martin Preston as “Liberace” along with an updated version of the legendary “Rat Pack,” joins Maestro Louis Panacciulli and his Nassau Pops for a Las Vegas Revue, at the orchestra’s annual benefit for United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau, on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 3 p.m.
The JC Lynn Dancers also share the stage for this concert. The 24-girl kick line will delight the audience with a Rockette style performance.
“I’m particularly excited about this show,” said Panacciulli. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Panacciulli recalls growing up and watching Liberace on televison back in the 1950s. “Watching him play was always fascinating for me. He was always so flamboyant and entertaining.”

That’s what the audience will see when Preston brings Liberace’s style to the Tilles Center stage. “Preston does a great impersonation of Liberace,” said Panacciulli. So good, in fact, that Panaccciulli and his staff decided to build an entire show around Preston as Liberace.
The tone is set from the moment Preston emerges on the stage as Liberace. “He comes out in a fur coat, and wears a cape with lights inside of it,” said Panacciulli. “It’s really something.”And, of course, the candelabra, Liberace’s trademark, is prominently featured during the act.
Liberace appears during the second half of the show. The Nassau Pops opens the concert with its version of the “Rat Pack.” Jack Cassin, Jerry Costanzo and Mark Weeks are accompanied by the orchestra, as they each have a turn singing Sinatra’s “My Way,” Dean Martin’s “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head,” and Sammy Davis Jr.’s “Mister Bojangles.” The three vocalists close out the first segment of the show together with the Rat Pack’s signature song, “The Birth of the Blues.”
Creation, the group of talented singers who participate in UCPN’s Adult Day Treatment Program, also performs, along with UCPN’s newly created dance ensemble. “It’s very touching to see these young people with cerebral palsy dancing, “said Panacciulli. “It brings tears to your eyes.”
Then it’s time for Liberace, and the JC Lynn Dancers. In true Liberace form, his set is highlighted by four costume changes!
Over 1,800 children and adults with cerebral palsy, developmental and other disabilities attend the UCPN center in Roosevelt. Everything from rehabilitation to recreational therapy, education to employment and specialized primary medical care is available on-site at the private thirteen-acre campus.

Nassau Pops Gala Benefit for United
Cerebral Palsy of Nassau
Sunday, Oct. 24, 3 p.m. Reserved seats are $30. All proceeds are donated to UCPN. Tickets are available through TillesCharge at (516) 299-3100 or www.tillescenter.org.
Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, CW. Post Campus, Rte. 25A, Brookville.