Liberace and Liza: A Tribute, this wildly improbable and completely irresistible show that imagines just what might’ve happened if Liberace and Liza Minnelli ever shared the stage. They didn’t of course, but thanks to David Saffert and Jillian Snow, now they do! Equal parts tribute, improv, and full-on fever dream, the show blends virtuosic piano playing, powerhouse vocals, and more sequins than strictly necessary. The setlist swings from Cabaret and Gershwin to hilarious reimagining’s of Britney Spears and Lady Gaga.
The San Francisco Chronicle called it “surreal, yet oddly perfect”— a fitting description for this dazzling homage.
David Saffert: Like Liberace, is a classically trained pianist from Wisconsin. He has worked sans sequins with the Guthrie Theater, Oregon Symphony, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland Opera, Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Portland Center Stage and the Interlochen Arts Camp. He was recently featured in the book “All Classical Radio Artist Anthology: 40 Creatives of the Pacific Northwest” and was knighted by Portland’s Royal Rosarians. His debut solo piano album “Stopping Time” was a milestone and contains Liberace’s arrangement of “I Left my Heart in San Francisco.” Some of David’s favorite Liberace tribute highlights have been at 54 Below (NY), Feinstein’s at the Nikko (CA), Portland Center Stage, Schnitzer Concert Hall, and All Classical Radio (OR). He appeared as the featured guest on two Under the Vegas Sun television episodes filmed at the Liberace Mansion in Las Vegas and is currently advised by Bo Ayars; Liberace’s music director from 1973-1985.
Jillian Snow: A powerhouse vocalist, sketch comedian, and unapologetic Liza Minnelli superfan who launched her career in NYC, cracking up crowds at the Laugh Factory, Gotham Comedy Club, and Comix NYC. Village Voice’s Michael Musto said, “This could open up Minnelli to a whole new audience!”—which Jillian took as permission to NEVER stop. Now based in Portland, Jillian blends comedy and cabaret into original work. She’s performed at favorite venues like 54 Below, Feinstein’s at the Nikko, and Portland Center Stage. With collaborator David Saffert, she co-created Liberace & Liza: Holiday at the Mansion, which sold out two seasons at Portland Center Stage. Whether singing show tunes or writing sketches, Jillian brings humor, heart, and respect for every artist she portrays. It all began in the shower with shampoo bottles as her audience. She still can’t believe she gets to share this joy with real live humans.
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The Liberace and Liza: A Tribute Holiday Show has been a staple in the Northwest for over a decade. The show serves up holiday classics, show tunes, and the occasional surprise taking audiences on a journey from Gershwin to Kander & Ebb to George Michael to Frozen (because nothing says the holidays like Let it Go). This homage is beautifully spot-on. As Oregon ArtsWatch puts it: “The songs are cheerfully and expertly delivered, the impersonations are loving and lived-in, and Saffert and Snow have such a chemistry that their comic banter shines as brightly as their glittering outfits. It’s a delight.” If you’re after a show that’s part concert, part comedy, and part holiday gathering that somehow ends with everyone feeling a little happier—this is it.