It took an army to make this endeavor feasible. The authors would like to thank Arizona State University for granting a sabbatical for this project, the United States Institute of Theatre Technology for awarding us a grant, Michael Travis, Jim Lapidus, Anna Nateece, Ray Arnett, Gordon Young, Bob Croghan, David Rodgers, Dr. Andrew Hartley, Stacey Click (our agent), Gene Ducette of the House of Embroidery, Linda Essig, David Furr, Kimb Williamson, Pauline LaChance, Darin Hollingsworth, Jerry Rutterbush, Jerry Goldberg, Robyn Gebhart, Deborah Bell, and Deborah Nadoolman Landis.
We could not have created this book without the unwavering support of the Liberace Foundation, Paco Alvarez, Melanie Coffee, Jeffrey Koep, and the wonderful volunteer staff of the Liberace Museum.
A special thanks goes out to Connie’s spouse, Michael Soloman, and to our parents, Walter and Betty Jo Furr and Harry and Opal Brooks. Without their love and encouragement, this would not have been possible.
Art director Lynne Yeamans was a powerful force in fine-tuning the look of this book. Designer Tanya Ross-Hughes worked tirelessly on it. Julia Abramoff, our editor, deserves accolades for her patience and expertise in guiding us through this process.