Angus Reid

Location: British Columbia| Profession: Political Analyst

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Angus Reid

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Angus Reid

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Liberace, born Wladziu Valentino Liberace in 1919, was likely the most popular singer-pianist of his era. His flamboyant outfits and bravura made him a sell-out, especially in Las Vegas. His songs, from Aruba Liberace to The Impossible Dream, were becoming standards in the Famous People Players’ repertoire. For Diane Dupuy, it didn’t require much thought: Liberace needed to go on stage with the Famous People Players.”

She called his agent. “Who’s calling?” ”

“Hello, my name is Diane Dupuy and I run a group called the Famous People Players. We have a show with a giant puppet of Liberace that can sing and dance and everything.” ”

“Sorry, try back later.” ”

She called again. “Who’s calling?” ”

“Diane Dupuy.” ”

“Company name?” ”

“Famous People Players.” ”

“Sorry, try back later.” She couldn’t even get past the secretary. ”

So she used her imagination. She called back pretending to be organizing a performance for the Emperor of Japan’s Canadian tour. “I would like to book the Liberace puppet for the Emperor’s visit.” ”

“Sorry, I don’t think we can help you.” ”

Then she called as Trudeau’s press secretary. “Hello, I am the personal assistant to the Prime Minister of Canada and I’m calling on behalf of Mr. Trudeau. He has just seen a show which had a giant puppet of Liberace and he wants to know if he can book it for the Emperor of Japan’s visit.” ”

The next day, she called back as herself. “Hello, this is Diane Dupuy.” ”

“Diane Dupuy of Famous People Players?” ”

“Yes.” ”

“Everyone’s been asking about you. We really need to talk.” ”

Before she knew it, she was put in contact with Liberace and on his following tour of Canada, the Famous People were able to perform behind him. This time the piano stayed on stage. At the end of the run, Liberace was so enamoured with Diane’s troupe that he asked them to perform with him in Las Vegas. ”

When she talks about him, her face glows. She is still enamoured by the man. She was especially saddened by his death in 1987, an episode she recounts in Daring to Dream. Even now, it is clear that without him, the Famous People Players would never have gotten off the ground. Diane admits it readily: every budding project – especially those as far-fetched as her own – needs a patron, someone to introduce it to the world. And the world to it. ”