Playing piano in character as the titular figure in "Liberace!," Brett Ryback frequently turns his head toward the audience with a smile and with eyes that communicate multiple messages: This is fun.

One hundred years ago, Milwaukee's most famous favorite son was born. No, not him. Not him either. We're talking about Liberace. Born Wladziu Valentino Liberace in West Allis on May 16, 1919, the ...