Up With the Sun

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This fictional narrative explores the life of Dick Kallman, a little-known C-list celebrity whose tragic end unfolded in 1980s New York City. Once an up-and-coming actor with roles in Broadway productions and a part of Lucille Ball's Desilu workshop, Dick's career took a downturn, leading to his untimely murder. The story is narrated by Matt Liannetto, Dick's occasional pianist and longtime friend, who offers insight into both their lives. As a talented journeyman pianist, Matt finds himself on the periphery of Broadway's most significant moments while grappling with his identity as a gay man in a time of societal change. The narrative spans over thirty years, from the vibrant studio lots of the 1950s to the gritty streets of 1970s Manhattan, filled with a dynamic array of characters vying for fame. Readers will encounter icons like Sophie Tucker and engage in gossip about Rock Hudson during intermissions at Judy Garland's comeback show. Acclaimed for his ability to breathe life into historical figures, the author masterfully weaves a tale that encompasses crime, showbiz, love, and pivotal moments in the evolution of gay life in the post-war era.