Barney Frank Preps New York Stage Debut In 'Fiorello!' Musical

Barney Frank is kicking off his retirement with a bang -- and maybe some jazz hands and high notes, too.

The former congressman is gearing up for his New York stage debut -- yes, you read correctly -- as part of the forthcoming Encores! production of the musical "Fiorello!" which opens Jan. 30, the Daily News is reporting.

In a case of art not imitating life, the Democrat will reportedly portray an outspoken conservative senator in a concert version of the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning 1959 musical, which is loosely based on the life of former New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia.

According to New York City Center's website, "'Fiorello!' tells the story of "LaGuardia’s rise from an immigrant’s son to the feisty congressman who brought down the crooked Tammany Hall political machine." The musical's best-known songs include "Till Tomorrow," “When Did I Fall In Love?” and "Politics and Poker."

But don't expect Frank to set his sights on a Tony Award anytime soon. As Playbill notes, he's currently only slated to appear in the Feb. 2 performance.

As it turns out, Frank's thespian-minded turn isn't much of a surprise to his confidantes. Representative Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, told The Boston Globe that the musical is one of Frank's favorites. “He completely recited the lyrics by heart in the middle of the House,” Pingree is quoted by the Globe as saying.