Harvey Fierstein, author of the new musical Kinky Boots, sat for a chat with Tribune theater critic Chris Jones at the Music Box Theatre on Southport Oct. 16 to discuss his life and past work.
Jones joked that he would try to make this evening as entertaining as the presidential debate. Then Fierstein quickly quipped, “I will try to lie twice as much!”
He went on to discuss gay rights and the presidency. Although Fierstein was mad at Obama at first, he said the president has evolved and did well with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and same-sex marriage.
Fierstein described the history of his gravelly voice and wearing dresses for the fans, who were then allowed to asked questions themselves. One audience member confessed how he came out of the closet and avoided suicide after watching Torch Song Trilogy.
Check out Fierstein’s writing skills at Kinky Boots, which is currently kicking up its heels at the Bank of America Theatre now through Sunday, Nov. 4. Text and photos by Jerry Nunn