By James V. Ruocco
In his candid, open-hearted review of Brooklyn-born Harvey Fierstein's new book "I Was Better Last Night: A Memoir," Los Angeles theater critic Charles McNulty digs deep into the Fierstein oeuvre to reveal a proud, gay man whose love of life, theater, glitter, eye liner and mainstream drag thrust him into the spotlight at an early age and won him worldwide acclaim, decade after decade, on Broadway, in film and on television in a variety of projects including "Torch Song Trilogy," "Safe Sex," "Hairspray," "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Hairspray Live!" "Independence Day" "Kinky Boots" and "Nurse Jackie."
He is currently writing the revised book for the upcoming Broadway revival of "Funny Girl" starring Beanie Feldstein, Ramin Kaimloo and Jane Lynch.
"Harvey Fierstein was born, not made," states McNulty." "Becoming a playwright and theatrical grandee took time. But as his scrumptious new memoir, 'I Was Better Last Night' reveals, it was only a matter of time before this chubby Brooklyn boy with an itch for drag commandeered the stage.
"The Harvey Fierstein glimpsed here is tantalizing, defiantly, irreducibly complex. It's a pity Sondheim isn't around to offer the contradictory protagonist of his memoir the musical he deserves."
Brash.
Opinionated.
Inspired.
In-Your-Face.
Truthful.
The 67-year-old Ridgefield, CT. resident (his "adopted home," we are told) simply tells it like it is.
He holds nothing back.
He's wickedly upfront.
He looks you straight in the eye.
You either like or dislike what he has to say.
Or you can simply tell him to "Fuck off."
If, you so dare.
Continuing his promotion of the just released "I Was Better Last Night: A Memoir," Fierstein has inked a LIVE special appearance at the intimate "Real Art Ways" (56 Arbor St., Hartford, CT) on Thursday, March 31 at 7 p.m. to chat with the audience, talk about his book, discuss his prominent career and participate in a lively Q&A fueled by fun, surprise and wickedly funny off-the-cuff comments - the kind that Fierstein is famous for.
For example, when asked recently about "being gay" and "coming out," Fierstein told "CBS Sunday Morning," "Once I figured it out, I had to tell everyone. And nobody was surprised," he mused.
In Hartford, Fierstein's LIVE event will be hosted by Will K. Wilkins, Director of Real Arts Ways.
Tickets are $35 for general admission and $30 for Real Arts Ways members. All ticket holders will receive a signed copy of his book "I Was Better Last Night: A Memoir."
The book, published by Penguin Random House LLC., offers readers lots of playful, mischievous and witty banner about his early years, his life in Bensonhurst, his love of cinematic goddesses, his "coming out" woes and traumas, his love of the gay scene in Greenwich Village, his dressing in drag, his Broadway apprenticeship, his rise to stardom and his bouts with alcoholism.
"At the end of my drinking, I was drinking a half a gallon of Southern Comfort a day," he told CBS Sunday Morning." "That's a lot of alcohol."
Other chapters of the book address his addictive personality, his soul-searching, his failed suicide attempt, his artistic failures, his fight for gay rights, his battles with dyslexia, his 1983 interview with Barbara Walters, his petty snubs from Stephen Sondheim and his recollections about working alongside Andy Warhol.
The accolades from peers - actors, writers, critics - in the entertainment industry are astounding.
"Harvey Fierstein turns a phrase into a novel and the personal into the universal. The day for this book has come." (Gloria Steinem)
"Harvey's book is a perfect reflection of him; full of heart, chutzpah, great stories, tons of belly laughs and wigs." (Andy Cohen)
"I am in awe of Harvey's theatrical history. From being among the vanguard of New York's Experimental Theatre, through Warhol, to Broadway musicals. Who can touch that? His memoir is extraordinary, and he is in a class by himself." (Patti LuPone)
"This is a beautiful memoir - full of humor and heart. I read it in 2 days, smiling, laughing and wiping away tears. A great read from a wonderful man." (Rosie O'Donnell)
"There are enough one-liners in 'I Was Better Last Night' for a one-man show." (Alexandra Jacobs)
"Harvey Fierstein is a true American original who has blazed his own trail through popular culture for half-a-century. His memoir is every bit as witty and brave and big-hearted as the man himself." (Armistead Maupin)
For more information about "Harvey Fierstein LIVE at Real Arts Ways," call (860) 232-1006.
To reserve tickets, visit realartways.org.
"Except the unexpected," reports Sarah Harding, a member of the LGBTQ community. "You never know what he's going to say next and that's half the fun. As for that unmistakably raspy voice, there's nothing quite like it in the world."
Note: All visitors to Real Arts Ways are required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccinations, a valid photo ID or a negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 72 hours.
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