Charles Busch: The leading lady of drag, camp and theatrical reinvention

Host Tom Alvarez sits down with acclaimed playwright, actor, novelist, and cabaret performer Charles Busch for a candid conversation about the people, experiences, and creative passions that shaped his remarkable career. Busch reflects on his early years in New York and Chicago, the profound influence of his beloved Aunt Lil, finding his artistic voice through theater pioneer Charles Ludlam, and building a groundbreaking career with works like Vampire Lesbians of Sodom and The Tale of the Allergist's Wife. Along the way, he shares behind-the-scenes stories about Bette Midler, Broadway, cabaret, and television, offers thoughtful insights into the evolution of drag and queer theater, and discusses the challenges, triumphs, and resilience that have sustained more than 50 years of storytelling. Warm, witty, and deeply personal, this episode is an inspiring look at a singular artist whose greatest ambition has always been to tell unforgettable stories.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.