New York (AP) – Last year, Broadway actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein received a special Tony Award for his lifetime contributions to theatre, directed by Jack O’Brien. This year, it’s his moment to shine.
“Following in his footsteps is quite the challenge. I told him, ‘I just want to put my name down as someone eager to present you with an award,’ and I responded, ‘I really don’t want you to.’ I jokingly suggested he could write my speech,” Fierstein commented.
The four-time Tony Award recipient, known for “Torch Song Trilogy” and “Kinky Boots”, is set to accept the award this Sunday at Radio City Music Hall.
Connect via Zoom from his home in “a small imaginary town in Connecticut,” he reflected on his career and the bustling Broadway season, referencing George Clooney‘s “Good Night, and Good Luck” and Denzel Washington‘s “Othello.”
Interviews have been modified for clarity and conciseness.
AP: Do you have a speech ready for Tony night?
FIERSTEIN: I’m not entirely sure what I’ll say. I’ve been brainstorming and it’s been insightful watching others deliver lifetime achievement speeches.
AP: Did the honor provoke personal reflections?
Fierstein: I came up with a line that might find its way into my speech. I believe the humblest thing is to think my life has had significance to the community. Enjoying oneself is one thing, but being honored for lifelong achievements is an extraordinary thought.
AP: Was your path to theatre predetermined?
Fierstein: No, not at all. While there are certain theatrical personalities, I believe art has always been a calling for me. I was somewhat artistic and envisioned myself as a Disney animator. I never thought being a character creator was sufficient, but I believed I could contribute through illustration. My bachelor’s degree was in drawing; that was my initial plan.
Harvey Fierstein, the star and author of the play “Torch Song Trilogy,” accepts the Tony Award in New York on June 5th, 1983 (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
AP: You arrived on Broadway during the AIDS crisis. What was it like then?
Fierstein: I didn’t have the luxury to pause and ponder. We had a battle looming. You might recall that Ronald Reagan didn’t utter the word “AIDS” for eight years. Instead of addressing the disease directly, there were campaigns aimed at people. Some avoided gay waiters in restaurants or stopped going to Broadway shows, assuming there’d be gay patrons in the audience.
AP: Your work is rooted in compassion. Why not take a more destructive approach?
Fierstein: My writing conveys stories that resonate deeply with me. While there may exist themes of rage and bitterness—from personal experiences—the stark reality remains that, despite our failings, humanity persists beneath it all.
AP: What are your thoughts on the current Broadway season?
Fierstein: Who could have predicted a season where plays take the spotlight and musicals take a backseat? With stars like George and Denzel returning to Broadway, it’s refreshing to see them do these plays—they draw in crowds who might not typically attend musicals or plays.
AP: Once they catch a glimpse, they’ll be hooked, right?
FIERSTEIN: Exactly! If you visit the theatre, enjoy yourself, and it resonates with you, you’ll likely return. The reason why isn’t pivotal; simply show up, explore what we offer, and keep an open mind—and, of course, your wallet!
Harvey Fierstein accepts the Tony Award for Best Actor in the musical “Hairspray” during the 57th Tony Awards held in New York on June 8, 2003. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
AP: Thoughts on the playwright pipeline? Are you pleased?
Fierstein: Many are captivated by theatre, but some seek financial stability, often moving to television and film. My nephews are tied to a remarkable woman aspiring to be a writer, yet her sights are set strictly on film and television—she has no interest in playwriting. I can’t understand why; TV seems much lighter with its truncated 30-minute episodes allowing for character development without depth.
AP: Congratulations! Your love within the community makes the Lifetime Achievement Award fitting.
Fierstein: It seems they just wanted to add more dust to my collection!
___
For more details on the 2025 Tony Awards, visit https://apnews.com/hub/tony-awards.
Source: apnews.com