Harvey Fierstein, on the verge of receiving a Tony Award, reminisces about his professional journey.
Harvey Fierstein's Lifetime Achievement in Theatre: A Career to Remember
Broadway veteran, Harvey Fierstein, is set to receive the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Tony Award this year, following his handing the honour to Jack O'Brien last year. In a candid chat with the Associated Press, Fierstein shared his thoughts on the accolade, his career, and the current Broadway season.
"Giving Jack the award last year was a tough act to follow," Fierstein said, "I even suggested he write my acceptance speech. He didn't, but he's got some killer one-liners."
Fierstein, a four-time Tony winner behind the smash hits "Torch Song Trilogy" and "Kinky Boots," will receive the award at Radio City Music Hall. With a small-town Connecticut home as his virtual backdrop, Fierstein opened up about his long and eventful career.
Tony Night Speech: The Big Question
Has the lifetime achievement award triggered any personal thoughts? "Curiously, I penned a line that might find its way into my speech: 'realizing my life had a meaning to the community.' It's humbling to think that my work has meant something to the theater community."
The Inevitability of Art
Reflecting on his journey, Fierstein clarified, "Broadway was never my ultimate destination. Art was always the key. I did consider becoming a Disney animator, but I didn't think I was good enough."
Fierstein holds a BA in painting from Pratt. "I thought I'd paint. Little did I know, I'd eventually find my paintbrush in playwriting."
AIDS and the Arts: A Battle on Two Fronts
Recalling the challenging times, Fierstein spoke about the impact of AIDS on Broadway, "There was no time to think about it. We had to fight back immediately."
He highlighted the apathy of then-President Ronald Reagan, saying, "He never uttered the word AIDS during his term. The disease was only attacked, not addressed."
Empathy Over Anger
When asked about the inflammatory rhetoric that dominated during the AIDS crisis, Fierstein remarked, "My writing is about telling stories that matter to me. There's anger and hatred, certainly, but there's also a sense of empathy. Even in our darkest moments, there's a glimmer of humanity."
Broadway's Current Season: The Big Players
Fierstein lauded the stars of this year's Broadway season, "Who would have thought we'd have a season where plays are the big thing and musicals take a backseat? "Good Night, and Good Luck" and "Othello," with George Clooney and Denzel Washington respectively, have brought in a new audience."
Broadening the Horizons
"If you get people into the theater once, they'll come back for more. They might not be passionate about plays or musicals initially, but they'll develop a love for the art," he concluded, emphasizing the importance of introducing newcomers to the world of theatre.
The Future of Playwriting
Fierstein expressed concern about the dwindling number of playwrights. "It seems easier to write for TV or movies these days. The craft of writing plays seems to have taken a backseat."
Undeterred by these challenges, Fierstein remains an essential figure in the theatre community, continuing to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
For more coverage on the 2025 Tony Awards, visit https://apnews.com/hub/tony-awards.
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"Reflecting on his career, Harvey Fierstein, the renowned playwright, mentioned his initial aspiration to become a Disney animator but ultimately found his artistic accomplishments in playwriting."
"Moreover, in his upcoming speech at the Tony Awards in New York City's Radio City Music Hall, Fierstein plans to express his gratitude for the impact he has made in the theater community, particularly in Seattle where his work has resonated with audiences."
