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On Tidy Endings
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About the author
Harvey Fierstein
23 books159 followersHarvey Fierstein is an acclaimed American actor, playwright, and screenwriter known for his unmistakable gravelly voice and groundbreaking work in theatre, film, and television. He first rose to prominence with Torch Song Trilogy, which he wrote and starred in, earning Tony Awards for both Best Play and Best Actor in a Play. Fierstein followed with another major success, writing the Tony-winning book for the musical La Cage aux Folles, and later won Best Actor in a Musical for playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, a role he reprised for Hairspray Live!.
In addition to his acting accolades, Fierstein wrote the books for Broadway musicals such as Kinky Boots, Newsies, and A Catered Affair, continuing to shape musical theatre with stories that center empathy and inclusion. He has been widely recognized for bringing LGBTQ+ narratives to mainstream audiences and was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2007.
Fierstein’s screen work includes memorable roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, and voicing Yao in Disney’s Mulan. A versatile performer and vocal activist, he has authored op-eds and scripts that champion visibility and equality. His 2022 memoir, I Was Better Last Night, became a New York Times Bestseller and offered personal reflections on his identity, career, and survival.
Openly gay since early in his career, Fierstein has long been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ representation on stage and screen. Though he resists labeling his gender identity, he embraces his unique experience, saying, “I’m comfortable being me.” His influence remains vital to American culture and theatre.
In addition to his acting accolades, Fierstein wrote the books for Broadway musicals such as Kinky Boots, Newsies, and A Catered Affair, continuing to shape musical theatre with stories that center empathy and inclusion. He has been widely recognized for bringing LGBTQ+ narratives to mainstream audiences and was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2007.
Fierstein’s screen work includes memorable roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, and voicing Yao in Disney’s Mulan. A versatile performer and vocal activist, he has authored op-eds and scripts that champion visibility and equality. His 2022 memoir, I Was Better Last Night, became a New York Times Bestseller and offered personal reflections on his identity, career, and survival.
Openly gay since early in his career, Fierstein has long been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ representation on stage and screen. Though he resists labeling his gender identity, he embraces his unique experience, saying, “I’m comfortable being me.” His influence remains vital to American culture and theatre.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 13, 2020
A short yet powerful exploration of grief during the AIDS crisis - the ex-wife and the male lover coming to terms with the death of the man they both love. The play makes great use of tension and subtle emotional shifts.
November 23, 2018
This was my introduction to Fierstein. It made me remember my childhood when AIDS was still a scare. This play is superbly written and kept me turning pages.
June 10, 2015
The setting is a New York apartment and is simply, showing evidence of a move or a clearing out. The title of the play is significant in that endings are never tidy, even after a long illness, the things that need to be said often get messed up, and opportunities are missed. There is however the hope that those left behind after Collin's death will now be able to take steps in the right direction, in a conjoined effort.
The themes of the play pertain to understanding alternative sexualities and gay lifestyle awareness, the impact of AIDS or other longterm illnesses, relationships that are other than expected, relationships relationships relationship – they're always hard.
The genre of this play is not altogether tragic: though it deals directly with death, it is entirely the aftermath and the reconnection between the characters remaining that are the focus of the play. Life goes on, so to say.
The themes of the play pertain to understanding alternative sexualities and gay lifestyle awareness, the impact of AIDS or other longterm illnesses, relationships that are other than expected, relationships relationships relationship – they're always hard.
The genre of this play is not altogether tragic: though it deals directly with death, it is entirely the aftermath and the reconnection between the characters remaining that are the focus of the play. Life goes on, so to say.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews