Charles Busch

Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA

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Charles Busch BIO

Charles Busch is the author and star of such plays as Psycho Beach Party, Times Square Angel, The Lady in Question, Red Scare on Sunset, You Should Be So Lucky, Queen Amarantha and Shanghai Moon. His play Vampire Lesbians of Sodom ran five years in New York and is one of the longest running plays in Off-Broadway history. In 1988, he wrote a new libretto for the 1955 musical "Ankles Aweigh" for Goodspeed Opera and has also adapted the book of the Truman Capote/Harold Arlen musical "House of Flowers" for a tour with Patti Labelle. On film, he's appeared in "Addams Family Values", "It Could Happen To You" and "Trouble on The Corner." He wrote the screenplay and starred in the film version of his play "Psycho Beach Party", which is available on video and DVD. In June of 1994, Mr. Busch starred in "Charles Busch's `Dressing Up', a one night sold out extravaganza at Town Hall featuring guest stars Milton Berle, Beatrice Arthur and the late Charles Pierce. In 1995, he co-authored and appeared in a critically acclaimed run in the Off-Broadway musical "Swingtime Canteen." 1997 saw him performing his one man show "Flipping My Wig" at the WPA Theatre and writing the book for the musical "The Green Heart" which was produced by Manhattan Theatre Club at the Variety Arts Theatre. During this time, Mr. Busch starred as the fabulous Mame Dennis in a memorable staged reading of "Auntie Mame" at the American Place Theatre along with Marcia Lewis, Kelly Bishop, Maxwell Caulfield, Juliet Mills, Barbara Feldon, John Davidson and the late Peggy Cass recreating her original role of Agnes Gooch. In the summer of 2004 he once again played Mame in a full production at Maine's Ogunquit Playhouse and at the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, New York. In 2000, Manhattan Theatre Club produced his play "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife" starring Linda Lavin, Tony Roberts and Michele Lee. It was nominated for a Drama Desk for best play and won Mr. Busch the Outer Critic's Circle John Gassner Award for Playwriting. It reopened on Broadway in November, 2001, was nominated for a Tony Award as Best Play and ran 777 performances. He starred in the film version of his play "Die Mommie Die" for which he won a 2003 Sundance Film Festival award for best performance. In the winter of 2003, Charles starred in a new production of his play "Shanghai Moon" for which he was nominated for a Lucille Lortel award and a Drama League Award. He was also given a special award for career achievement at the 2003 Drama Desk Awards. For two seasons he appeared as Nat Ginzburg in the HBO series "Oz". In 2004, Charles wrote the book to the Broadway musical Taboo. His first novel "Whores of Lost Atlantis" was published in hardcover by Hyperion Press and released as a Penguin paperback and republished in May 2005 by Caroll & Graf. In April, 2005 Charles reunited with his long-time stage partner, Julie Halston, for a Gala Benefit for the Actor's Fund of America at Broadway's Music Box theatre, entitled Charles Busch and Julie Halston, Together on Broadway. The evening featured the 20th Anniversary performance of Vampire Lesbians of Sodom. Mr. Busch made his directorial debut with the film A Very Serious Person, which premiered at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival, where it won an honorable mention. He directed L.A. Theaterworks' radio production of The Tale of the Allergists' Wife starring JoBeth Williams, Richard Kind and Amy Aquino. He appeared as a guest artist in the off-Broadway play Spalding Gray Stories Left to Tell. His play Our Leading Lady was presented by Manhattan Theatre Club in 2007 and starred Kate Mulgrew as the 19th century actress Laura Keene. He performed in a revival of his 1989 play The Lady in Question with Julie Halston at The Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor New York in August 2007. The New York stage premiere of Die Mommie Die opened at The New World Stages for a limited engagement in 2007-2008 with Charles reprising his role of Angela Arden. His latest play The Third Story will have its premiere at the LaJolla Playhouse during its 2008-2009 season. He is also the subject of the documentary film The Lady in Question is Charles Busch. Mr. Busch graduated from Northwestern University and is a member of the Dramatist's Guild.

Charles Busch Photos

Charles Busch STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Primary Stages Off-Broadway Production, 2020
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Theater for the New City World Premiere, 2018
Lily Dare

[Off-Broadway]
Theatre for the New City Original Off-Broadway Production, 2016
Cleopatra

[Off-Broadway]
Primary Stages Production, 2014
Jimmy

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2010
Mother Superior

[Off-Broadway]
MCC Theater Production, 2009
Queenie Bartlett / Baba Yaga

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2007
Angela Arden

[Off-Broadway]
2007
Angela Arden

[Off-Broadway]
2007
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2006
Father [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Lady Sylvia Allington

[Off-Broadway]
1997
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1996
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1994
Christopher

[Off-Broadway]
1993
Solange

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Mary Dale

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Mary Dale

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Gertrude Garnet

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Gertrude Garnet

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Chicklet

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Irish O'Flanagan

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Fauna Alexander

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Virgin Sacrifice/Madeleine Asarte

Charles Busch Productions

 
[Broadway, 2003]
Book Revisions
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1988]
Book Revisions

Writing

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Bookwriter
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Bookwriter

Charles Busch Movies

[1987]Gandahar Gemnen

[1993]Addams Family Values Countess Cousin Aphia du Berry

[1994]It Could Happen to You Timothy

[1997]Trouble on the Corner Ms. Ellen

[2000]Psycho Beach Party Captain Monica Stark

[2003]Die, Mommie, Die! Angela Arden, Barbara Arden

[2006]A Very Serious Person Jan

[2021]The Sixth Reel Jimmy


Charles Busch TV Shows

Oz Nat Ginzburg

Charles Busch Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Charles Busch, The Confession of Lily Dare

The Lortels - 2003 - Outstanding Lead Actor

Charles Busch, Shanghai Moon

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Play

Charles Busch, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife

Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding New Play

Charles Busch, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - John Gassner Playwriting Award

Charles Busch, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife

Charles Busch Videos

Charles Busch News


Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards; Leads Favorite Local Theatre!

Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Photos: MAKE ME GORGEOUS! Celebrates 97th Birthday of Kenneth/Kate Marlowe

MAKE ME GORGEOUS! celebrated what would have been the 97th birthday of Kenneth / Kate Marlowe (depicted on stage by Wade McCollum in MAKE ME GORGEOUS! by Donnie). Charles Busch, Lee Roy Reams, Riki Kane Larimer  and David Rothenberg were all in attendance for the celebration of the LGBTQ+ trailblazer. Check out photos here!

Charles Busch and Theresa Rebeck to Appear On THEATER: ALL THE MOVING PARTS, November 24

In this new episode of “THEATER: All the Moving Parts”, host Patrick Pacheco talks with two of the theater's most prolific and engaging writers. First, playwright Charles Busch takes us on a roller-coaster ride through his life and career, as recounted in his new memoir: “Leading Lady”. 

Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards; Leads Favorite Local Theatre!

The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 20th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Photos: The York Theatre Company Gala Honors Patti LuPone and Jamie DeRoy

All new photos have been released from Monday evening’s YORK THEATRE COMPANY Gala. Patti LuPone received the 31st Oscar Hammerstein Award For Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theater and Jamie DeRoy was honored with The York Theatre Founders’ Award.

Post-Apocalyptic Drama ENOUGH VO5 FOR THE UNIVERSE Returns To Theater For The New City

Post-Apocalyptic Drama 'ENOUGH VO5 FOR THE UNIVERSE' Returns to Theater for the New City with Aixa Kendrick (The Walking Dead: Dead City) and a Special appearance by Malik Yoba (New York Undercover, NAACP Image Awards Winner).

Review: Melissa Errico dazzles in BROADWAY BABY - FROM MANHASSET TO MANHATTAN & BEYOND at 54 Below

As soon as Melissa Errico entered Broadway’s supper club, 54 Below, with her megawatt smile, dressed head to toe in sequins and a giant bow, this reviewer knew it was going to be a great night!

Photos: Inside the Gingold Theatrical Group 2023 Golden Shamrock Gala

Gingold Theatrical Group's 2023 Golden Shamrock Gala was held on Sunday October 29 at 6pm at Robert Restaurant. The evening honored humanitarian activists Dr. Wilma Bulkin Siegel, M.D.; Dr. Brian R. Saltzman, M.D.; and Ethan E. Litwin, all tireless supporters of human rights and the arts in New York, with the Golden Shamrock Award.

The Green Room 42 to Present BLACK FRIDAY WITH FLOTILLA DeBARGE

THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present a special holiday evening with NYC drag royalty, “Black Friday with Flotilla DeBarge,” on Friday, November 24 at 7:00 PM.

Actors Theatre Of Indiana Unveils Entertainment Line-up For GREATEST HITS VOLUME 2

Actors Theatre of Indiana presents ATI's Greatest Hits Volume 2, featuring powerful performances and fan favorites from past shows like NUNSENSE, WORKING, CABARET, SWEENEY TODD, GODSPELL, FOREVER PLAID, and MY FAIR LADY.

THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE Comes to the Skokie Theatre This Month

MadKap Productions will present THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST’S WIFE for 13 live performances at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie. Learn more about the production here!

Liz Callaway, Alex Edelman, Trevor Noah & More Nominated for 2023 United Solo Special Award

Discover the nominees for the 2023 United Solo Special Award, which will be presented at the festival's closing gala on November 19. Find out who made the list and get ready to celebrate outstanding solo performances.

Cast & Creative Team Set for THE JERUSALEM SYNDROME World Premiere at The York Theatre Company

Discover the cast and creative team behind the highly anticipated world premiere of THE JERUSALEM SYNDROME. Get a sneak peek into the talented individuals bringing this exciting new play to life and find out what to expect from this captivating production.

Theresa Rebeck's DIG Extended For Two Weeks at Primary Stages

Dig, a new play written and directed by Pulitzer Prize finalist Theresa Rebeck (Bernhardt/Hamlet, Downstairs at Primary Stages), has been extended for two weeks. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Gingold Theatrical Group to Host 2023 Golden Shamrock Gala Honoring Dr. Wilma Bulkin Siegel, Dr. Brian R. Saltzman, and Ethan E. Litwin

Get all the details about the upcoming Gingold Theatrical Group 2023 Golden Shamrock Gala, where Dr. Wilma Bulkin Siegel, Dr. Brian R. Saltzman, and Ethan E. Litwin will be honored. Mark your calendars for October 29, 2023, and join us at Robert Restaurant for an unforgettable evening of celebration.

Photos: A Is For's Broadway Acts for Abortion Concert Raises $120K

Broadway Acts for Abortion just took place, bringing together the best of Broadway, karaoke, live auctions, surprise guests, all while raising $120k- critical funds and awareness about reproductive justice. Check out photos from inside the big night!

Andy Karl, Orfeh, Javier Muñoz & More to Join Primary Stages 39th Anniversary Gala

Get all the details about the upcoming Primary Stages 39th Anniversary Gala, where Kate Hamill and Beth Blickers will be honored. Find out when and where this star-studded event will take place. Plus, catch performances by Judy Gold, Andy Karl, and Orfeh.

ALADDIN, HAMILTON, HADESTOWN & More Join Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction

The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction will return to the heart of New York City’s Theater District on Sunday, October 1, 2023, and has added more tables from beloved Broadway shows and extraordinary auction lots.

Photos: Charles Busch Celebrates New Memoir With a Release Party

Theatre icon Charles Busch has released his new memoir! 'Leading Lady: A Memoir of a Most Unusual Boy' was released on August 29, 2023. To celebrate the release, Busch held a party at Michael’s New York. Check out photos here!

Nick Cearley, Max Von Essen & More to Star in GOLDEN RAINBOW at The York Theatre Company

The York Theatre Company has revealed the cast and creative team for its production of Golden Rainbow, with book by Ernest Kinoy and music and lyrics by Walter Marks, the third offering of the Fall 2023 “Musicals in Mufti” series. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!

Charles Busch FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Charles Busch has written 24 shows including Sleeping Beauty or Coma (Playwright), Vampire Lesbians of Sodom (Playwright), Times Square Angel (Playwright), Psycho Beach Party (Playwright), The Lady in Question (Playwright), Red Scare on Sunset (Playwright), You Should Be So Lucky (Playwright), Swingtime Canteen (Bookwriter), Flipping My Wig (Playwright), The Green Heart (Bookwriter), Queen Amarantha (Playwright), The Tale of the Allergist's Wife (Playwright), The Tale Of The Allergist's Wife (Playwright), Taboo (Bookwriter), Shanghai Moon (Playwright), Our Leading Lady (Playwright), Die Mommie Die! (Playwright), Die Mommie Die! (Playwright), The Third Story (Playwright), The Divine Sister (Playwright), Olive and the Bitter Herbs (Playwright), Bunnicula (Bookwriter), The Tribute Artist (Playwright), The Confession of Lily Dare (Playwright).

Charles Busch has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Outstanding Actor in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Confession of Lily Dare" and "The Divine Sister." He has also received the Legend of Off Broadway Award and Special Awards at the Drama Desk Awards. Additionally, Busch was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor at The Lortels for "Shanghai Moon" and received a nomination for Best Play at the Tony Awards for "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife." He was also nominated for Outstanding New Play at the Drama Desk Awards and received the John Gassner Playwriting Award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, both for "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife."

Charles Busch has won several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable wins include the Legend of Off Broadway Award, Special Awards from the Drama Desk Awards, the Outstanding New Play award from the Drama Desk Awards for "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife," and the John Gassner Playwriting Award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife."

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