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

Playwright
Playwright
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Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Playwright
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Bookwriter
Bookwriter

Charles Busch Movies

Gandahar
[ 1987 ] Gemnen
Addams Family Values
[ 1993 ] Countess Cousin Aphia du Berry
It Could Happen to You
[ 1994 ] Timothy
Trouble on the Corner
[ 1997 ] Ms. Ellen
Psycho Beach Party
[ 2000 ] Captain Monica Stark
Die, Mommie, Die!
[ 2003 ] Angela Arden, Barbara Arden
A Very Serious Person
[ 2006 ] Jan
The Sixth Reel
[ 2021 ] 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


winner
- 2011 - Legend of Off Broadway Award

Charles Busch

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Charles Busch, The Divine Sister


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Special Awards

Charles Busch

The Lortels - 2003 - Outstanding Lead Actor

Charles Busch, Shanghai Moon

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Play

Charles Busch, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding New Play

Charles Busch, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - John Gassner Playwriting Award

Charles Busch, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife

Charles Busch Videos

Charles Busch News


PULP Premieres In South Florida At Island City Stage This Spring

Experience a nostalgic trip to vintage Hollywood in the premiere of PULP at Island City Stage, South Florida from April 11 to May 5.

Photos: Inside Opening Night of IBSEN'S GHOST at 59E59's Theater A

Ibsen's Ghost is now playing at 59E59’s Theater A. The production officially opened last night, March 14 for a limited run through April 14. Check out opening night photos here!

Broadway Podcast Network Debuts THE DRAMA BOOK SHOW! Podcast

Broadway Podcast Network introduces a new podcast, THE DRAMA BOOK SHOW! Tune in for engaging discussions on drama literature and insightful interviews with industry professionals.

Maggie Siff, Julie Halston & More to Star in BREAKING THE STORY at Second Stage

Second Stage Theater has revealed the complete cast for the world premiere production of a new play by Alexis Scheer, BREAKING THE STORY. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Photos: Get a First Look at Charles Busch's IBSEN'S GHOST Off-Broadway

Get a first look at photos of Ibsen's Ghost Off-Broadway. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

MESSY WHITE GAYS Will Hold Four Public Readings In April

The Fabulous Invalid has announced that Messy White Gays, a new play written by Drew Droege, will have a four performance public reading at the SoHo Playhouse.

Primary Stages Announces 2024 Fresh Ink Reading Series And Playwriting Cohort

Explore the 2024 Fresh Ink Reading Series and Playwriting Cohort announced by Primary Stages. Discover new talents and upcoming plays in the world of Broadway.

Kelli O'Hara, Brian D'Arcy James, & Adam Guettel Join 'THEATER: All The Moving Parts'

In this new episode of “THEATER: All the Moving Parts”, Stars Kelli O'Hara and Brian d'Arcy James, and composer/lyricist Adam Guettel discuss the bold and provocative new musical “Days of Wine and Roses” about love and alcoholism, based on the 1962 Blake Edwards film classic. 

Cast Set for Charles Busch's IBSEN'S GHOST: AN IRRESPONSIBLE BIOGRAPHICAL FANTASY Off-Broadway

Ibsen's Ghost: An Irresponsible Biographical Fantasy, a new play written by and starring Charles Busch, will open at 59E59 Theaters. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

A FROGGY BECOMES Comes to Atwater Village Theatre Next Month

Open Fist Theatre Company will present the world premiere of A Froggy Becomes, written by Becky Wahlstrom and directed by Pat Towne, opening March 9 and running through April 13 at Atwater Village Theatre.

L.A. Theatre Works to Tour Re-Imagined Production of Herbert Sigüenza's A WEEKEND WITH PABLO PICASSO

L.A. Theatre Works will tour a newly re-imagined production of A Weekend with Pablo Picasso, written and performed by Herbert Sigüenza. See if A Weekend with Pablo Picasso is coming to your city, and learn how to purchase tickets.

Manhattan Theatre Club Announces Lineup For 2024 Ted Snowdon Reading Series

Manhattan Theatre Club has announced the lineup for the 2024 Ted Snowdon Reading Series.

Erin Daley Appointed Artistic Director of Primary Stages

The Primary Stages Board has appointed Erin Daley as Artistic Director of Primary Stages, following a thorough process begun last year.

Review: IBSEN'S GHOST at George Street Playhouse-A Hilarious Must-See

Are you ready for some good laughs and great entertainment?  That’s just what you’ll find at George Street Playhouse (GSP) with their current production of Ibsen’s Ghost. 

Photos: Island City Stage Presents WHICH WAY TO THE STAGE

The biggest performances are the ones we put on for each other. Just ask Broadway superfans Jeff and Judy, the stars of Island City Stage’s Which Way to the Stage. See photos from the production below.

Interview: Kim David Smith Dishes on Upcoming Solo Show MORE MOSTLY MARLENE at Joe's Pub

Kim David Smith talks about the inspiration behind his new solo show MORE MOSTLY MARLENE, which will play February 6th at Joe's Pub, a light-hearted and joke-filled tribute to Marlene Dietrich, Sally Bowles from Cabaret, Kylie Minogue and more.

Critically-Acclaimed Performer Kim David Smith Presents MORE MOSTLY MARLENE at Joe's Pub at the Public Theater

Kim David Smith invites Broadway World and its readers to his upcoming presentation of 'More Mostly Marlene' at Joe's Pub on February 6th. The show features an expanded program of Marlene Dietrich, Liza Minnelli, and Kylie Minogue songs, accompanied by a talented band. Don't miss this critically-acclaimed performer's captivating performance.

Theatre for the New City's LOVE 'N COURAGE Gala in February Will Benefit Emerging Playwrights Program

Theater for the New City's Love 'N Courage Gala on Feb. 12 will support its Emerging Playwrights program. The event will honor playwright Penny Arcade and feature performances at The Players.

Ivoryton Playhouse Unveils 2024 Season Featuring Six-Show Lineup

Ivoryton Playhouse announces its 2024 season with a diverse and enchanting array of performances for all ages and tastes.

THE MIRACLE Comes to Theater for the New City in February

 Theater for the New City presents the ultimate Off Off Broadway immersive experience, THE MIRACLE by Alberto Ferreras. The event will serve as a benefit for TNC’s Arts in Education Program.

Charles Busch FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Charles Busch written?

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).

What awards has Charles Busch been nominated for?

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

What awards has Charles Busch won?

Charles Busch has won the Legend of Off Broadway Award, Special Awards from the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding New Play 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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