By Savannah Stevenson

“I’ve always had a fascination with vampires. The blood drinking aspect doesn’t grab me, but the concept of century-spanning eternal life always has.”

Leading Lady by Charles Busch

This self-reflection from Charles Busch’s memoir, Leading Lady, surfaced in my mind as I sat across from Charles at Le Gamin in June, watching him savor a croque monsieur and the colorful memories he exchanged with Sharon Playhouse Artistic Director and long-time collaborator, Carl Andress. Listening to and observing Charles, I was intrigued by his evident fascination with eternal life: the evolution of his career, his persona, his characters, and his writing over the course of decades certainly give the impression of someone who will live eternally–or at least leave an eternal legacy.

Once again, Charles will imprint his legacy on the Sharon Playhouse during a special staged reading of his holy comedy The Divine Sister, on August 28th at 7pm. The story unfolds in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania circa 1966 and follows Mother Superior of St. Veronica's Convent as her efforts to save the struggling order are upended by mysterious visitors, forbidden romance, shocking revelations, and increasingly outrageous miracles.

Co-produced by Pete Hathaway and Dugazon (through its proprietors Bobby Graham and Matt Marden), The Divine Sister stars Charles Busch himself alongside award-winning actors Alison Fraser, Julie Halston, Jennifer Van Dyck, Jonathan Walker, and Lucy Rhoades, as they prayerfully guide us through this witty homage to Hollywood's most beloved films about nuns—from The Song of Bernadette and The Bells of St. Mary's to The Singing Nun and The Sound of Music. The Divine Sister is classic Charles Busch in any stage of his evolution: wickedly funny, outright campy, gloriously over-the-top, and overflowing with theatrical joy.

As with past Charles Busch events, anticipate a sold-out Playhouse and a candelabra-studded tailgate. But if tailgating–even fancy tailgating–is not your style, Charles and his co-stars will join a ticketed event the prior evening, August 27th, at Pete Hathaway’s beautifully renovated property on Millerton Road in Sharon. As a co-producer, Pete will generously open his home for an elegant and lively evening featuring an open bar, abundant food, and live piano music by Hank Lane. This festive and intimate gathering offers a chance to mingle with the artists behind The Divine Sister, and 100% of ticket proceeds directly benefit the Sharon Playhouse.

Earlier this summer, our co-producers from Dugazon–affectionately known as the Dugazon Boys–graciously opened their gorgeous retail space in Sharon for a book signing with Charles Busch in advance of his stage appearance this month. As Charles sat in a throne-like chair ensconced in beautifully curated home goods, signing copies of Leading Lady and regaling visitors with theatrical tales, one guest observed that there is no shortage of handsome men in Sharon, Connecticut.

As if any of us needed another reason to attend either of these spectacular events.

Tickets for The Divine Sister and Pete Hathaway’s special event are available here.