Charles Busch made a name for himself as a playwright and a leading lady in drag with productions like the off-Broadway cult classic Vampire Lesbians of Sodom.  Busch was recently inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame for his Tony-award winning play The Allergist’s Wife. He appeared in the TV show Oz where he plays a cross-dressing homosexual. When it comes to playing male roles, Busch says he’s nothing great. It’s when he puts on gowns and wigs that he feels like a star. Sitting in his duplex apartment with his famous closet filled with sparkly gowns, we talk about his memoir Leading Lady and what it was like to be a sex worker before becoming an overnight sensation on stage. We had so much fun, so many laughs. And you will, too. “Now What?” is produced with the help of Steve Zimmer, Lucy Little and Jackie Schwartz. Audio production is by Nick Ciavatta.

Photo Credit: Nick Ciavatta

She’s a film director who made a movie called Desperately Seeking Susan. It’s a caper that revolves around mistaken identity starring Rosanna Arquette and a then unknown Madonna. Seidelman went on to direct She Devil with Meryl Streep in her first comedic role. But Hollywood is a tough place for women directors. Nora Ephron came on the scene and directed Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail in the 1990s. And 25 years later Greta Gerwig had a big hit with Barbie. Seidelman eventually started working in TV, directing the pilot episode of a series that was to become a cultural icon, Sex and the City. We talk about sexism, ageism and the challenge of staying on top of your game. “Now What?” is produced with help from Steve Zimmer, Lucy Little and Stacey Maltin. Audio production is by Nick Ciavatta.