The Lady in Question is Charles Busch (2005)

77% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
86% of users liked it
(165 ratings)

When East Village theater Renaissance man Charles Busch's sexually salacious Vampire Lesbians of Sodom first premiered on the New York stage in 1984, few would have suspected that the cross-dressing slice of kitsch theater would eventually be honored as one of the longest-running shows in… More When East Village theater Renaissance man Charles Busch's sexually salacious Vampire Lesbians of Sodom first premiered on the New York stage in 1984, few would have suspected that the cross-dressing slice of kitsch theater would eventually be honored as one of the longest-running shows in off-Broadway history. A runaway hit with the underground art community that quickly found its way to the mainstream, Vampire Lesbians of Sodom defied convention to become one of the hottest tickets in town, and eventually served to launch the career of a man known best for being a woman. Devastated by the death of his mother at a young age, Charles Busch escaped into the world of classic film before being spirited away from the suburbs by his caring aunt and encouraged to explore his creativity in Manhattan. Though originally rejected by a variety of directors who dismissed him as either "too odd," or "too gay," Busch eventually decided to take control of his destiny by writing his own plays and became one of the most celebrated figures in New York theater. From Busch's early success with the Theater-in-Limbo to his later success in film with Psycho Beach Party and Die Mommie Die, the remarkable story of the self-made theater phenomenon is explored in this documentary from filmmakers John Catania and Charles D. Ignacio. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Charles D. Ignacio, John Catania
Genres: Documentary, Television, Musical & Performing Arts

In Theaters: Sep 1, 2006 Wide
On DVD: Sep 26, 2006
Studio: Two Lions Productions

Critic Reviews

Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
The Lady in Question Is Charles Busch should prove quite enticing for the legions of fans who have followed him throughout his career.
Joe Brown, San Francisco Chronicle
Affectionately observed, nimbly edited (and perhaps a mite overly reverent) documentary.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
An affectionate tribute to the drag artist who has been a Manhattan institution for more than 20 years.
John Anderson, Variety
Busch's own personality, and the way the directors use the director/playwright's own dialogue and delivery to illustrate aspects of his life, give this documentary a resonance and playfulness missing in all too many bio pics.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
Invaluable as theater history.
Jami Bernard, New York Daily News
Performer, performance artist, playwright and all-around charmer, Busch is someone it's hard to get enough of.
David Noh, Film Journal International
An absolute orgy of Busch memorabilia, which will satisfy devotees and pique the interest of the uninitiated.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
Theater buffs will love the exploration of what fires one of the most creative minds at work in theater today...
Don Willmott, Filmcritic.com
he's as entertaining out of drag as in it
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times
might be best enjoyed on TV at home.
James C. Taylor, L.A. Weekly
The Lady in Question Is Charles Busch rarely stops genuflecting long enough to let its hair down.
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Catania and Ignacio's film works best on the level of straightforward biography told through the reminiscences of friends, family, members of Busch's Lost-in-Limbo theatrical troupe and, best of all, Busch himself.