Musical Theater Maven Rene Pfister Looks to His Inspirations for Latest Show

EDGE: How did the show go over?

Rene Pfister: What was wonderful about it was I saw grandparents with their LGBTQIA+ grandchildren and their friends, and they were moved by the show and closer to understanding their grandkids. I had one dad and his gay son come up to me and say how much they appreciated seeing something like this together, because it became a bonding experience for them. In the show, I talk about my complicated childhood with fiery musician parents.

EDGE: What about the show moved these audiences?

Rene Pfister: They were specifically moved by a song called "It's A Sign" about a young boy, a shy high school boy, who makes a sign that says "I Love You" that he wrote to show an older boy who plays basketball in his school. He ends up being shamed by his schoolmates, which moved him back into the closet and he didn't come out until years later. This isn't my story, but it was a story shared with me by a young man and inspired the song because it resonated with me. In my own life, there were many times where I felt like had done something wrong for just being me, or been teased for how I felt about other young boys.

EDGE: Does this resonate with people who aren't LGBTQIA+?

Rene Pfister: We all have something to come out about. Everyone is working on something to free themselves from, and I talk about this in the show.

EDGE: Are there other cast members in this show, or will this be just you?

Rene Pfister: This is just me. In fact, one of the songs in the show is called "Just Me." It's about how my mom encouraged me to improvise and write music, and how it changed my life.

EDGE: Have you performed this show before in Boston?

Rene Pfister: This is the first time I'm doing the show at the Napoleon Room. I will be doing it the following week in New York, at Don't Tell Mama. While I was in Manila this past year, my last show, "What I Learned from All My Ex-boyfriends...if Anything" was nominated for a MAC Award!

EDGE: Congratulations again! Given how busy you are, I know you must be working on other projects, as well. What's coming up for you next?

Rene Pfister: Well, I've revamped "My Gay Country Christmas" into an audience-interactive cabaret piece with a cast, to be performed at Green Room 42 this December. We will be doing a spoof of a fictitious show called "My Big Gay Christmas." I'm also working on a show based on Peter Pan, because I'm not doing enough, John! [laughs]

EDGE: Do you have any parting remarks?

Rene Pfister: Only that it's been wonderful to find the love of my life. I have so many wonderful things in my life, and this just puts the right button on all of that.

Rene Pfister will perform "What I Learned from Years of Therapy...if Anything" Saturday, October 19, 2024, 4 pm, at Club Café, 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02116. Admission: No cover, but donations requested. For reservations, click here.