Cyndi Lauper: She’s Still So Unusual

[William769]

Cyndi Lauper’s career has been anything but business as usual. In the three decades since her debut album, She’s So Unusual, became an instant pop culture phenomenon, the lovably odd singer has won multiple awards, starred in several movies and TV shows, released albums across multiple genres of music, and been an outspoken LGBT ally.

At the height of the AIDS crisis in the mid 1980s, Lauper became one of the earliest celebrity activists to join the fight against HIV. She also cofounded the True Colors Fund in 2008, an organization which encourages the advancement of equality for all and aims to raise awareness as well as end LGBT youth homelessness. In 2012 the gifted songstress wrote the music for the new Broadway musical Kinky Boots, which earned her a 2013 Tony Awards nomination for Best Original Score, and this summer she’s taking us back to where it all began with the She’s So Unusual 30th anniversary tour.

With her nostalgic ride kicking off June 12 in San Diego, The Advocate interviewed the iconic singer about her upcoming tour, her recent Broadway success, and the experience that changed her into an advocate in the battle to end HIV.

The Advocate: Kinky Boots has been a rousing success. How did you become involved in the Broadway adaption of the British film?
Cyndi Lauper: Harvey Fierstein called and asked me. It was that simple. It’s been a privilege to work on a Broadway musical with Broadway royalty who is also a friend.

http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/music/2013/05/14/cyndi-lauper-she%E2%80%99s-still-so-unusual

[abq e streeter]

1. I love Cindy Lauper and still listen to my vinyl copy of that brilliant album

And still kicking myself for not seeing her when she came to Albuquerque (abq) around that time.

[William769]

2. She is one heck of a lady.

I have loved her from the beginning. And thats coming from a country boy! Actually I am very diverse when it comes to music.

[MNBrewer]

3. She was the opening act when I went to see Cher.

How gay is that???

[LeftofObama]

4. Damn!

Now that's a show!

[MNBrewer]

5. Yeah, by the time she was done with hers I was already satisfied for the cost of admission.

She did a small, rather intimate show, with only a few backup musicians. Her rendition of "True Colors" brought down the house and brought most of us to tears. She's lovely.

[Warpy]

6. "Kinky Boots" as a musical? Perfect!

I just hope they keep "Cha-Cha Heels" as the final runway music, it was perfect in the movie.

[closeupready]

7. I loved the film - would love to see her in this -

where is it playing?